Spain lifted the trophy. Now the real game begins. The transfer market is open and there’s no shortage of players who spent the summer in Germany hoping their phone rings. Some were stars. Some rode the bench. Either way, every Premier League club is looking for an edge and this year’s World Cup provided a massive scouting pool. Here is one player from the tournament each team should actually consider, whether they played 300 minutes or 30.
Arsenal: Bruno Guimaraes
This one is already out there. Arsenal want him. Newcastle might have to sell him. He didn’t have a great World Cup with Brazil and he’s been frustrated with the situation at St. James’ Park. If the Gunners can get him, he brings exactly the kind of bite and ball progression their midfield needs. It won’t be cheap but the fit is obvious.
Aston Villa: Pervis Estupinan
Lucas Digne is heading to PSG, so Villa needs a left back. Estupinan just spent a year at AC Milan after leaving Brighton. The Ecuador international is an upgrade on what they had and available if Milan decides to move him on after only one season.
Bournemouth: Jhon Lucumi
They are already bringing in Antonio Silva from Benfica but he’s a right footer. Lucumi is left footed, played for Bologna, and knows the league-adjacent style. Bournemouth has Europe to deal with now and needs depth. This makes too much sense.
Brentford: Pape Matar Sarr
Sarr has been at Spurs for four years and it never quite clicked the way everyone hoped. Brentford has been linked with a cross-London move. He played for Senegal at the World Cup and at 22 still has room to grow. A change of scenery and a more defined role could unlock what Tottenham never found.
Brighton: Azzedine Ounahi
Brighton wanted him last summer before he went to Girona from Marseille. Girona got relegated. Ounahi scored twice against Canada at the World Cup. The Seagulls might try again for the 26 year old who runs games from midfield.
Chelsea: Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea’s defense is young and messy. Lacroix spent two years at Crystal Palace, knows the Premier League, and is only 26. He’s been with France at the World Cup and would bring some adult supervision to the back line. This one has been floating around for a few weeks and it makes sense.
Coventry City: Patrick Berg
The newly promoted side is in the mix for the Norwegian midfielder who played every minute of extra time against England for Norway. He’s steady, disciplined, and exactly the type of midfielder a team trying to stay up needs. Bodo/Glimt won’t give him away but Coventry has shown they can find value.
Crystal Palace: Arthur Theate
If Lacroix goes to Chelsea, Palace will need a center back. Theate played three games for Belgium at the World Cup and plays for Eintracht Frankfurt. Reports out of Germany say Palace is interested. At 26 he’s entering his prime and could be a long-term piece.
Everton: Djed Spence
Spence became a cult hero for England fans at the World Cup but his future at Spurs is unclear. Everton is one of the clubs that could use his versatility at full back. He might fit better at a club where expectations are about survival and grinding out results.
Fulham: Ricardo Pepi
Fulham almost signed him from PSV in January. New manager Alvaro Arbeloa might have other ideas but Pepi played all five of USA’s World Cup games and scored. The 23 year old is still developing but he’s shown he can handle big moments.
Hull City: Ken Stroud or any Turkish player owner Acun Ilicali finds
Hull has been trying to sign Sweden left back Stroud from Mjallby but the deal is dragging. If it falls through, Ilicali will almost certainly turn to Turkey’s World Cup squad. He’s done it before.
Ipswich Town: Daizen Maeda
Already agreed a deal with Celtic for the Japanese striker. He was good in Scotland. The Premier League is a different animal but he works hard and stretches defenses. Worth a shot for a newly promoted team.
Leeds United: Zion Suzuki
Leeds lost both Meslier and Darlow on frees. Suzuki is 23, plays for Parma, and was Japan’s starter at the World Cup. He could be the long-term answer in goal if they can get it done.
Liverpool: Bradley Barcola
Salah is gone. Liverpool needs a winger. Barcola was in and out of the France lineup at the World Cup but still scored three goals. Same story at PSG where he scored 13 last season despite not always starting. The price will be massive but he’s the right profile.
Manchester City: Ayyoub Bouaddi
The 18 year old Moroccan midfielder announced himself against Brazil in the group stage. City is reportedly preparing a significant bid. He’s young but ready to contribute now in a midfield that’s evolving.
Manchester United: Manu Kone
The French midfielder stood out for Roma and carried that form into the World Cup. United wants his ball winning and energy but there’s a warning here: he’s best driving forward, not just sitting. If they use him right he could be a difference maker.
Newcastle: James Trafford
Newcastle tried to sign him last summer. He chose Man City instead and spent the World Cup on England’s bench. With Donnarumma ahead of him at City and Newcastle’s current goalkeeper situation being temporary, a revisit makes sense.
Nottingham Forest: Lucas Bergvall
The 20 year old Swedish midfielder was the youngest in his squad but played all four World Cup games. He wants more responsibility than he’s getting at Tottenham. Forest is trying to make that happen. It might take a real offer to convince Spurs to let go.
Sunderland: Folarin Balogun
Multiple Premier League clubs want the USA striker if he leaves Monaco this summer. Sunderland is in the mix according to reports. They need goals and European football is coming. Balogun could be the difference between just participating and making noise.
Tottenham: Andreas Schjelderup
Spurs have already made two big signings but neither was at the World Cup. They still need a winger. Schjelderup plays left wing for Benfica, scored 10 goals this season, and added a goal and three assists at the World Cup for Norway. He’s exactly the kind of attacking upgrade Tottenham has been chasing for years.
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