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Five transfers that could be completed before the 2026 World Cup, including Barco to Chelsea

24 May 2026 15:07 BST | 5 min read

Valentin Barco, Chelsea

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

The summer transfer window is nearly here and several big-name players are expected to secure huge moves before Deadline Day in late August.

A number of transfers have already been finalised before the window officially opens, while a host of other deals are also set to be announced over the next few weeks.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five high-profile deals that could be completed before the start of the 2026 World Cup.

Valentin Barco - Strasbourg to Chelsea

Chelsea have reached a full agreement to make Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco their fifth signing of the summer transfer window, as confirmed by multiple reports" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/chelsea-transfer-news-blues-agree-deal-to-sign-valentin-barco-fabrizio-romano" target="_blank">as confirmed by multiple reports.

The Argentina star has been linked with a Stamford Bridge switch for several months and an official announcement confirming the transfer is expected to be released shortly.

Barco arrived at Strasbourg from Brighton & Hove Albion as a left-back, but he was transformed into a central midfielder by ex-Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior and he is expected to provide depth in the middle of the park for Xabi Alonso’s side next season.

Lawrence Shankland - Hearts to Rangers

Lawrence Shankland enjoyed a superb 2025-26 season with Hearts and he is now on the verge of becoming a Rangers player after Danny Rohl’s side agreed a deal to secure his signature" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/gb-sct-premier-league/2026/05/rangers-transfer-news-lawrence-shankland-hearts-this-week-scotland-world-cup" target="_blank">after Danny Rohl’s side agreed a deal to secure his signature.

The 30-year-old bagged 20 goals in the Scottish Premiership this campaign as Hearts narrowly lost out on the title to Celtic on the final day of the season following a 3-1 defeat to Martin O’Neill’s side.

Shankland has been included in Scotland’s squad for the World Cup and his move to Rangers is expected to be formally completed before he jets off to North America.

Lawrence Shankland

Nico Paz - Como to Real Madrid

Nico Paz has established himself as one of the world’s most talented young players since his move from Real Madrid to Como in 2024, and Los Blancos are set to trigger their buy-back clause this summer.

The Spanish giants are able to re-sign Paz for a measly fee of just €9 million and widespread reports have revealed that he will return to the Bernabeu on a permanent deal before the start of next season.

Paz scored 13 goals and provided eight assists this term, and he will likely compete with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz for a starting berth under incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.

Ederson - Atalanta to Man Utd

Manchester United are eager to sign at least two central midfielders this summer, due to the imminent exit of Casemiro and the potential sale of Manuel Ugarte, and Atalanta star Ederson has emerged as a top target in recent days.

The Brazilian has been on Man Utd’s radar for several months, but he was initially regarded as a secondary option behind top targets Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali, and several others.

However, advanced talks are ongoing and it has been rumoured that personal terms have already been agreed ahead of a high-profile summer switch" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/man-utd-transfer-news-ederson-atalanta-contract-agreement-first-summer-signing" target="_blank">it has been rumoured that personal terms have already been agreed ahead of a high-profile summer switch.

Ederson

Elliot Anderson - Nottingham Forest to Man City

Of the five proposed transfers on this list, Elliot Anderson to Manchester City is the least likely to be finalised before the World Cup, but it certainly could happen.

The England international is seen as a primary target for the eight-time Premier League champions and reports suggest that an agreement-in-principle has been reached on contract terms ahead of a summer move" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/man-city-elliot-anderson-reaches-agreement-in-principle-to-sign" target="_blank">reports suggest that an agreement-in-principle has been reached on contract terms ahead of a summer move.

Anderson’s move to the Etihad Stadium is far from agreed, however, as City are yet to finalise a transfer fee with Nottingham Forest, who want at least €120m for their star midfielder.