Early World Cup exits could push through transfer moves.10) Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)
An impressive World Cup campaign with Ivory Coast, who were unfortunate to be eliminated early on from this tournament, has only added to the already-strong reputation of Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier, who has been tracked by Arsenal as well as the likes of Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers. The young defender definitely looks like one of the best emerging talents in the game at the moment and could be a top quality replacement for Bacary Sagna at the Emirates Stadium. With Ivory Coast already heading home from Brazil after a shock defeat to Greece in the final game of their group, this could pave way for Aurier to complete his move to the Gunners, who are the favourites to land him this summer.
9) Alex Song (Cameroon)
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song certainly didn’t have the best World Cup for his country this summer, earning himself a stupid red card in a 4-0 defeat to Croatia to further dent Cameroon’s hopes of progressing to the last 16. The 26-year-old has not really impressed for his club either in recent times, failing to establish himself as a first-team regular at the Nou Camp since signing from Arsenal last summer. A number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, are now believed to be keen on bringing Song back to England before next season, while there has also been talk that Napoli could sign him from Barca in a swap deal involving Gonzalo Higuain. With no more World Cup football to occupy him this summer, Song will now be free to talk to clubs about possible moves.
8) Claudio Marchisio (Italy)
A long-time target for Manchester United, Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is another transfer target heading home early from the World Cup this summer after his surprise exit from the competition with Italy. The 28-year-old scored a terrific opening goal against England in their meeting in Group D, helping the Italians to a 2-1 victory that looked to establish them as favourites to progress to the knockout stages. However, surprise defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay in their following two matches sent the Azzuri packing along with England, meaning a number of their squad could now be focusing on where they will be playing their football next season.
7) Antonio Candreva (Italy)
Another impressive member of the Italian squad who couldn’t quite do enough to keep his side in the competition, Lazio winger Antonio Candreva is now likely to be the subject of much interest in the remainder of this summer’s transfer window. The 27-year-old caught the eye in Italy’s only win at the World Cup, providing a neat assist for Mario Balotelli to score the winner against England, and it could be that he will be heading to these shores before the start of next season, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool strongly linked as admirers of his in recent times. Candreva scored 12 goals and contributed six assists in Serie A this season to earn himself a place in the Italy squad, and his fine form means he is sure to be heading to a bigger club soon enough.
6) Jordi Alba (Spain)
A player who certainly wasn’t expecting to be heading home this soon, Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba formed part of the embarrassed Spain squad that was beaten resoundingly by both the Netherlands and then Chile to come crashing back down to Earth after years of total dominance on the international stage. The 25-year-old has seemingly become one of Manchester United’s possible targets at left-back after the Red Devils have become increasingly impatient over negotiations for Southampton star Luke Shaw. Despite a poor tournament for Spain, Alba would no doubt be a top class addition for new manager Louis van Gaal if he can bring him in, and his availability for talks after leaving Brazil could speed up a deal.
5) Luke Shaw (England)
Still Manchester United’s main target, however, Luke Shaw may now be edging closer to a move to Old Trafford after leaving Brazil with the rest of the England squad. The 18-year-old will hopefully have gained some top-level experience from his time at the World Cup, which should put him in good stead for the future at international tournaments, as well as serving him well if he does make the move to a bigger club this summer. Undoubtedly one of the finest young talents in the country, Shaw would be a great long-term replacement for Patrice Evra at United, and Louis van Gaal will now be hoping to be able to snap him up after the distraction of World Cup football.
4) Adam Lallana (England)
Another Southampton and England player looking likely to make a big move this summer, Adam Lallana will now be available to talk to Liverpool after the Three Lions’ disappointing early exit from the World Cup. Lallana perhaps didn’t get as much playing time as he deserved in Brazil after such a strong season for his club in 2013/14, but the 26-year-old attacking midfielder will be hoping to put that behind him now as he hopes to complete a move to Anfield. Southampton supposedly want as much as £30m for the player, and negotiations could now make some progress as he puts his international commitments behind him for the time being.
3) Javi Martinez (Spain)
Napoli and Liverpool could be on alert as Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez is another big name from Spain’s World Cup squad heading home early after the holders’ disastrous time in Brazil. Martinez was one of many who hardly covered himself in glory during his time in the competition this summer, but he remains a great player who can fill in both as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, leading to plenty of interest in his signature ahead of next season. Bayern are seemingly ready to listen to offers for the player, who is also thought to be keen on a move after falling out of favour with manager Pep Guardiola for much of this season.
2) Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)
Another Bayern Munich star who is likely to move this summer after becoming unhappy with life at the Allianz Arena, Mario Mandzukic will now be available after a slightly disappointing World Cup campaign with Croatia. The 27-year-old managed to score twice against Cameroon in an emphatic 4-0 victory, but after missing his side’s opening day defeat to Brazil, he was unable to help keep the team in the competition as they also lost to Mexico in their final match. Undoubtedly one of the best strikers at the competition, Mandzukic will be a big loss, but top clubs such as Arsenal and Juventus will now be hoping to capitalise as they look to secure his signing for next season.
1) Mario Balotelli (Italy)
Tipped to be one of the stars of this year’s World Cup, Mario Balotelli will be on his way home now after Italy’s shock exit at the first hurdle. The AC Milan striker scored what looked like being an important winner in his side’s first game against England, but was guilty of missing good chances in the next two matches as the Azzurri fell to surprise defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay. The 23-year-old remains something of a troublesome figure at the San Siro despite his fine performances, and it is believed that the club will look to sell him this summer if the right offer comes along. Arsenal have been strongly linked with the Italian forward, though Arsene Wenger then ruled his side out of the running to sign him, but there will likely still be big interest from the likes of Chelsea and Monaco as the player’s focus will now be on his next club after finishing his international commitments for the summer.
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