When football commentators talk about the ‘shop window’, they are referring to those players who are looking to impress with a view to earning a lucrative transfer. The World Cup provides a perfect opportunity to do just that.
In January, the winter transfer window will open across Europe and that’s when a number of deals are expected to be done. In the early stages of the tournament, some players have already put their names forward and here are some of the likely candidates.
Jude Bellingham
A few months ahead of the 2022 World Cup, England had been among the favourites. However, after some poor results in the UEFA Nations League, coach Gareth Southgate and his men had drifted down the markets.
That situation changed when the Three Lions brushed past Iran with an emphatic 6-2 scoreline and the first goal from Jude Bellingham set them on their way.
Bellingham is just 19, but he is becoming an established midfielder in Southgate’s starting XI. He currently plays for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga, but it’s felt that his efforts at the World Cup could lead to a transfer back to England.
That win has also helped England to attract more interest in those betting markets. With Argentina losing to Saudi Arabia, many world cup outright odds now put the Three Lions ahead of the South Americans.
Readers can continue to monitor those markets which are supplied by Sbo.net. Throughout the tournament, odds will update and they will appear on the website in real time. Extra reading material is provided in the shape of blog posts and breaking news, while it’s possible to get more directly involved.
Each sportsbook on the SBO panel is open to accepting new customers who complete a secure online sign up form. A welcome package is normally waiting on the other side, while a range of deposit and withdrawal options are there to get the account moving.
Those that choose to play for longer can usually enjoy ongoing promotions, while there are many other benefits including effective customer service, live markets, mobile apps and the possibility of live streaming top class sport.
It’s the site to follow the rest of the World Cup from a betting point of view, but who are the other players looking to put themselves in the ‘shop window’.
Cristiano Ronaldo
If we rewind just a few weeks, this would have been an unexpected inclusion. Cristiano Ronaldo was tied to his contract with Manchester United and, while a possible move had been discussed, not many would have expected it to come so soon.
Ronaldo has now been released from his United contract and is seeking another club before calling time on his career. One the greatest players of all time doesn’t need to put himself in the shop window, but the World Cup gives the biggest clubs time to consider their bids.
Cody Gakpo
Even before the tournament began, it was felt that Dutch striker Cody Gakpo would be earning a big money move. He’d enjoyed a prolific start to the season with PSV Eindhoven and had been linked with a host of clubs.
Gakpo underlined his potential with the first goal in the Netherlands’ 2-0 win over Senegal and, as a result, those transfer rumours are set to intensify.
Salem Al-Dawsari
Few football fans outside of Saudi Arabia would have heard of Salem Al-Dawsari before the World Cup. He is, however, revered in his own country and that winning goal in the shock defeat of Argentina has put him on the world map.
Could that goal lead to a move into European football? There are isolated rumours linking Al-Dawsari with a switch to Saudi-backed Newcastle United.
Kellyn Acosta
United States’ midfielder Kellyn Acosta made an early impression at the World Cup, but it wasn’t necessarily for the right reasons. A deliberate foul on Gareth Bale in USMNT’s 1-1 draw with Wales earned the player a yellow card, but it probably saved a point for his side.
Acosta is one of just a few members of the US national team to be playing in his native country. There has been talk of a move to Europe in the past and the player’s timely, if illegal tackle could reignite those rumours.
