The 5 Hottest Transfer Targets for the Summer Window Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Somehow, it's already been a year since the transfer window that saw the "Great Striker Merry-Go-Round," headlined by Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, secure major transfers.

This summer, things are bubbling a little more conservatively, although likely not for long. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup closing in, this is the biggest window of opportunity for clubs and players to secure major business.

Let's have a look at whose names are doing the early rounds…

Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace

Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Front-runners: Liverpool, Manchester United

Dark horses: Chelsea, Bayern Munich

You may have noticed Adam Wharton's surprising back-flip celebration when he scored his first Crystal Palace goal in the 2-2 draw with Brentford last month.

Social media was filled with comments from viewers who didn't know he had such a move in his locker. Both the excellent strike and jubilation painted a vivid picture of a player who has been surprising people since his senior debut for Blackburn Rovers in 2022.

Wharton has set himself apart from other English midfielders during his two years with Palace. Few of his countrymen flaunt such agility and passing range in midfield, especially at 22 years old. There's a streak of Pedri in the man who is now being weighed up by the very best.

While a Premier League stay seems likely, English players are no longer fazed by moving onto the continent. One to watch.

Marc Cucurella, Chelsea

Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Front-runners: Atletico Madrid

Dark horses: Barcelona

There's no doubt Marc Cucurella has done well to carve out a career at Chelsea. His rough start piled on the pressure, but he's since been one of the club's most consistent performers and a thrusting presence from the back.

The nature of contracts at Stamford Bridge means he's now reportedly available for £61 million, despite signing a new long-term deal last year. That seems pretty expensive, and may be tough for the player if he genuinely wants out. He holds zero power: he's locked into a deal, with no European football to fall back on.

Atletico Madrid's alleged interest will certainly perk him up.

Cucurella would slot nicely into Diego Simeone's system, bringing experience and an all-round fight to a squad that already leaves it all on the pitch.

While a return to Barca has been mentioned, the Blaugrana's financial outlay elsewhere suggests he is nowhere near a priority.

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham United

Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Front-runners: Chelsea, Aston Villa

Dark horses: Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool

Jarrod Bowen is in a difficult position.

He's synonymous with West Ham, both because he's been the club's best player for years and because his family life is publicly linked to the club. Not only did he score the winner to win the UEFA Conference League title in 2023, but he is also married to Dani Dyer, the daughter of actor Danny Dyer, who is arguably West Ham's most famous fan.

Bowen will be 30 before the year is out. West Ham are by no means guaranteed to bounce straight back from their relegation to the Championship. Considering the player has already missed out on Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, he could be quickly forgotten from the international setup if he isn't playing top-level football next season.

There will be plenty of suitors if Bowen can remove emotion from the situation. Chelsea's reported interest doesn't look out of place, nor does Aston Villa's, who can offer him Champions League football for the first time.

Bowen could even be a smart replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, a proven entity while the Reds get used to life without their generational star. Newcastle need to replace Anthony Gordon, and Man United's recent success of buying from within the Premier League should perk up their noses.

Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest

Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Front-runners: Manchester City

Dark horses: Manchester United

The transitional moment at Manchester City may provide a real opportunity for Elliot Anderson. Enzo Maresca, who is likely to be named Pep Guardiola's replacement, will need to make changes to a squad that isn't as well-balanced and adaptable as we've seen over the Citizens' era of success.

Bernardo Silva's exit and Rodri's injury problems mean the midfield needs legs. There is no better fit than Anderson, whose Premier League campaign catapulted him into the England starting lineup ahead of next week's festivities. The 23-year-old stood out at Nottingham Forest, which escaped the threat of relegation and had a great run to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Anderson's control, passing range and natural bite will almost certainly see him move on after the World Cup. Both Manchester clubs would do brilliantly to lure him in, but their priorities are different. United need a couple of important bodies, with Atalanta's Ederson likely to be one. City need an individual standout. It'd make total sense if Anderson was that man.

Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig

Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images

Front-runners: Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain

Dark horses: Bayern Munich

Liverpool fans may be getting worried about the future of Yan Diomande. All season, he was linked with a move to Anfield, but now reports indicate he has verbally agreed to join back-to-back Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

At 19 years old, there's no denying Diomande looks like a standout prospect. His 12 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances have rightfully made many clubs eye the winger, who is blessed with a hard-to-defend cleverness and lethality.

Both Luis Enrique and Andoni Iraola are perfect managers to shape his progression. Diomande would be almost guaranteed trophies in the French capital, while a move to England would put him on a bigger, more uncertain path to success.

He'll already cost a premium, so whoever wants the teenager the most may wish to move before he shows everyone what he can do with Côte d'Ivoire at the World Cup.