WORLD CUP 2022 FOOTBALLERS SEEKING TRANSFERS

As technology has advanced, the likelihood of unknown players emerging out of nowhere to star at a World Cup has radically diminished. A player who stands out from around the age of 15, regardless of where they come from, is typically flagged up as soon as possible by the use of analytics, "digital scouting," and meticulous data available from across the globe. In the current transfer market, major tournaments are merely a setting for clubs to verify whether a player is of the required quality to join them. While scouts and club representatives may find it useful to watch a player conduct themselves while representing their country at a World Cup -- when the pressure is unlike anything else in the quest for the most prestigious trophy of them all -- it is still worthwhile to do so. Observing how a player conducts himself in such a situation provides additional insight into his character as well. As a general rule, however, clubs are already well aware of the situation they are facing.

In contrast to previous World Cups, this year's tournament presents a few additional challenges. The Qatar 2022 season begins on November 20 and ends on December 18 (a week before the Premier League returns on December 26). With the January transfer window opening on January 1, clubs will have very little time to capitalize on what they have learned from players on the pitch. For the next month, international football will take center stage, and domestic fixtures will not interfere, giving clubs some breathing room to make their decisions. The World Cup will therefore be a means of earning a move at the beginning of 2023 for several players. Below you will find a list of a few candidates keen to impress potential suitors in Qatar.

Youri Tielemans

A Belgian professional footballer, Youri Marion A. Tielemans plays as a midfielder for the Premier League club Leicester City and the Belgium national football team. As a player for Anderlecht, Tielemans made 185 official appearances and scored 35 goals over the course of four seasons. Youri Tielemans has shown signs of returning to his best form ahead of the World Cup, after a slow start to 2022/23. As a sign of the midfielder's rediscovery of his finest self, his outrageous strike against Everton on Bonfire Night epitomized his return to form. Considering Roberto Martinez will rely heavily on his experienced midfield to guide Belgium to the World Cup, Tielemans' return to form is timely. There is no doubt that a number of clubs will keep an eye on the Leicester man given his situation at Leicester. Foxes hope to extend Tielemans' contract, but the midfielder deserves a major move, and he may be available on a free transfer next summer.

Jonathan David

A Professional soccer player Jonathan Christian David plays for Lille of the Ligue 1 league. His Haitian parents gave him birth in the United States, where he represents the Canadian national team. When David was six years old, he moved from New York City to Haiti and emigrated to Ottawa, Canada. Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are the two rising stars of second-timers Canada. Although David has received a lot of hype, John Herdman will be relying on him for the final third of the tournament. The Canadian striker is on his way to becoming one of Europe's best. After scoring 28 goals in the past two seasons with Lille, David has nine goals in 15 games to start 2022/23. Regardless of how Canada or he performs at the World Cup in Qatar, a big move lies ahead for the 22-year-old. The rise of David will undoubtedly be accelerated by a strong performance.

Joao Felix

The Portuguese professional footballer Joo Félix Sequeira plays as a forward for La Liga club Atlético Madrid and the Portugal national team. As a versatile player, he is known for his finishing, creativity, and dribbling skills. He is also capable of playing as a winger or an attacking midfielder. Joao Felix's game time at the World Cup could be limited by Fernando Santos' loyalty to Cristiano Ronaldo, and it is ironic that Manchester United has been linked with the Atletico Madrid outcast to replace the wantaway veteran. It is imperative that Felix leaves Atleti as soon as possible. It's criminal that he only plays sporadically for Diego Simeone's side given his talent. The forward notched 24 La Liga goal contributions during his second and third two seasons at the club despite only making 27 starts and has started 2022/23 with six-goal contributions in 12 league games (six starts). Felix remains a mega talent and Santos simply has to utilize the multi-faceted playmaker-cum-goalscorer if Portugal is to enjoy a deep run in Qatar. It's about time the world was reminded about just how good the 23-year-old is.

Lovro Majer

A Croatian professional footballer, Lovro Majer plays as an attacking midfielder for the Ligue 1 club Rennes and the Croatia national team. Croatia still retains some of its contemporary greats. Zlatko Dalic will once again rely on players like Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, as well as some exciting new players. Having been named to Dalic's 26-man squad, Lovro Majer will make his major tournament debut this winter. It seems likely that the hairband-wearing Croat, who could easily be mistaken for a younger version of Modric from a distance, will enjoy an outstanding tournament with Rennes in France this season. A member of L'Equipe's Ligue 1 Team of the Season following his stellar debut season with Rennes, Majer is a player to watch at the World Cup. Off the bench, he is expected to make a significant contribution.

Hakim Ziyech

Hakim Ziyech is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for the Premier League club Chelsea and the national team of Morocco. Ajax supporters have nicknamed him "The Wizard." After scoring that postage stamp of a goal against Tottenham earlier this year, Hakim Ziyech disappeared. It is likely that the winger will soon be heading through the exit door after hardly making an appearance for Chelsea this season. In the wake of a managerial change, Ziyech has returned to international football where he will play as one of the stars on a sneaky-good Moroccan team.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro GOIH ComM plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester United and captains the Portugal national team. This certainly hasn't been well promoted by Piers Morgan, to be sure! It is likely that Ronaldo will be moving on from Manchester United as a result of his "explosive" discussion with Morgan. It is important to note that despite his desire to leave Old Trafford in the summer, he was unable to find other interested clubs. Several clubs may take a big financial risk and acquire Ronaldo in 2023 if Portugal wins the World Cup.

Ousmane Dembele

The French professional footballer Masour Ousmane Dembélé plays as a winger for La Liga club Barcelona and the France national team. Dembélé was born in Vernon and began his professional career with Rennes before joining Dortmund in 2016. During the 2016-17 season, he was a member of die Borussen, and scored a goal in the final of the DFB-Pokal. Contract sagas and Ousmane Dembele are perhaps the most iconic duo in football history. It is impossible for the enigmatic Frenchman to get enough of them! In spite of his lack of playing time for Didier Deschamps' France at the World Cup, Dembele represents a great opportunity for the winger to demonstrate his majesty to a global audience. Barça wants to extend the winger's contract by two years until 2024. In 2023, a successful World Cup for France could throw a spanner in the works and encourage clubs to pursue Dembele.

Christian Pulisic

American soccer player Christian Mate Pulisic plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Chelsea and the United States national team. Fans and other players have nicknamed him "Captain America" because of his high level of play and his nationality. Pulisic is worshipped as the Second Coming of Christ in his homeland, so there are high expectations surrounding him as the USA attempts to upset the Qatari government. During that strange lockdown period of Premier League football, Pulisic developed into Lionel Messi. Currently, the American is a bit-part player for the Blues, and a move away would be beneficial to both parties. When Chelsea decides to sell the exuberant winger, he will certainly find his fair share of suitors. If Pulisic performs well against the unfancied USMNT, the Blues will have a better chance of acquiring him.

Cody Gakpo

The Dutch footballer Cody Mathès Gakpo plays as a winger for Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands national team. As a graduate of the PSV academy, Gakpo made his first-team debut in February 2018. There was a lot of interest in signing PSV skipper Cody Gakpo in the summer, but the Dutchman remained in Eindhoven. Gakpo's departure is inevitable next year, but where he will end up remains unclear. It is certain that the versatile forward will play a significant role for Louis van Gaal's side during the World Cup. He has scored three goals in nine appearances for the national team and will be part of Van Gaal's fluid front three in Qatar. During his early years as an international player, the 23-year-old has thrived for the Netherlands. It will be his performance over the next month that will determine the caliber of clubs that are interested in him in the future.

By Rashmi Goel

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