The players that could earn a move in the January transfer window after their World Cup performances
The 2022 World Cup has felt different for a number of reasons. From excessive amounts of injury time to the surprising number of goalless draws, the Qatar tournament has hardly been the best representation of international football’s most popular competition. The first-ever winter edition of the World Cup was met with a heap of controversy, but occasionally a fixture comes along that reminds everyone just how special the beautiful game is.
So far, the best games have been defined by individual moments. From Lionel Messi’s thunderbolt against Mexico to Robert Lewandowski’s first World Cup goal, the games have been tight, meaning football odds today are having a tough time predicting clear winners. That being said, there have been some surprise packages that have emerged this tournament, and with the domestic season in Europe midway through, they could have put their name in the shop window for the January transfer market.
Read on, as we take a look at some underrated performers at the 2022 World Cup, and see how many could get a big move domestically after the tournament.
Cody Gakpo – Netherlands
Having been on the radar of a number of clubs over the summer, there’s every chance that Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo could be plying his trade for either Chelsea or Bayern Munich in the new year.
The forward, who burst onto the scene with PSV and has twice won Eredivisie player of the month already this season, has scored three goals already at the time of writing, and his intelligent movement combined with brute strength and pace make him a perfect fit for the physicality of the Premier League and Bundesliga respectively. The 23-year-old has been flattered by rumours before and if the Netherlands continue their fine form, he could have another trophy in the cabinet by the time he arrives.
Pau Torres – Spain
Pau Torres has been a target for several Premier League clubs over the years, but the World Cup has shown the centre-back is the real deal. The Spaniard, who plies his trade domestically for Villarreal, has been an ever-present in Luis Enrique’s back line, joining Rodri, traditionally a holding midfielder, to form a steely defence so far. The 25-year-old will want to be playing Champions League football when he heads home from Qatar, and with Unai Emerey leaving the Yellow Submarine to join Aston Villa, Torres may also pursue a move to England, with Manchester United interested in his signature.
Cho Gue-sung – South Korea
Something of an unknown entity to those outside of the Korean K League, Cho Gue-sung has proved he can be a handful in the World Cup with a brace against Ghana. The 24-year-old would command a relatively low transfer free, with his side Gimcheon Sangmu drafting him after their relegation. He’s shown he can be an aerial threat and could be a good option that is worth the gamble for a number of clubs around Europe. The likes of Brighton and Napoli have shown that scouting more abstract leagues can prove worthy, discovering players such as Kaoru Mitoma and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — could Cho be next?
