World Cup 2026 begins, but the market does not stop: the moves shaking up world football
The summer of 2026 brought with it the greatest party in world football, but the transfer window has not given up the spotlight. While national teams fight for space in the headlines, European clubs are moving hundreds of millions of euros in deals that promise to redraw hierarchies for next season.
Real Madrid: Bernardo Silva confirmed, Enzo Fernández in their sights
The Merengue club got ahead in the major signings. The arrival of Bernardo Silva was officially confirmed: the Portuguese midfielder signed for two years as a free agent after the end of his cycle at Manchester City. A surgical signing – zero acquisition cost, very high technical level.
But Real Madrid’s appetite does not stop there. The name of Enzo Fernández is increasingly linked to the Bernabéu, with a personal agreement practically sewn up. The obstacle is Chelsea, who demand a figure above 120 million euros for the Argentine. At the same time, the Merengues made official the signing of defender Ibrahima Konaté, also at no transfer cost, after the Frenchman ended his contract with Liverpool. A significant double arrival in a matter of days.
Liverpool and Barcelona reinforce the flanks
The Reds surprised by triggering the release clause of Victor Muñoz, the Spanish winger from Osasuna, worth 40 million euros – half of which goes directly to Real Madrid, who held a resale percentage. The player signed until 2032. It is the debut of the new cycle under Andoni Iraola at Anfield.
Barcelona, for their part, are looking to reinforce the lower categories with the signing of Ecuadorian winger Josué Caicedo, just 18 years old, from Liga de Quito. However, the situation at full-back is a concern: negotiations for João Cancelo have stalled, and the alternatives remain scarce.
MLS as a destination and an improbable return
American football continues to attract big names. Inter Miami are reportedly close to agreeing the signing of Casemiro, who would become a team-mate of Lionel Messi in MLS. A duo that would certainly raise the level of interest in the North American league.
Even more unusual: Ronaldinho Gaúcho, at 46, has signed for Ravenna, a club in the Italian third division. A global idol, the former Brazil number 10 has laced up his boots again after years away from the pitch. One can question the sporting purpose, but the media impact is undeniable.
Other moves that deserve attention
Atlético Madrid are advancing in talks with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Alejandro Grimaldo for more than 10 million euros. Tottenham made official the arrival of Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke, from Brighton for 52 million pounds. And AC Milan turned the page by announcing Rúben Amorim as their new coach, with a contract until 2029 – the Portuguese leaves the Premier League to try to revive the Rossoneri.
A frantic summer
With the World Cup on one side and the transfer window in full effervescence on the other, football has rarely been so busy. July 2026 is, without doubt, a month for the record books of the sport.
