5 ways in which 2018 FIFA World Cup is influencing this summer transfer window

#4 Players on the fringes of the first team would want regular action ahead of WC

Alvaro Morata could no longer do with a substitute role

As we explained in the first slide, players would be averse to risk a detour to unfamiliar landscapes where a settling in period might be inevitable. The same point would be true in reverse as well – players who were previously content with occasional cameos off the bench would suddenly start making noises about regular football.

Alvaro Morata’s eventual departure might have been inevitable, but it is clear he needed to leave now to take centre stage at a European powerhouse before 2018 WC. Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney couldn’t wait around any longer. Giroud might have chosen to stay and fight for his place any other year, but it seems less likely this summer.