The post-World Cup player movement is going to be insane
Now that the World Cup has ended, upcoming stars and Argentinian talent are going to command record transfer fees from the biggest clubs.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Yes, we are hungry for fútbol. After the conclusion of the World Cup, we want more. It’s like we finished that pack of Oreos and dug our hand again, but there wasn’t any left. But with the unusual timing of the World Cup in the western winter, we don’t have to wait long for leagues around the world to resume.
The World Cup will still affect club fútbol. Players will transfer, prices for some go up, and teams are revamping rosters in the middle of the season. Here are some of the biggest club fútbol storylines.
Can someone please take Ronaldo?
How the heck is Cristiano Ronaldo a free agent? Are his playing days in Europe over? After a bridge-burning interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo left it all out there, saying that Manchester United betrayed him, the directives didn’t even care, and nothing improved in a decade. Unsurprisingly now, Ronaldo doesn’t have a team. And to be quite frank, it’s disrespectful how he’s being treated.
Cristiano Ronaldo will play for _______________ in 2023 pic.twitter.com/W9ETudc0TS
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 22, 2022
He has been offered to everyone, but clubs don’t want the baggage that comes up with his name. It is plausible that Ronaldo heads to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, as he’s been offered an insane amount of money on a seven-year deal. Yes, SEVEN! He’d become a global icon in the country, and his wages would rise by over 200 million Euros after 2024. It’s hard to say no to that type of bag, but to do so would mean he’d have to swallow his Champions League dream. CR7 is still a fútbol legend, and he hasn’t shown he’s done playing yet, so the world awaits what kit he’ll don next. Fingers crossed for MLS!
Who’s waking up to a Brinks truck?
The World Cup had many breakout stars. Cody Gakpo could very well be Ronaldo’s replacement at Manchester United. Teams are salivating at the opportunity to sign Azzedine Ounahi, one of Morocco’s breakout stars. Any time after a World Cup, the transfer window goes berserk.
Been told that a deal in principle for Cody Gapko to @ManUtd is edging closer #MU #Transfers pic.twitter.com/BzcWUlHFnG
— Carter (@Abramadinho) November 30, 2022
Some of the big names in the transfer window are Joao Felix, Marcus Thuram, and Hakeem Ziyech, all of whom had great showings in Qatar and will be on the market. Heck, even a 37-year-old Memo Ochoa went to the Serie A club Salernitana. One penalty save against Robert Lewandowski will do that. There will be huge moves at the pinnacle of fútbol not just in Europe, but also all around the world.
Will the Argentinian players get a World Cup raise?
The prices just went up on 26 players who won the World Cup. Well, except for Lionel Messi’s, whose price was already set. But young ballers like Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister are looking to get paid. Álvarez is buried in the depth chart at Manchester City behind players like Erling Haaland. Will City give him playing time? Loan him? Transfer him? Who knows, but clubs are calling for his services. Mac Allister, meanwhile, plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, and as one of the breakout stars for La Albiceleste he surely will make a move.
Enzo Fernández. The first South American to be crowned FIFA’s Young Player of the Tournament. Notched up 118 touches, 77 successful passes and his 10 tackles became the most of any player in a WC final since Gennaro Gattuso in 2006. Numbers don’t lie and neither does his talent. pic.twitter.com/6zpNaRVU91
— VERSUS (@vsrsus) December 19, 2022
Emiliano Martínez made terrific saves, but running his mouth gained fans and haters. The 30-year-old goalkeeper could stay at Aston Villa, but there are rumors Bayern Munich is interested in a move. And last but not least, Enzo Fernández, the 21-year-old, played superbly and won the best young player at the World Cup. Fernández is at Benfica but has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, including an offer from Liverpool for 100 million Euros. What a come-up. These guys had the opportunity of a lifetime and are about to cash in.
