World Cup 2018: 4 Players Who Could Secure Big-Money Moves After the Tournament

Russia v Saudi Arabia: Group A - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Russia's Aleksandr Golovin has turned heads at this World Cup

Since time immemorial, footballers have handsomely used the World Cup to showcase their talents and secure moves to their dream clubs. As a matter of fact, the biggest show on earth is also a last chance for the players to redeem themselves after an average season.

It is actually a big risk to go for a player who performs well in the tournament, knowing that a large number of players have flopped after making moves on the back of their World Cup performances.

But, such is the aura surrounding the World Cup, the world's heavyweights seldom find themselves resisting the urge to sign the tournament's premier performers. In that case, the poorer examples seldom stop the clubs from taking the risk and shelling out bundles of cash to poach the tournament's best players in a particular edition.

The FIFA World Cup, just past its group stage, has already witnessed a few budding talents who are on the radar of the biggest clubs. Let's have a look at four such players who could secure huge transfers to top clubs post the tournament.


#4 Benjamin Pavard (France)

FBL-WC-2018-MATCH21-FRA-PER
Benjamin Pavard

Stuttgart defender Benjamin Pavard has been one of the most impressive French players in the World Cup so far. A centre-back functioning in the right-back role, he was picked in place of Djibril Sidibe in Didier Deschamps' starting lineup.

Two games in Russia have proven to be enough to know that the 22-year-old is a confident lad and boasts fine composure in defence. He has valuable experience under his belt, having made 42 appearances for Stuttgart in all competitions.

Initially, Arsenal were rumoured to be interested in a £44 million deal for the defender, but should he continue his stellar performances for Les Blues, Pavard could command a mouth-watering fee by the time the World Cup ends.

#3 Aleksandr Golovin (Russia)

Russia v Egypt: Group A - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Aleksandr Golovin has been on the radar of European heavyweights

Aleksandr Golovin has been the apple of the eye for almost every Russian spectator at the World Cup. After what appeared to be an average season with CSKA Moscow (4 goals and 7 assists in 40 club games), he has been an entirely different a player for the national team.

Golovin sent the football world into a frenzy after providing two assists and scoring a magnificent free-kick in Russia's World Cup curtain-raiser against Saudi Arabia. After that game, he has been incessantly linked with major moves to clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal.

It would be no surprise if one of those clubs snap him up for a hefty fee after the World Cup draws to a close. However, few would disagree that any club who signs him will be taking a considerable risk, viewing his contrasting performances at the club and international level.

#2 Alisson Becker (Brazil)

FBL-WC-2018-MATCH41-SRB-BRA
Alisson came into the spotlight against Barcelona in the Champions League

It's not as if Alisson Becker needs to prove his abilities as a guardian of the posts. The AS Roma shot-stopper gained worldwide attention when he played the most crucial role in Barcelona's quarter-final exit in the Champions League this season.

The World Cup is just another chance for the 26-year-old to remind the clubs of his powers as a goalkeeper. He already has two clean sheets under his belt and is a strong contender for the Golden Glove in Russia.

Alisson has no shortage of worthy suitors, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea all waiting in line for his signature. However, should he continue his form on the international stage, he will definitely go for a fee bigger than the rumoured price tag of €70 million.

#1 Hirving Lozano (Mexico)

Mexico v Sweden: Group F - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Hirving Lozano scored a vital goal against Germany

Mexican winger Hirving Lozano became one of the most talked-about players in Russia after his all-important strike past Manuel Neuer piled misery on the Germans in their opening game. The 22-year-old put in stellar performances for his side PSV Eindhoven and it is safe to say he hasn't disappointed his nation at the World Cup.

At an age as young as his, he has fine experience at the national level, with 7 goals in 28 appearances under his belt. Capable of functioning in all three roles in the attacking line, he found the net 23 times and made 8 assists in 48 games in all competitions this season.

Lozano is a deft crosser of the ball and also a threat to reckon with during set-pieces. However, he still needs to work on his passing and, most important of all, discipline during the game.

Both La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are said to be interested in his services.

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Edited by Rohith Nair
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