The most in-demand talents at the Club World Cup

Telegraph

13-06-2025

For some, this Club World Cup competition in the United States is something of a shop window for talent. With so many major clubs in one place, it could be the perfect opportunity to show the big sides what you've got.
Could they be snapped up by your club? Here is a run down of players – and up-and-coming managers – who are generating some real heat in the market, or could soon become hot property.
IN-DEMAND
Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)
As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Chelsea targeted the England Under-21 winger as a summer recruit and had bids rejected before the tournament. They will go back later in the window for the Reading-born former Manchester City academy player. Other clubs have also been looking at him.
Diogo Costa (Porto)
At 25 he is the perfect age for a goalkeeper and billed as the next great gloveman from Portugal after the likes of Vítor Baía and Rui Patrício. He is fresh in the mind after penalty shoot-out heroics in the Nations League, with Premier League clubs looking at him as a high-profile No 1.
Franco Mastantuono (River Plate)
The 17-year-old can play as a right-winger or a No 10 and has already appeared for the Argentina national team. He is a fan of Phil Foden, which illustrates just how young he is. Real Madrid are expected to sign him after the tournament but he could take his pick of any of the big European clubs.
Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus)
Manchester City have him on their list of right-backs to replace Kyle Walker but a move has not materialised. The 25-year-old Italy international has the ability to play on both flanks, which makes him appealing to clubs, although he is thought to have a high asking price. Juve are pondering over how expensive he would be to replace.
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Has not seemed settled at Real Madrid with other Galacticos taking the limelight. Arsenal are admirers of the Brazilian. Players rarely want to leave the Bernabéu unless they are kicked out – so it would have to be a bad situation for him to push for a move. But as we have seen in the Champions League, he is a match winner.
Pablo Barrios (Atlético Madrid)
The ink is still drying on his new contract at Metropolitano Stadium, committing him until 2030, so the central midfielder would not come cheap. But the biggest clubs in Europe will be carefully watching the 21-year-old, whose value will only increase if he plays at the World Cup with Spain next year.
Wesley Franca (Flamengo)
The 21-year-old is a wonderkid who will eventually make the move to Europe – it is just a case of who will make the right offer. Manchester City are in the market for a right-back and he is said to be one they are watching. He was linked with Liverpool, although they have swooped for Jeremie Frimpong in that position.