The World Cup has reached its business end, with one semi-final already locked in and the remaining spot to be decided by the end of the weekend. The tournament has been a triumph, providing a platform for another generation of young stars to announce themselves. But amid the emergence of fresh talent, it is the global superstars who have stolen the spotlight, reminding everyone why he continues to define the biggest stage in football.
While a blockbuster move for the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane or Lionel Messi remains firmly in the realm of fantasy, Barcelona's recruitment team will still be watching this World Cup with keen interest. Alongside supporting their own players, they'll be searching for the next breakout star ready to make the leap to the biggest clubs in world football.
We take a look at three players Barcelona could target after their World Cup exploits
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Despite only being 18, Ayyoub Bouaddi has shown throughout the World Cup that he possesses the composure, intelligence and technical quality to thrive at the highest level. Watching him play for Morocco reminded me of Sergio Busquets, and we all know how he fitted into the Barcelona way.
The Lille midfielder dictated games against elite opposition,simple passing combined with impressive break up play and the confidence to carry the ball under pressure, although France exposed him in one game too many.
Barcelona's midfield has long been built on players comfortable in possession, and Bouaddi looks tailor-made for that philosophy. A £100million price tag has been put on his shoulder as Lille want to keep their star, however negotiations to bring that down have already been advanced by Premier League sides.
Gilberto Mora
Gilberto Mora has emerged as one of the biggest revelations of the World Cup, not only because he was the only player who hasn’t reached the grand old age of 18 yet. The Mexican teenager has impressed on the world stage with his close control, creativity and fearlessness in possession, consistently finding space between the lines and creating chances against top-level opposition. Quiet against England but he had shown enough in the group stage for the big clubs to take notice.
Barcelona have always valued technically gifted attacking midfielders capable of thriving in tight spaces, and Mora fits that profile perfectly. A long term target that will allow him to continue at Tijuana for another season, before a loan at La Liga or European club will settle him in nicely to the European game. If his World Cup performances are anything to go by, Barcelona would be securing one of the game's brightest prospects before his value inevitably soars.
Manu Kone
Midfielders may be a recurring theme here, even though Barcelona's priority this summer is strengthening their defence. However, with Marc Casadó's future uncertain and Frenkie de Jong potentially heading for the exit, there could soon be a vacancy in the middle of the park, and Manu Koné looks well equipped to fill it.
The France international has impressed while deputising for Aurélien Tchouaméni at the base of midfield, bringing relentless energy, crunching tackles and the discipline to let the team's attacking talent flourish. Barcelona have often lacked that physical presence shielding the back four, and Koné's ball-winning ability, athleticism and composure in possession could provide the defensive steel Hansi Flick's side has been missing.
A similar player to Bouaddi but likely at less the price.
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