10 players that starred at the World Cup and now look set for transfers in 2023: Fernandez, Gakpo, Bellingham…

Players are frequently transferred as a result of their performances on the World Cup stage, and the January transfer market opens in a few weeks.

The tournament has also raised the profile of other stars, who may make high-profile moves during the summer transfer season.

We’ve looked at 10 players who shined at the World Cup and now appear to be on the move in 2023.

Lionel Messi
Messi, the man of the hour, rolled back the years in Qatar with some magnificent displays, leading Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986.

He has now indicated that he has no plans to retire from international football, although he has yet to make a declaration about his club’s future.

While PSG is still hoping to extend his time in Ligue 1, The Times reports that Inter Miami will sign the 35-year-old on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The American Club, co-owned by David Beckham, would make Messi the highest-paid player in MLS history, and they are also reportedly interested in signing Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Cesc Fabregas.

Enzo Fernandez
Along with Messi, Fernandez was a key figure in Argentina’s World Cup victory, earning him the Young Player of the Tournament honor.

Following his achievements in Qatar, the midfielder, who only joined Benfica this summer from River Plate, is being linked with a move to one of Europe’s top clubs.

According to Portuguese media, he has agreed to join Liverpool next summer if the Merseyside club can agree on a transfer deal with Benfica.

However, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid have been monitoring his growth and could match Liverpool’s offer.

Cody Gakpo
Gakpo scored three goals in five appearances for the Netherlands in the World Cup after having a fantastic start to the season with PSV Eindhoven.

During the summer transfer window, the 21-year-old was linked with a move to Manchester United, but Erik ten Hag’s team ultimately prioritized a deal for Antony.

The Daily Telegraph reports that United will renew its interest in Gakpo in 2023 as they seek a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember,” the forward acknowledged to the Dutch daily NRC recently. “And I began to doubt. Leeds United did show up. Should I visit there?

“Now I’m waiting for everything. I have yet to hear from Manchester United. I’ll think about it when they arrive. In these judgments, I also seek God’s guidance.”

Denzel Dumfries
Dumfries, a fixture in tabloid gossip columns, drew attention during the World Cup with his efforts for the Netherlands.

He had a goal and two assists in their 3-1 triumph over the United States, and BBC pundit Micah Richards characterized him as “breathless” in the last-16 encounter.

In recent weeks, the right-wing defender has been connected with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea, and Inter Milan may try to cash in owing to financial difficulties.

“They are all well-known players, but everyone watches the World Cup,” Rafaela Pimenta, the agent, told Gianluca Di Marzio. “The values shift.

“Dumfries? I’m hoping his worth hasn’t risen too much because selling him will be difficult.”

Jude Bellingham
Bellingham’s excellent performances for England have secured his place as one of Europe’s most sought-after players.

The midfielder scored against Iran and assisted in the Three Lions’ 3-0 triumph over Senegal before falling to France in the quarter-finals.

Borussia Dortmund has put a £130 million price tag on his head but is expected to let him go in the summer of 2023.

While Liverpool is said to be the frontrunner for his signature, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have also placed Bellingham on their transfer wishlist.

Joao Felix
Felix has struggled to find regular game time this season after falling out of favor with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.

At the World Cup, the Portugal international provided a timely reminder of his ability, scoring once and assisting twice in four games.

Arsenal and Manchester United are both looking for a new forward and have been keeping an eye on his position, while Aston Villa has surfaced as a surprise prospect to sign the 23-year-old.

Sofyan Amrabat
Morocco was the 2022 World Cup’s surprise package, becoming the first African country to reach the semi-finals.

Amrabat, who plays for Fiorentina, played diligently in midfield for Walid Regragui’s side, and his remarkable performances earned him a lot of praise.

“Of course, I get a lot of phone calls from people looking for Sofyan. “The entire world has witnessed that he is the best World Cup holding midfielder,” agent Mohammed Sinouh told Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool and Tottenham have apparently met with the midfielder’s representatives, although Fiorentina is reportedly requesting a sum in the region of £48 million.

Azzedine Ounahi
Before the World Cup, Ounahi was a relative unknown, but he developed a wonderful relationship with Amrabat and exploded into the spotlight in Qatar.

The Moroccan international plays for Anger, whose president, Said Chabane, has announced that the club is looking to sell Ounahi in 2023.

“We’ve received numerous bids, and we’ve been approached by major teams in Italy, Spain, England, and France,” he told RTL France. “Our goal is to reach an arrangement today while keeping the player until the end of the season.”

Leicester City, Newcastle United, Wolves, West Ham United, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Sevilla have all expressed interest, and Anger will be hoping for a bidding war.

Josko Gvardiol
Despite becoming the latest in a long line of players to be humiliated by Messi, Gvardiol was unquestionably one of the finest defenders at the World Cup, and his efforts helped Croatia finish third.

Real Madrid is interested in the RB Leipzig center-back, who has also been linked with Chelsea, where he might reunite with international teammate Mateo Kovacic.

“What about me and Chelsea? I’m not sure. You are aware of what has occurred in recent months. “To be honest, I don’t know,” he told The Athletic.

“My agent is taking care of things and we will see. Right now, I’m content in Leipzig. I’m not sure, we’ll see – you never know. You’ve heard the stories, and all I can say is that I’m happy in Leipzig, and for the time being, I’m going to stay and perform for them.”

“Of course, it’s a big club, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll be there,” Guardiola continued. It’s great to see things like this, especially because there’s Kovacic around, so you never know. I speak with him.”

Mohammed Kudus
Despite Ghana’s failure to advance to the World Cup knockout stages, Kudus was able to demonstrate his abilities in Qatar.

Ghana’s finest performer during the tournament, the Ajax midfielder produced a superb brace in their 3-2 triumph over South Korea.

He was linked with Everton last summer, but he might now join their fierce Merseyside rivals, with Liverpool apparently planning a 2023 transfer move for the 22-year-old.