World Cups always spark a flurry of transfer rumors, and this one is no different — from young breakout players making a name (and buck) for themselves to older players stepping down from their national teams and on to new club teams.
One player who fits in the former category is U.S. fullback/speedster DeAndre Yedlin.
He is making just over $90,000 with the Seattle Sounders of the MLS, but after his solid performances in Brazil — notching an assist against Portugal and replacing Fabian Johnson against Belgium — he has opened eyes throughout Europe.
Yedlin’s agent, Chris Megaloudis, has one of the hotter properties on the U.S. roster, and the 20-year-old reportedly is drawing interest from the Premier League and Serie A in Italy.
Metro reported Liverpool had scouted Yedlin since the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey and now could invite him on trial during the preseason this summer with the prospect of inking him to a permanent deal later in the transfer window.
Sky Sport Italia reporter Gianluca di Marzio said there was interest in Italy as well, with Roma — which used to employ U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley — signing Yedlin then loaning him to Genoa.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is England midfielder (and reported New York City FC target) Frank Lampard.
The 36-year-old left Chelsea after 13 years and has been linked with the MLS expansion team, which starts play next year and already has added Spain’s World Cup striker David Villa.
After finishing up England’s winless World Cup in Brazil, Lampard told Sky Sports News he’ll make a call soon on next year’s destination.
“At the moment I have got a few options,” Lampard said. “There is no exclusive but I will be making a decision very shortly.”
Another ex-Chelsea player linked with a move to New York — both New York City FC and the Red Bulls — is Florent Malouda.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who can play wide left or centrally and played with Red Bulls captain Thierry Henry on the French national team, moved to Turkey’s Trabzonspor on a free transfer after a contract dispute with Chelsea.
He had five goals and five assists in 19 league games, but after failing to settle in there, Turkish media reports he could be moving on with a year left on his deal for a bid of roughly $1.4 million.