The World Cup is football's biggest shopping event, and with the January transfer window approaching, it's likely that clubs will be looking at events in Qatar in order to make some deals. With only two weeks between the World Cup final and the start of the transfer window, any transfer planning must be done quickly.
But, based on their performances at the 2022 World Cup, which players are poised for major moves? After excelling at the 2014 World Cup, James Rodriguez was signed by Real Madrid, while Mesut Ozil did the same in 2010. Who will follow in their footsteps this season?
1. Jude Bellingham (England)
Before the 2022 World Cup, Jude Bellingham was hailed as one of the best young midfielders in the game, but he has only enhanced his reputation. The 19-year-old has been a force of nature for England in Qatar, adding a different dimension to Gareth Southgate's team in the attacking third.
Bellingham has been strongly linked with Liverpool, but the Reds will almost certainly have to break their transfer record to sign the teenager - Borussia Dortmund reportedly wants between €100m and €150m. Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have all been mentioned as potential suitors.
2. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Cody Gakpo was not an unknown quantity prior to the 2022 World Cup, but he has elevated his reputation to an entirely new level in Qatar. With his technical ability and natural physicality, the 23-year-old has the makings of the next great modern center forward, having scored three goals in four games for the Netherlands.
Leeds United and Manchester United were both interested in Gakpo during the summer transfer window. The latter could still make a move for the PSV Eindhoven attacker, but the Eredivisie club's asking price has risen from around €30 million to more than €50 million, according to reports. Leeds United appear to have blown their chances.
3. Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)
Croatia are major tournament specialists, and Josko Gvardiol has been instrumental in their 2022 World Cup campaign thus far. The 20-year-old is at ease on the ball, strong in the air, and has the presence of someone much older than his still-young age. Croatia has found their next great central defender to build around.
Chelsea were heavily linked with Gvardiol during the summer transfer window, but instead signed Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly after RB Leipzig refused to sell. Barcelona and Manchester City are rumored to be interested, and for good reason. Gvardiol is destined for the elite level of the sport, both for club and country.
4. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
Ghana may have exited the 2022 World Cup in the group stage, but Mohammed Kudus left his mark on the tournament. The 22-year-old began as a deep-lying midfielder in the first match, but gradually moved forward, scoring twice in the thrilling 3-2 victory over South Korea.
Kudus has played as a 'false nine' for Ajax this season and is most effective when deployed in the attacking third. He is technically strong enough to contribute to possession play while also being positionally sharp enough to drift and cover all areas of the pitch. Kudus is still developing and has a lot of potential as a modern forward.
5. Dani Olmo (Spain)
Spain was one of the favorites to win the 2022 World Cup, and Dani Olmo was crucial to their chances. The 24-year-old is ideal for Luis Enrique's team because he can keep the ball but also provides Spain with vertical threat. Olmo also has a keen eye for goal, which is important for a team lacking a reliable goal-scoring number nine.
Olmo was linked with Barcelona during the summer transfer window, and there is a growing likelihood that he will join a Spanish club in the near future. Despite being a regular for Spain, Olmo has never played senior football for a club in his home country, having begun his career at Dinamo Zagreb.
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