England and France have fallen at the final hurdle of the 2026 World Cup, with both set to head home – if you discount the newly rebranded FIFA Bronze match – without a shot at world football’s greatest prize.
However, the summer might only just be getting started for some of the players who jetted stateside as they look to move clubs during the summer transfer window. Daily Star Sport has a look at 12 players who could be swapping teams in the very near future.
James Trafford had been hoping to be Manchester City’s No.1 when he returned to the Etihad Stadium last summer – but the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma left him on the bench. City could part ways with him, according to reports, for £40m with Leeds and Newcastle both interested.
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Meanwhile John Stones has already left City, when his contract expired at the end of last month. Stones has been linked to Inter Milan and a sensational return to Everton.
While heading into the Etihad Stadium will be Elliot Anderson, who has signed from Nottingham Forest to the tune of £116m. City said in a statement “the formalities of the move will be finalised upon his return to England.”
And while it’s all joy in the blue half of the City, across town Manchester United are trying to offload Marcus Rashford. The Red Devils suffered another transfer blow on Wednesday with the Barcelona door seemingly shut.
Morgan Rogers impressed against Argentina, and he has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer. However, reports suggest the Gunners would have to break the £100m if they want his services.
And finally on the England side is Ivan Toney. Toney is currently in the Saudi Pro League – but has been linked with a return to the Premier League over the past couple of windows. Don’t be surprised if we see more links this summer.
Over on the French side, Lucas Digne seems set to move to PSG after the Parisian giants are believed to have activated a release clause in his contract, reportedly worth over £8.5m.
Ibrahima Konate was also on the hunt for a new club after his Liverpool contract expired last month. He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer and will join former Reds team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold in Spain.
The biggest name that could be on the move from the French squad is Aurélien Tchouaméni – who has been linked to United. A recent report from The Athletic suggested United have not given up hope of signing Tchouaméni despite his recent contract extension.
Jean-Philippe Mateta looked set to leave Crystal Palace in January – but the Eagles have now offered him a new deal in an attempt to stop him from leaving on a free next summer. However, Juventus are said to be interested in his services.
Bayern Munich have been urged to sign Warren Zaïre-Emery, who is valued at £67m, by ex-France and Bayern star Willy Sagnol. “If he sits on the bench too often in Paris, he might want to leave the club,” Sagnol said. “However, he would be very expensive!”
Maghnes Akliouche is set to be the latest star to swap Monaco for PSG. According to French media, he agreed terms with PSG earlier this summer.