A big part of any international tournament, the World Cup being no exception, is the ability for players to put their skills on display not just for the fans but also for potential suitors. As much as we all love the tornado of excitement swirling about Russia, cheering fans do not pay the bills for the players taking the pitch in the World Cup. It is where they ply their trade during the club season that these footballers will earn their keep. So, lets take a look at three youngsters whose World Cup performances raised their stock and might just have earned themselves a salary bump as well.
Aleksandr Golovin (Russia)- One of the players at the epicenter of the improbable run Russia has made into the quarterfinals is 22-year old Aleksandr Golovin. The attacking midfielder entered the summer tournament with plenty of rumors of possible landing spots for him as the bidders come calling to CSKA Moscow for his services. Golovin has not disappointed thus far, tallying one goal and two assists in World Cup play. Chelsea, the latest entrants into the Golovin sweepstakes, are rumored to be in serious talks with the Russian wonder-boy. There are rumblings that the price tag on Golovin is in the realm of 30,000,000 Euros. This valuation has no doubt been augmented by his superb World Cup efforts- a valuation that clubs are making in real time just as the new Playrs platform intends to do. Wherever Golovin ends up playing next season, he surely has increased the loot that will be entering his pockets as well as the pockets of the CSKA higher ups.
Cristian Pavon (Argentina)- Argentina’s struggles in the World Cup were well documented, so no need to delve too deep into their disappointing campaign. There is also little need to hit upon the saturated conversations surrounding Lionel Messi. However, there is one particular Argentine who has been picking up buzz in the transfer mills- Boca Juniors winger Cristian Pavon. Pavon broke into Argentina’s lineup this World Cup, as the 22-year old is fresh off of a six goal, thirteen assist campaign in Argentina’s top flight. While his performance, as well as his entire team’s, at the Summer Classic might have been shaky, Pavon is still generating interest from some of the world’s biggest clubs. Arsenal, who are looking to revamp their midfield after a disappointing 2017–18 season, have reportedly made a 30,000,000 Euro bid to Boca Juniors for the rights to Pavon’s services. Boca Juniors are likely to hear out other offers, but the sweepstakes for this up-and-coming star are likely to heat up. Pavon’s value is way up, even though he will be watching the rest of the World Cup from home.
Hirving “Chuckie” Lozano (Mexico)- Mexico’s run into the last sixteen came of little surprise after the Mexicans overcame Germany in their Group Stage opener. Despite bowing out to Neymar’s Brazil on Monday, Mexico put forth a valiant effort this summer and a few of their players have seen their stocks soar because of it. Chuckie Lozano is one of those players. The 22-year old PSV Eindhoven winger was making headlines after each performance. Logging one goal and an assist for Mexico, Lozano is a great example of a player whose value has sky rocketed both due to his on-pitch performance as well as his media and marketing value. Lozano is no slouch when lacing up his boots, lets be clear. The Mexican international was good for 17 goals and 11 assists in the Dutch top flight a season ago. His name being in the papers has only bolstered the asking price that PSV are entitled to request, should any of the world’s heavyweight clubs come calling. The seriousness of their intent is not clear yet, but the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, and Everton have been amongst those named as potential suitors for Lozano. The valuation for Lozano could range as high as 40,000,000 Euros. Time for PSV and Lozano to sit back, and enjoy the ensuing bidding war. All thanks to a massive increase in Chuckie’s valuation this summer.
If we told you before the World Cup started that Russia, Argentina, and Mexico would feature up-and-coming stars, you would not expect the Russian youngster to be the only one to reach the final eight. All three of the young footballers we have highlighted have seen the price tag on their heads increase due to their World Cup performance and publicity. The wild world of the transfer market is that much crazier — and that much more fun — when the eyes of every club and fan are on the same tournament. Let the bidding begin.
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