Ramos, Ounahi, Fernandez among World Cup transfer targets

The 2022 World Cup is over, but the transfer rumour mill is only just starting up as the January window opens next month for Europe’s top leagues.

Qatar 2022 has seen some incredible performances on the pitch, not least from shock semifinal side Morocco, and players young and old have risen to the challenge of performing on football’s biggest stage.

Some world-class young stars have already risen to prominence on the transfer landscape over recent months, including England midfielder Jude Bellingham (rated at €150 million), Portugal forward Rafael Leao (€100m), Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol (€90m), and Netherlands winger Cody Gakpo (€60m). But which lesser-known players have boosted their transfer value with their efforts at the World Cup?

– World Cup 2022: News and features | Schedule | Squads

Amrabat’s outstanding impression in Qatar proved a perfect culmination to a year of progression for the Netherlands-born midfielder. On the back of a few relatively unremarkable campaigns in Italy, the 26-year-old reclaimed his starting spot for Fiorentina, and his influence on the Serie A side has grown virtually on a week-to-week basis since the turn of the year.

In addition to being a convincing ball-winner (with more than 10 defensive challenges per game during the tournament), he organises, leads and exudes authority. With his tenacity, application and never-say-die attitude, Amrabat perfectly encapsulated the collective spirit of the surprise package of this World Cup. Though he may lack some mobility without the ball, he is capable of switching up the tempo in possession and his through balls from deep against Spain demonstrated the constructive side of his game.

While it’s tempting to stick the dreaded “World Cup star” label on him — especially in the wake of reported interest from Liverpool — it’s no surprise to see such a clear interpreter of the No. 6 role (a somewhat dying breed) attracting high-end suitors.

Arguably the biggest “find” of the…