Five World Cup stars to watch in January transfer window

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Here are five of the World Cup’s stars who may be on the move when the transfer window opens in January.

Jude Bellingham – England

Jude Bellingham is one of the greatest prospects in World football and was arguably England’s standout player at the World Cup in Qatar. At just 19 years of age, Bellingham takes the responsibility of the team on his shoulders and has shown the level of his leadership skills by being the youngest ever Borussia Dortmund and Bundesliga captain.

Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been rumoured to have the most interest in the central midfielder but they will have to cough up more than 100 million pounds to secure the teenage prodigy’s signature in January.

Enzo Fernandez – Argentina

Enzo Fernandez was the breakout star at the World Cup, receiving the award for best young player at the tournament. Fernandez moved to Portuguese side Benfica less than 12 months ago from the Argentinian talent conveyor belt, River Plate.

Fernandez outstanding performances as one of the tournaments best midfielders has the biggest clubs in World football circling.  Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool have all made contact with Benfica but will more than likely have to meet his 120 million Euro release clause for any business to be done in the January window.

Mohammed Kudus – Ghana

Mohammed Kudus had an inspired World Cup despite the disappointment of finishing at the bottom of Group H. Kudus operated in a more disciplined midfield role playing behind the striker for Ghana but has been deployed as a false nine for Dutch champions Ajax so far this season, both in the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League, showing the versatility of the 22-year-old.

There have been doubts around the future of the Ghanaian star as he has previously clashed with Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder over the role he has played in the starting 11. Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona have been rumoured destinations for Kudus, but any interested party will have to meet Ajax’s valuation of more than 30 million pounds.

Sofyan Amrabat – Morocco

Sofyan Amrabat was Morocco’s engine in their history making campaign that shocked the World Cup. Amrabat showed his leadership capabilities, marshalling the players in-front of him on defence as well as his great passing range setting the tone in Morocco’s build-up play.

His size and athleticism make him the perfect defensive midfielder with many questioning how such a talent has flown under the radar. It is no secret Amrabat has many admirers, with Tottenham Hotspurs manager Antonio Conte publicly stating his appreciation of the midfielders’ attributes.

Liverpool and Spanish duo Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are also keeping tabs on the defensive midfielder. Fiorentina managed to secure his services in 2020 for around 20 million Euros but will now look for roughly double that figure in January.

Cody Gakpo – Netherlands

Cody Gakpo scored three goals in five appearances for Louis Van Gaal’s Dutch side in Qatar, showing his prolific form in the Eredivisie is no coincidence.

Gakpo has been a star for title contenders PSV Eindhoven since making his debut in the 17-18 season, scoring 36 goals, and assisting 39 times in just over 100 appearances. PSV fought off heavy interest from Manchester United in August standing firm on their 50 million Euro price tag for the 23-year-old left winger, but may have to accept that Gakpo’s future lies elsewhere in January.

Manchester United still lead the pack, but Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are in the market for an attacker following the long-term injury to starter Gabriel Jesus.

Photo: Twitter/@JacobsBen

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Dylan Johnson