The world of football transfers is notoriously intricate. This complexity escalates during major international tournaments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With players focused on representing their countries, negotiating transfers becomes an even more challenging endeavor. So, how can clubs effectively secure deals during such a high-stakes period?
Traditionally, clubs have postponed transfers until after major tournaments. Any movement during tournaments tends to turn heads. For instance, Cesc Fabregas’ €33 million transfer from Barcelona to Chelsea in 2014—finalized on the heels of Spain’s first match of the World Cup—was unexpected. Similarly, in 2016, Chelsea hurriedly acquired Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi for €40 million, necessitating his brief departure from national team duties for a preliminary medical check.
Yet this summer marks a shift, as the largest World Cup to date sees several players making significant moves while still competing. Defenders Ibrahima Konate (France) and Marc Cucurella (Spain), along with midfielder Bernardo Silva (Portugal), have all signed with Real Madrid during the tournament. In another noteworthy deal, Ismael Saibari joined Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven for €55 million while Morocco was still in contention.
Two standout transfers include Gonzalo Ramos’ €74 million move to AC Milan from Paris Saint-Germain during his international camp with Portugal, and Manchester City securing a £116 million deal for midfielder Elliott Anderson, who played a crucial role for England at the tournament.
The transfer activity doesn’t pause even in the intense knockout rounds; reports indicate that forward Johan Manzambi is set for a €60 million transfer to Newcastle ahead of upcoming matches against Switzerland and Argentina. This raises questions about the logistics of closing deals amid the demands of international competition.
Standardizing the Transfer Process
Most transfers adhere to a systematic procedure. Initially, the club, agent, and potential intermediaries engage in discussions about the deal’s fundamental elements, including financial requirements and the player’s personal conditions such as salary and contract duration.
Once parties find common ground, formal negotiations commence, often culminating in an agreement. Players then complete medical examinations, sign contracts, and register their transfers through FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS). While player involvement is essential during medical checks, how does this proceed when they are away at international tournaments?
Facilitating Medical Examinations
Clubs typically have preferred medical facilities or hospitals for player check-ups. However, during tournaments, players cannot always access these resources. Clubs need to adapt by sending medical staff to the players’ current locations, as agent Alex Rebak explained. “Big clubs often deploy their top specialists to ensure thorough medical evaluations,” he noted.
The stakes are high given the considerable sums involved; for instance, Manchester City’s proposed £116 million transfer for Anderson prompted extensive involvement from the club. Medical examinations cover a range of health metrics, including heart assessments and past injury evaluations. While elite clubs maintain networks that facilitate these checks, challenges can still arise.
Anderson underwent a medical examination at England’s World Cup facilities in Kansas City while AC Milan’s staff traveled to Miami for Ramos’ check. Conducting medical assessments during tournament play is feasible in regions with advanced healthcare infrastructure and ample time between matches.
Managing Communications with Teams
In typical transfers, interactions involve three key parties: the player, their current club, and the prospective club. However, during international tournaments, a fourth party—the player’s national manager and their federation—becomes crucial. Their involvement can significantly impact negotiations.
In some instances, as illustrated with Anderson’s transfer to Manchester City, national managers support such moves. Tuchel reportedly welcomed the arrangement, with negotiations pre-discussed before the World Cup. In contrast, other managers, like Sarina Wiegman, have adopted a more skeptical stance, advocating for players to finalize transfers before joining international camps.
Psychological Challenges for Players
Many agents consulted by ESPN emphasized the psychological strains of mid-tournament transfers. Both Tuchel’s and Wiegman’s approaches aim to keep players focused on their national responsibilities, minimizing distractions. ProEleven CFO Vitor Gonçalves encapsulates this sentiment: “If a transfer isn’t completed before a player goes on international duty, communication should be limited.”
Angel added, “A player entrenched in negotiation may hesitate to perform aggressively on the field out of fear of injury, especially if they feel unsure about their future.” Rebak expressed concern over the potential fallout if negotiations fail, underscoring that mid-tournament uncertainty can disrupt player mental focus.
Navigating Unexpected Obstacles
Despite careful planning, unforeseen issues can derail transfer ambitions. South African player Thembi Kgatlana found herself in a precarious situation during the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations when her move from Atlético Madrid to Racing Louisville was stunted by scheduling conflicts. After seizing victory in the group stage with solid performance, she suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury shortly before her scheduled medical assessment.
“The moment I received the call from her agent, I felt like the atmosphere had shifted. It was devastating,” recounted Austin Buchanan, then Racing Louisville’s scouting and strategy director. This incident not only posed immediate consequences for Kgatlana’s career but also jeopardized ongoing transfer negotiations. Kgatlana’s injury excluded her from passing the medical check, forcing a reevaluation of the deal.
This highlights the intricate web of transfers during international play, where the interplay of timing, player health, and managerial strategies can lead to both success and unexpected turmoil.
