World Cup breakout stars tipped for big transfers after the tournament

Wed, Jun 24, 2026
by CapperTek

The World Cup group stages are reaching fever pitch as the action across North America edges towards the knockout rounds. 

It's the point of the tournament where every touch, tackle and moment of quality carries added weight. 

The opening fixtures gave us a taste of what to expect, but now the focus shifts firmly to securing a place in the round of 32.

The traditional heavyweights have found their rhythm. While the likes of Spain and Portugal started slowly, they made amends with convincing performances, though France and reigning champions Argentina are still favourites with Arizona sportsbooks to reach the final. 

There is history on the line too. Lionel Messi has already drawn level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record, with Kylian Mbappé closing in behind him, setting up one of the more fascinating subplots of the tournament.

Away from the established superstars, this World Cup has once again given a platform to emerging talents and under-the-radar performers. 

With the summer transfer window now open, and several Premier League clubs entering a new era under fresh management, recruitment departments are watching closely. Here are the players whose World Cup performances could accelerate moves already in motion.

Antonee Robinson

The United States are certainly making the most of home advantage so far under Mauricio Pochettino. While it's strange calling their left-back Antonee Robinson a breakout star given his experience, he's really come into his own at this tournament.

At 28, he is Premier League proven, with 158 league appearances for Fulham already to his name, making him a low-risk option rather than a speculative punt. 

Manchester United have emerged as suitors as they look to add competition for Luke Shaw, though Liverpool have also held a longstanding interest as a potential successor to Andy Robertson.

Fulham could be open to a sale as they look to finalize an agreement for new manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Robinson’s fee looks fair value given the market for proven Premier League left-backs this summer. A strong World Cup only strengthens his hand in any negotiation the Cottagers have.

Yan Diomande 

Yan Diomande scored highly across all metrics in Ivory Coast's opening win over Ecuador, creating more chances and getting more touches in the opposition box than anyone else on the pitch. 

He followed it up by tormenting Joshua Kimmich in a win over Germany. The 19-year-old has been on Liverpool's radar since a breakout Bundesliga season that saw him register 12 goals and eight assists and win the division's Young Player of the Season award.

With Mohamed Salah's departure leaving a gap on the right flank, Liverpool have made Diomande their priority target. 

A verbal agreement is reportedly in place between the club and player, though Leipzig have so far rejected an opening bid worth around €100 million and PSG remain in the background. If Liverpool get the deal done, it would represent a statement signing for new Reds boss Andoni Iarola. 

Ladislav Krejci 

Ladislav Krejci captained Czechia in their World Cup opener and opened the scoring with a thumping header against South Korea, despite his side eventually losing 2-1. 

The 27-year-old made 27 Premier League starts for Wolves last season before their relegation, and his combination of physical presence and composure on the ball has not gone unnoticed.

Leeds United have already made firm enquiries, with talks described as positive, and a fee in the region of £26 million looks achievable given Wolves' need to restructure following the drop. Other Premier League sides are also believed to be monitoring the situation, meaning his World Cup form could yet spark a wider conversation about his future.

Lamine Camara 

Lamine Camara has started Senegal's opening matches in a difficult group containing France and Norway, continuing to show the tactical intelligence that has made him one of Ligue 1's most coveted midfielders. 

He contributed three goals and four assists in Ligue 1 this season, numbers that undersell his real value as a box-to-box presence in an era where that profile is hard to find. 

Newcastle currently lead the race for his signature, having made repeated scouting trips to France throughout the year, though Manchester United and Arsenal have all tracked him for an extended period. Monaco's valuation sits at around €50 million, and a strong tournament could push that figure higher still before the window closes.

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The World Cup has a habit of accelerating transfer business that was already quietly underway, and this summer looks no different. 

By the time the knockout rounds arrive, at least one of these deals could already be moving towards completion, and several Premier League clubs will be watching every touch with one eye on the market.