World Cup 2026: Transfer Market Does Not Wait for the Final Whistle

At the 2026 World Cup, several high-profile transfers took place even while players were still on duty with their national teams.

Just hours before taking the pitch in Spain's surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, defender Marc Cucurella was officially announced as a new signing for Real Madrid. Not long after, his teammate Victor Munoz also completed a €40 million (about $45 million) transfer to Liverpool. Meanwhile, Alex Grimaldo is reportedly set to leave Bayer Leverkusen for Atletico Madrid, while Pedro Porro just signed a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur in the middle of the World Cup.

The wave of rapid transfers, combined with Spain's less-than-ideal start, sparked domestic debates about whether players were being distracted by their club futures. However, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente completely dismissed this notion. He argued that positive career news only brings a more relaxed mentality to the whole team. The Spanish manager stressed: "We are happy about the good news for the players. If it's good for them, it's good for the collective." Cucurella revealed that his move from Chelsea to Real Madrid was finalized in about two days to help him fully focus on the World Cup.

Not only Spain, but several other major teams also saw their players become transfer market hot topics during the tournament. Real Madrid recently announced two notable signings: French center-back Ibrahima Konate and Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva on free transfers.

Bayern Munich is reportedly close to a €55 million deal to sign Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven. Saibari has been one of the biggest discoveries of the World Cup, scoring two goals in two matches.

Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke also moved from Brighton & Hove Albion to Tottenham for an estimated £52 million (over $68 million) according to British media, right between two group stage matches for the Netherlands. Van Hecke admitted this deal was huge for his career. The Dutch defender shared: "It's a big step forward in my professional career."

For England, midfielder Elliot Anderson could become the most expensive English player in history. Multiple sources say Manchester City is pursuing the Nottingham Forest star, with a potential total value exceeding £120 million.

England manager Thomas Tuchel believes it's unrealistic to ask players to completely set aside transfer issues during the World Cup. According to him, the key is that negotiations do not affect match preparation. Tuchel stated: "If a player has the chance to move to a new club, we won't stop them. It gives them clarity about their future."

Alongside completed deals, the 2026 World Cup also continues to serve as a "showcase" helping many players boost their market value. American striker Folarin Balogun, New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just, and Swiss winger Johan Manzambi have all scored twice in the tournament and attracted interest from multiple clubs. Meanwhile, Moroccan youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi is being closely monitored by several top European clubs after his standout performance against Brazil.
Australian defender Alessandro Circati—a name drawing interest from Atletico Madrid and Newcastle—believes transfer speculation can become a source of motivation for players. He said: "This gives you extra confidence and a feeling that what you're doing is on the right track."