The World Cup and the transfer market have always been inseparably linked, opening up a thousand possibilities both in Italy and around the world. A single match, a single performance, a single moment can change the course of a negotiation or spark an entirely new idea.
Surprises, new targets, and fresh options emerge from the world’s most-watched competition, and the 2026 World Cup is no exception.
Bouaddi: Morocco’s 18-year-old gem turning heads
Take 18-year-old Moroccan jewel Ayyoub Bouaddi: he could have played for France, but chose to play for Morocco at the last minute, and now the market is heating up after a fantastic debut against a Brazil side featuring legends like Casemiro, Fabinho and co.
Bouaddi performed like a seasoned veteran despite being just a teenager. Lille tied him down until June 2029 a few months ago in a smart move… but one that won’t stop the top clubs from circling.
Paris Saint-Germain have had him on their list for months, though midfield isn’t their priority this summer. Arsenal and Liverpool, meanwhile, have already met with his agents multiple times since January.
Expect twists and late entries because this kid is the real deal.
Juventus had shown interest as far back as April 2025, but the financials simply weren’t there to make it work.
Bayern Munich’s €110M double swoop
Speaking of finances… That’s not a problem for Bayern Munich:
Brace yourself for a double investment totalling €110 million. €55 million for Moroccan star Ismael Saibari and €55 million for German prospect Nathaniel Brown. Different positions, same impact.
Saibari scored on his debut against Brazil and Bayern have already sealed the deal with PSV for €55 million and will put him through his medical in the US. The agreement was locked in to ward off any rival interest.
No unwanted suitors are expected for Brown either: Kompany has already spoken with the player, and Bayern are ready to close on the left-back who marked his Germany debut against Curaçao with a goal and an assist. Not bad at all and the Allianz Arena is waiting for him, very soon.
Real Madrid’s relentless business
Real Madrid are closing deals almost daily: yesterday came Toni Rüdiger’s contract extension, today Bernardo Silva signed until 2028, and Cucurella is already a Blanco for €60 million. And it certainly doesn’t stop there.
Mourinho would have also liked Croatian star Joško Gvardiol, but Manchester City have wrapped up a contract renewal through June 2031: all done, no Real Madrid move for Joško.
Speaking of Manchester City… They’re also keeping their hopes alive on the signing front, pursuing Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The deal remains alive after an initial offer of £121 million was rejected by chairman Marinakis, but City are pressing on and looking to work around the structure with more achievable bonuses.
Italian clubs: No World Cup, but plenty of activity
No World Cup for the Italians, unfortunately, but business goes on. AC Milan have confirmed their new manager: Ruben Amorim has been officially appointed to replace Massimiliano Allegri, following a week-long head-to-head with Matthias Jaissle before a deal was finalised.
Sandro Tonali isn’t at the World Cup either, but he remains one of the most talked-about names in the market and is likely to be a central figure in it:
Newcastle are well aware of his desire to leave, and Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham are pushing hard. The player is open to the move, even without European football on offer. An Italian connection, as it were, a major signing that could well materialise. A proper “Italian job” in the Spurs midfield, with De Zerbi working his influence behind the scenes
So yes, Italy still has a presence in the market even without a World Cup to play in. Meanwhile, the tournament rolls on across Mexico, the United States and Canada. The surprises and the transfer moves are only just beginning. There are plenty more goals, and deals, still to come!
