Summer 2026 Transfer Window: Which Stars Will Move After the World Cup?

The summer 2026 transfer window has not officially opened — that comes on July 21 — but the market has been moving for weeks. Every outstanding World Cup performance creates a new valuation, a new buyer, a new leverage point. The agents are busy. The club directors are scrambling.

The most significant deal already agreed in principle is Victor Osimhen to Liverpool for a reported £85 million. The Nigerian striker, who had a resurgent Napoli season, has been the subject of Liverpool interest for over a year. The World Cup did not feature Osimhen — Nigeria did not qualify — but his club form convinced Anfield to move. The deal is expected to be confirmed by July 25.

The biggest transfer saga of the summer involves Florian Wirtz. Three goals, three assists, and a man-of-the-match performance in Germany's round of 16 victory over Belgium. Real Madrid were already in discussions before the tournament. Now the asking price has jumped from €100 million to €130 million. Bayern Munich, aware they cannot hold him against his will, are negotiating a sell-on clause. The move appears inevitable.

The most watched player at the tournament is the one who will not be moving anywhere. Lamine Yamal, who has emerged as the world's most exciting footballer after this World Cup, has signed a new six-year contract extension with Barcelona. The release clause? A reported €1 billion. It is, for now, the largest in football history. Real Madrid have the money, but they cannot afford the clause.