James Rodriguez, Keylor Navas, Guillermo Ochoa, Sofyan Amrabat. The list of breakout stars at the World Cup is never-ending and the 2026 tournament is no different.
Several stars have already stolen the headlines on the biggest stage and Premier League clubs have been watching, waiting to write big-money cheques.
Among those clubs is Newcastle United. The Magpies have money to burn following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for a combined £165m, and have set their sights on some serious replacements as a result.
5
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Linked clubs: Newcastle
To say that the midfield market is expensive in the Premier League would be a major understatement. Simply put, it’s time for sporting directors and scouts to earn their job titles and seek options outside such a chaotic market.
At a time when Newcastle could do with two fresh faces in the middle of the park, shopping at the World Cup is certainly a smart way to go about their business and it’s seen Yohan Manzambi emerge. With Tonali money to spend, the Tyneside club have swooped in.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has been left stunned by Manzambi and confirmed talks are ongoing regarding a move to Newcastle this summer. Indeed, the reporter watched on in awe as Manzambi impressed in Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Algeria to reach the last 16 in comfortable fashion.
“Johan Manzambi very impressive tonight. He plays like a winger in the middle of the park. Dribbling, daring, dashing. Newcastle talks ongoing.”
4
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Linked clubs: Liverpool
It’s impossible to talk about the World Cup without mentioning Yan Diomande. The Ivory Coast star showed exactly why Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have been battling to land his signature, which could cost as much as £129m this summer.
Whilst he has reportedly set his sights on a move to France instead of Anfield, the deal is not done yet. Whilst Diomande remains as an RB Leipzig player, Liverpool still have plenty of hope that they could land one of the breakout stars of the World Cup.
Yan Diomande (World Cup) | |
|---|---|
Minutes | 331 |
Successful take-ons | 10 |
Chances created | 11 |
Touches inside opposition box | 28 |
The 19-year-old became the first player this century to complete 10+ dribbles and create 10+ chances in his first three World Cup games. Wherever he ends up, Diomande is destined for the very top.
3
Ayase Ueda (Japan)
Linked clubs: Leeds, Everton
Ayase Ueda is a classic example of what a World Cup can do for a player’s career. The Japan star enjoyed an excellent domestic campaign at Feyenoord, scoring 26 goals in all competitions, but there were clearly still doubts over his ability to do it at the very top level.
The World Cup may have changed that perception. The 27-year-old played a key role for Japan, as they reached the last 32 before bowing out to a last-minute Gabriel Martinelli goal against Brazil.
Despite an early exit, the forward’s three goal involvements in four games have been enough to catch Everton’s eye as they set their sights on a consistent goalscorer. Reports have claimed that the Toffees are now preparing an offer to land his signature.
2
Zion Suzuki (Japan)
Linked clubs: Leeds, Aston Villa
It’s not just Ueda that impressed for Japan at the World Cup. Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also caught the eye of a number of Premier League sides and it’s now Leeds United who look most likely to land his signature.
The Whites have had a consistent goalkeeper problem for the last two years and Daniel Farke has been forced to turn to Karl Darlow one too many times. Suzuki represents an impressive, long-term solution.
As per recent reports, Leeds have already opened talks to sign the shot-stopper and are looking to finalise their deal ASAP now that Japan’s tournament is over.
1
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
Linked clubs: Liverpool, Man United, Man City, Arsenal
Anyone who watched Morocco’s opening game against Brazil would have been well aware of the name Ayyoub Bouaddi at full-time. He dominated veteran players like Casemiro, Fabinho and stifled Lucas Paqueta.
At just 18 years old, the LOSC Lille star is one of the best young players in the world and proved that on the biggest stage. His World Cup is far from over, either. The teenager was once again on form as Morocco defeated Netherlands on penalties to reach the last 16.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (World Cup) | |
|---|---|
Minutes | 259 |
Duel success | 62.5% |
Recoveries | 14 |
Pass accuracy | 91.5% |
As far as Bouaddi is concerned, it’s not just the headlines on the pitch that he’s stealing. According to reports, Manchester City are now in talks to land his arrival and could loan him straight back to Lille for another season.
It would be one of the most impressive moves of the summer for the biggest breakout star of the 2026 World Cup.
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