14 football player transfers you may have missed during the group stage of World Cup 2026 .

Here are 14 of the most notable football transfer deals that you may have missed.

Costinha → Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton continues to demonstrate its philosophy of smart football player transfers by signing Costinha from Olympiacos. This deal, worth approximately £11 million, wasn't particularly high-profile, especially given the global attention surrounding the 2026 World Cup , but it's considered a strategic move for the long term.

Costinha is a modern right-back, possessing excellent one-on-one defensive capabilities and not afraid of physical contact in high-speed situations. What particularly interests Brighton is his adaptability to a ball-possession system, where the full-back not only defends but also participates in building play from the back. He is expected to gradually replace Joel Veltman's role, bringing long-term stability to the right flank.

Martin Dubravka → Tottenham Hotspur

During a busy period in the football transfer market , Tottenham quickly signed Martin Dubravka on a free transfer. Despite the 2026 World Cup being underway and attracting all eyes, Spurs are quietly adding experience to their squad.

At 37, Dubravka is no longer a long-term option but offers immense value in terms of experience and consistency. He has played several seasons in the Premier League for Newcastle and Manchester United, giving him a deep understanding of the league's tempo and pressure. His role at Tottenham is primarily that of a quality backup goalkeeper, providing valuable experience to the younger goalkeepers.

Vedat Muriqi → Fenerbahçe SK

Muriqi's return to Fenerbahçe is a notable highlight of the football transfer market , taking place amidst the 2026 World Cup overshadowing many other transfer news. After a breakout season at Mallorca, where he became one of the most dangerous strikers in La Liga, Muriqi decided to return to Turkey to continue his career.

He is not only a physically strong striker but also very effective in aerial duels and holding up the ball. This return is highly emotional, as he previously had a successful spell at Fenerbahçe. The club hopes his international experience will help improve their competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.

Afonso Moreira → Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Leverkusen made one of the most notable signings of the football transfer window when they spent €33.6 million to sign Afonso Moreira from Lyon. Despite the market being overshadowed by the 2026 World Cup , this transfer still generated significant buzz among football experts.

Moreira is a winger with explosive speed, excellent individual technique, and a high ability to create breakthroughs in one-on-one situations. He rose through the ranks of Sporting CP's academy before thriving at Lyon, where he demonstrated consistent goal-scoring ability despite his young age. Leverkusen sees him as a key player in their long-term attacking rebuilding plan.

Diogo Sousa → RC Strasbourg Alsace

Strasbourg continues its strategy of investing in young talent in the football transfer market by signing Diogo Sousa from Vitória Guimaraes. This deal unfolded relatively quietly amidst the media attention surrounding the 2026 World Cup .

Sousa is a central midfielder with good tactical awareness, accurate short passing ability, and stable control of the game's tempo. Although not yet a standout name, he is considered a long-term project that fits Strasbourg's youth development model.

Inaki Pena → Panathinaikos FC

After years of playing a reserve role at Barcelona, ​​Inaki Pena decided to leave Spain to seek more regular playing opportunities during the football transfer market . With the 2026 World Cup underway, this decision is seen as a significant turning point in his career.

At Panathinaikos, he was expected to become the number one goalkeeper, something he never had the chance to achieve consistently at Barcelona. This was a choice that helped him rebuild his confidence and develop his career in a less stressful but still highly competitive environment.

Michael Cuisance → RC Lens

Cuisance continues his "career revival" journey in the football transfer market by joining RC Lens. Once considered one of the brightest talents at Bayern Munich, his career has been hampered by inconsistency and frequent changes in playing environment.

At Lens, he is expected to rediscover his best form thanks to a clearer tactical system and a more stable development environment. Despite the 2026 World Cup attracting global attention, this remains a strategically important signing for the club.

Giulian Biancone → RSC Anderlecht

Biancone joined Anderlecht after a period of struggling to secure a starting place at Nottingham Forest. This is considered a crucial turning point in his career, especially given the busy football transfer market coinciding with the 2026 World Cup . In England, he faced difficulties maintaining a regular starting position, resulting in inconsistent performance. Moving to Anderlecht provided him with a new environment where he could play more and regain his confidence. The Belgian Pro League is also considered a suitable environment for young players or those "rebuilding their careers" to rediscover their form.

Sam Greenwood → Bristol City FC

Sam Greenwood returns to English football after a stint in Poland, continuing his career development within a familiar system. He rose through the ranks of the Arsenal academy, where he was considered one of the most promising young talents thanks to his excellent individual technique, long-range shooting ability, and quality free kicks. However, his inability to break through at Leeds led him to seek opportunities abroad. This return to Bristol City is seen as a crucial chance for him to re-establish himself in the football transfer market , especially as the 2026 World Cup is overshadowing many young players in the media spotlight.

Sergio Canales → Racing de Santander

Sergio Canales has delivered one of the most emotional stories in the football transfer market with his decision to return to Racing Santander after 14 years away. He enjoyed a peak career with Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Real Betis, where he developed into a leading creative midfielder in La Liga.

After his time playing in Mexico, Canales decided to return to his hometown team as a way to close the chapter on his career. This is not just a professional move but also carries immense sentimental value. With the 2026 World Cup attracting global attention, this return becomes even more special and emotionally charged.

Andre Silva → FC Porto

Andre Silva returns to FC Porto in an attempt to rediscover his peak form after years playing in various top European leagues. He was once considered one of the most promising young strikers in Portuguese football, having burst onto the scene at Porto before moving to AC Milan.

However, his career subsequently became somewhat unstable as he constantly changed clubs in Germany and Spain. This return is expected to help him regain his confidence and goal-scoring form. This is one of the notable transfers in the football transfer market , even though most of the media is focused on the 2026 World Cup .

Wout Weghorst → FC Twente

Wout Weghorst joined FC Twente in a symbolic transfer in the football transfer market , marking his return to his birthplace. Although he had never played for Twente before, this was still considered an "emotional homecoming" for the Dutch striker.

Weghorst is known for his physically demanding style of play, aggressive pressing, and tireless fighting spirit. Having previously played for Burnley, Manchester United, and Ajax, he brings with him a wealth of international experience. With the 2026 World Cup underway, this transfer continues to attract significant attention in the Netherlands.

Connor Goldson → Apollon Limassol FC

Connor Goldson continued his career in Cyprus by moving to Apollon Limassol, a decision driven more by the desire for stability than by the pursuit of top-level competition. After stints at Rangers and Aris Limassol, he became familiar with the Cypriot football environment and chose to remain there to continue his career. This is a common type of transfer in the football transfer market , where experienced players prioritize family stability. Although no longer at the peak of his career, Goldson still brings valuable experience and organizational skills to the defense.

Ronaldinho → Ravenna FC

Ronaldinho created the biggest shock in modern football transfer history when he returned to professional football at the age of 46. The Brazilian legend, a Ballon d'Or winner and icon of beautiful football, signed with Ravenna FC in a symbolic project.

Beyond playing, he also acts as a representative and helps develop the club's image. Even though he's no longer playing at the highest level, his presence still generates enormous media attention, especially during the 2026 World Cup . This is considered one of the strangest and more entertaining than competitive deals in modern football.

Conclude

The football transfer market always operates in parallel with major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup . While fans focus on the pitch, clubs quietly make strategic deals, from young talents to emotional comebacks.