World Cup 2026: The Stars Who Might Need January Moves to Save Their Dreams
With the 2026 World Cup looming, several big names including Endrick, Salah, ter Stegen and Mainoo are facing crucial decisions this January transfer window.
World Cup Worries: January Transfer Window Could Reshape 2026 Tournament Squads
With the 2026 World Cup in North America just around the corner, this January’s transfer window is shaping up to be a proper game-changer for several top footballers desperate to secure their spots on the international stage.
Endrick’s Madrid Nightmare
Remember all that hype when Endrick joined Real Madrid? Well, it’s gone a bit Pete Tong for the Brazilian wonderkid. The lad’s barely getting a sniff at the Bernabéu, finding himself well down Carlo Ancelotti’s pecking order.
Sources close to the player and within the club are now considering a temporary fix to fast-track his development. Lyon have emerged as frontrunners for a potential loan deal, offering the striker regular football in a top European league – exactly what he needs to catch the eye of Brazil’s selectors.
Salah’s Liverpool Bust-up
Things have gone south between Mo Salah and Arne Slot at Liverpool. What started as tactical disagreements has apparently escalated into a proper cold war, with insiders claiming communication between the pair is virtually non-existent.
The Egyptian King reportedly feels Slot doesn’t trust him to lead the project anymore. With Saudi clubs still waving their checkbooks and the World Cup approaching, Salah might force a January exit to secure his international future.
Ter Stegen’s Bench Blues
Over in Catalonia, Marc-André ter Stegen’s Barcelona future looks increasingly uncertain. Despite recovering from his serious back injury, the German keeper hasn’t reclaimed his starting spot, with Hansi Flick seemingly preferring Joan García between the sticks.
After months on the sidelines, ter Stegen now faces the prospect of missing out on Germany’s World Cup plans if he can’t secure regular minutes soon. A January move could be his best chance of boarding that flight to North America in 2026.
Mainoo’s United Frustration
What’s happened to Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United? After breaking through spectacularly and earning England caps, the midfielder has found himself marginalized under Ruben Amorim’s new regime.
With just 180 Premier League minutes to his name this season, Mainoo’s World Cup ambitions are fading fast. Napoli, who tried to sign him last summer, are reportedly keen on a loan deal – though Amorim seems reluctant to let him leave.
January: The World Cup Window
This winter transfer window isn’t just about club fortunes – it could reshape the entire 2026 World Cup landscape. For these players and others in similar boats, January represents a crucial crossroads: stick it out or make a bold move to save their international dreams.
The clock is ticking, and for some of football’s biggest names, the next few weeks could determine whether they’ll be watching the World Cup on telly or playing in it.