How the World Cup affects the transfer market
How the World Cup affects the transfer market
Each World Cup has its own set of stars, some of whom are already well known, while others shine only during the tournament. And during the transfer period right after the World Cup, there are often players who did well on the biggest stage but aren’t on top-level teams yet.
The most striking example is, of course, that of the best young player in Qatar in 2022, the Argentine Enzo Fernandez. The Benfica midfielder has become a key player for Argentina, and despite his limited European experience (he arrived in Portugal in July 2022), he has attracted the interest of several major clubs. Chelsea plans to spend 127 million euros on him, which is the amount of his release clause.
- The talents of the World Cup in Qatar
- The transfer market after the 2002 and 2006 World Cups
- On display are Spanish and South Americans
- CR7 arrived in Italy after Russia 2018
The talents of the World Cup in Qatar
But the world champion is not the only one who showed off in Qatar, and other clubs are also closely following the profiles of those who shone at the World Cup.
One of these players is definitely the Moroccan Azzedine Ounahi, who helped his team reach a semi-final that made African football history.
His valuation is also on the rise, certainly not at the level of Enzo Fernandez, but considering that before the World Cup he was considered a reserve at Angers, the 20 million we are talking about for him is a great amount.
And Randall Kolo-Muani, the one who missed the goal that was worth the World Cup even for live bets, could also leave Frankfurt’s Eintracht. Even Bayern Munich, who are looking for a young center forward, and Manchester United are on his trail.
In short, the post-World Cup transfer session, despite being short, promises to be quite exciting. But how did those of the new millennium go?
The transfer market after the 2002 and 2006 World Cups
Many stories are told, some of top signings, others of incredible flops… It is impossible not to start from 2002, when Brazil won the World Cup.
And the top scorer of the World Cup, Ronaldo the Phenomenon, ends up at Real Madrid, which snatches him from Inter after his brace in the final.
That year, due to the economic problems of some clubs, some great names left. Milan and Inter bring home, respectively, Nesta and Seedorf, Crespo, Cannavaro, and Almeyda, while at the international level, Rio Ferdinand leaves Leeds for Manchester United.
And among the world’s surprises, the Senegalese Diouf goes to Liverpool, but the Reds regret it almost immediately.
The 2006 summer market was more calm, but even in that case, the most expensive player played in the World Cup: Andriy Shevchenko left Milan to fly to Chelsea.
Some world champions also changed teams. Thanks to Juventus’ relegation to Serie B, Gianluca Zambrotta goes to Barcelona, while Fabio Cannavaro at Real Madrid, and Fabio Grosso was transferred to Inter.
On display are Spanish and South Americans.
Another round, another world championship, and in 2010, the Spaniards are (obviously) the most popular.
David Villa leaves Valencia for Barcelona, while Manchester City begins its big expenses and, in addition to David Silva, brings home Yaya Tourè, Mario Balotelli, and Aleksandar Kolarov. One of the stars of the World Cup changing sides is also Asamoah Gyan, who joins Sunderland.
In 2014, the big names in the world are making a lot of noise. The most expensive transfer is Luis Suarez’s move to Barcelona, who didn’t do very well with Uruguay, but was followed by the top scorer in Brazil, James Rodriguez, and one of the finalists, Angel Di Maria, who went to Real Madrid and Manchester United, respectively.
CR7 arrived in Italy after Russia 2018
And in 2018? That is Cristiano Ronaldo’s year at Juventus, but it is also the year of world champions Lemar at Atletico Madrid, Kepa at Chelsea, Liverpool, who has Alisson and Keita, and Chelsea, who has Mahrez.
A colorful market, to be sure, but one with little to do with the World Cup.
