5 under-the-radar talents set to snatch World Cup-inspired transfers
The World Cup provides the ultimate shop window for footballing talents eyeing a switch and for teams looking to upgrade their squads, but for every high-profile move the ilk of James Rodriguez, there are scores of players with nary the lineage of the Colombian star.
Here's a look at five under-the-radar players set to arouse transfers courtesy of a strong showing in Russia:
Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
Another product of the Generation Foot Academy with Diafra Sakho and Sadio Mane, Rennes' 20-year-old forward was the youngest player at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and ninth youngest at the World Cup. Blessed with pace and skills on the ball, Sarr has naturally drawn a comparison to Mane and has already piqued the interest of Barcelona.
Estimated transfer fee: €15 million
Trezeguet (Egypt)
A name and a slight resemblance to former French attacker David Trezeguet aren't the only commonalities linked to Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan. After a successful season in Turkey with Kasimpasa on loan from Anderlecht, the 23-year-old is gearing up to show that Egypt is more than Mo Salah on the back of reported interest from Everton, Watford, and others.
Estimated transfer fee: €10 million
Ellyes Skhiri (Tunisia)
Best suited in a deep-lying midfield role but content to deputise on the wing or right-back, Montpellier's Skhiri is certain to start for Tunisia and could very well spark some interest from some of Europe's biggest sides. Skhiri, 23, is a jack-of-all-trades without being a master of one, and is a technically gifted player who can move the ball quickly.
Estimated transfer fee: €10 million
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Iran)
It seems like an eternity since Sardar Azmoun was coined Iran's next big thing, all while Alireza Jahanbakhsh had been progressing in the Dutch top flight. This season, the 24-year-old broke out, leading the Netherlands in scoring with 21 goals, and after featuring in all three of Iran's matches at the last World Cup, Jahanbakhsh is poised to star against football's biggest sides.
Estimated transfer fee: €8 million
Renato Tapia (Peru)
Paolo Guerrero's temporary return to the Peru first team amid a ban for drinking from the wrong cup has overshadowed the exploits of a strong La Blanquirroja side arriving on football's biggest stage after a 36-year absence. Among the players boosting their value is Feyenoord midfielder Renato Tapia, a 22-year-old two-way player content to sit deep and spray incisive balls.
Estimated transfer fee: €7 million
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)