Williams, Calafiori, Kante?? Players that deserve a big move after Euro 2024

Euro 2024 will soon come to an end next week and football fans have been treated to a tournament full of talented players. We have seen the younger generation of football carry their countries while the older players show that they still have it at the highest level. Let’s look at the players clubs should push to sign after the competition finishes:

Nico Williams (Spain)

(Image via Barca Blaugranes)

When someone describes the perfect winger duo, my mind immediately goes to Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. These two have single-handedly made Spanish football entertaining with their pace and flair up top. To see a 21 and 16-year-old tear up the best defenders in the world effortlessly is frightening. Williams has so much potential with plenty of time left in his career. This kid is ready for a big move this summer and his eyes are on Barcelona. Yamal already plays for the Spanish giants so why not bring this duo together at the club level?

There were growing concerns that due to Barcelona’s restricted finances, the deal could not be done; however, reports came out this morning that Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims the club has enough money to bring the 21-year-old to the club, make it happen.

Riccardo Calafiori (Italy)

(Image via the New York Times)

Despite Italy’s poor performances at the Euros this summer, Calafiori deserves recognition for his leadership at the back. History tells us that Italy football is known for its legendary defenders: Maldini, Baresi, Nesta, Chiellini, Bonucci, and the list goes on. This tournament saw a new generation of Italian defenders represent their country with Calafiori being the star. At just 22 years old, the defender plays as if he has 10 years of experience; he plays with passion and composure. 

Arsenal is close to completing a move for the Italian and I think this is the perfect club for Calafiori as long as Arsenal sees him as a first-team player and not a bench warmer for Gabriel and Saliba. He can play left-back but I do not think that position utilizes all of his qualities. He deserves a starting position. 

Marc Cucurella (Spain)

(Image via Foot National)

This is a bit of a surprising omission to the list but Cucurella has exceeded all expectations. During his time at Brighton, Cucurella was the left-back on every big club's shortlist until he signed for Chelsea. Throughout his time with the Blues, however, the Spaniard has failed to impress. When Spain called him up to the squad this summer, people were surprised; but to see him take the starting spot and shine while Grimaldo who had a world-class season at Leverkusen sits and watches is incredible. 

With Chelsea seemingly done with the Spaniard, clubs should line up in front of Boehly’s office asking for his services. If Cucurella went to a mid-table Premier League club, I believe he is good enough to shine again.

Diogo Costa

(Image via OFM News)

That performance against Slovenia alone is enough for Costa to get a big-money move somewhere in Europe. He single-handedly saved Portugal from crashing out of the tournament in the RO16 with countless one-on-one saves against Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko and saving three penalties in a row (which is a record in the Euros) in the shootout. Now that Portugal is out, Costa should go to the Porto board and demand a move away, because he needs to be playing at a higher level.

Costa was on a lot of club’s radars but after his underwhelming performance at the 2022 World Cup, it seemingly hurt his chances of a move last summer. Now, it is his time.  I thought this would be a perfect move for Arsenal, but their intentions with David Raya are clear after making his move to Arsenal permanent recently. Chelsea looks like the club most likely since they need a keeper and they have no problem spending money. With Ederson seemingly out the door, Man City might look into him. Bring Costa to the Premier League. 

Xavi Simons

(Image via Eurosport)

Poor Xavi Simons is a prisoner of PSG. He is full of talent but can only land loan moves as PSG are reluctant to sell him. I think if a club needs an attacking mid but does not want to spend a lot of money this summer, a one-year loan move to bring Simons in is a quick solution that will surely pay off. Simons is shining in the Dutch attack and he showed us what he can do at Leipzig. It is unfortunate that he cannot leave PSG but if he can have another successful season elsewhere then PSG may use him next year or allow him to move for big money. 

N’golo Kante

(Image via Europe 1)

I know this one is less likely to happen, but who let Kante go to Saudi Arabia this early? He is a talented midfielder who is still full of energy and it is being wasted. Kante has been one of the best players this tournament and is one of the reasons that France has rarely conceded goals. He never stops running! I am watching him play this summer and wondering why Chelsea let him go so soon?? The one problem is that Kante’s wages are so high and now it will be hard to pull him away from Saudi Arabia. A move can only happen if the player wants to come back to Europe and take a pay cut. Kante is too good to be playing outside of the top leagues. 

Who do you want to see your club sign?