Maguire, Rashford and five players that need a transfer before the World Cup

Updated: 30 Mar 2022 18:04 BST
4 min read

Harry Maguire, Manchester United, 2021/22 — © ProShots

With the latest edition of the FIFA World Cup coming up in November, there are a number of high-profile names that need a transfer move to make sure they are heading to Qatar.

While previous performances for the national team often form part of the selection process, club form is typically the biggest factor.

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As a result, players that are either in poor form or not featuring at all for their clubs are at risk of missing out on the call-up, despite the ability they may have.

England's Paul Gascoigne is a perfect example, arguably the countries' most talented ever player, who missed out on the 1998 World Cup in France.

With that in mind, there are a long list of stars that will be wanting a move in the summer transfer window in order to maximise their chances of representing their country at football's greatest competition.

So who are the top five players that would boost their World Cup chances the most from a summer move?

Harry Maguire - Manchester United, England

England manager Gareth Southgate has stuck by Harry Maguire, starting him in the Three Lions' most recent friendly against Ivory Coast.

However, several fans inside Wembley Stadium made themselves known that the centre-back should not be playing due to his recent form.

We’ve worked hard to rebuild our connection with @England fans in the last few years so to hear @HarryMaguire93 booed at Wembley before kick off was just not right.
— Harry Kane (@HKane) March 30, 2022

Maguire has been sub-par for Manchester United of late, but his previous displays in an England shirt have kept him his place in the squad.

However, should the 29-year-old be replaced this summer, and be on the sidelines next season, it could be impossible for Southgate to take him to Qatar.

Marcus Rashford - Manchester United, England

Marcus Rashford is another of United's England hopefuls that could miss out on the next major tournament.

Except, Rashford is at a higher risk given his exclusion from the latest squad and the abundance of talent in his position.

It appears Southgate has already recognised that the winger is not worthy of a place in the team, meaning a summer move could be the only way to force his way back into the manager's plans.

Arsenal are reportedly interest in the 24-year-old, who could benefit greatly from a fresh start after a couple of troubled seasons at Old Trafford.

Tanguy Ndombele - Tottenham, France

Tanguy Ndombele's Spurs career appears to be over, especially if Antonio Conte remains at the helm beyond this summer.

The Frenchman does not fit into Conte's plans, with his attitude and defensive work rate often questioned in his time in north London.

As such, the midfielder needs to find a permanent suitor in the next transfer window so he can show off his talents at the start of next season.

Ndombele has an awful lot of ability, but will need to hit form between August and November to beat off stiff competition from the likes of Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot.

Timo Werner - Chelsea, Germany

Timo Werner's Chelsea career has stalled, putting his international career at risk.

As things stand, the striker looks to be one of Hansi Flick's favourites, scoring in Saturday's win over Israel.

Timo Werner wants to leave, best move for both parties, actually hope he smashes it wherever he goes next.
— Mod (@CFCMod_) March 29, 2022

But, his lack of game time for the Blues could become a problem if it continues into next season.

Instead, Werner needs a move, preferably a return to the Bundesliga, where he can nail down his spot at Germany's number nine for the World Cup in Qatar.

Memphis Depay - Barcelona, Netherlands

Memphis Depay's goal record for Barcelona is impressive, scoring 10 times in 15 La Liga starts.

However, the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has seen him out of favour under new head coach Xavi.

Indeed, the Dutchman came on in the 71st minute of Barca's 4-0 El Clasico thrashing of Real Madrid last week.

And with the likes of Donyell Malen and Arnaut Danjuma to compete with, it is vital that Depay exits Camp Nou for a destination that he will thrive next campaign.