When the summer transfer window closed at the beginning of September, it did not take long for speculation to emerge regarding potential deals for January.
However, while there are numerous high-profile players at the centre of sagas surrounding their futures, some players required a wider platform to take the next steps in their careers.
For representatives of the lower nations, a winter World Cup came at the ideal time to catapult themselves into the thoughts of clubs around Europe, assuming that is where they view to be a step up in quality.
That scenario played out at a time when clubs are still dealing with the ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic, and finding value in the market has arguably been made easier by a wide range of players enhancing their reputations during the tournament in Qatar.
With that in mind, Sports Mole takes a look at five players who could earn transfers to bigger clubs at the turn of the year.
NICLAS FULLKRUG
For followers of German football, they will be familiar with the exploits of Niclas Fullkrug, who has spent his entire career in his homeland. However, if you had not been keeping an eye on this season's Bundesliga, you would be forgiven for not having a clue who he was.
Before 2022-23, Fullkrug had contributed 28 goals in the top flight since his first outing in 2011-12, the versatile attacker instead impressing more in the second tier, particularly last season as he netted 19 times to help Werder Bremen to promotion.
Since then, a further 10 strikes have come in this year's Bundesliga, leading to the uncapped player being selected for Germany's World Cup. However, the 29-year-old justified his selection with two goals and one assist from just 66 minutes on the pitch in Qatar.
Fullkrug is now in the shop window as far as big clubs are concerned. Although he possesses a contract until 2025, Bremen know that now may be the time if they want to generate a substantial profit on the approximate €7m that they shelled out in 2019.
Much could depend on Bremen's ambition. They sit eight points clear of the bottom two and four points adrift of the top six. However, consideration may also be given to the desire of Fullkrug, who has never represented one of Germany's biggest clubs and will be aware that he will receive offers to move to the Premier League, La Liga or Serie A on the back of his rise to prominence.
SALEM AL-DAWSARI
Each of Saudi Arabia's 26-player squad at the World Cup currently represent a team in their homeland, something which had not been anticipated to change given their status as minnows in the competition.
However, the iconic 2-1 triumph over Argentina has the potential to change that. Their two strikes in that encounter were brilliantly taken, the second from Salem Al-Dawsari a certainty to feature on any highlight reel at the end of the tournament.
Of course, it took a team effort to overcome the two-time world champions, but Al-Dawsari has long been regarded as the star player of the team, now having 19 goals from 74 outings for his country.
While the 31-year-old made one appearance for Villarreal earlier in his career, it seems plausible that longer-term offers may arrive from Europe for his services.
Saudi Arabian players featuring abroad is a rare occurrence, but it has happened in the past. National team legend Sami Al-Jaber famously signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2000, and if a similar transfer is to ever take place, it feels like it will be now, after Saudi Arabia impressed many observers in Qatar with their vibrant, entertaining brand of football.
HARRY SOUTTAR
Having been sidelined for a year with a serious knee injury, it is fair to say that not much was expected from Harry Souttar despite his selection in Australia's World Cup.
The centre-back played just 90 minutes of football before the tournament, helping Stoke City to a 2-0 win over Luton Town on November 8, but the return to international action with the Socceroos proved to be a roaring success.
The 24-year-old completed every minute of Australia's four matches, playing a key role in shutouts against Tunisia and Denmark and pushing Argentina all of the way in the last 16.
From Stoke's perspective, the return to full fitness of Souttar is a bonus as they bid to move away from the Championship relegation zone, but the Potters will inevitably receive bids for Souttar's signature in January or next summer.
Given Stoke's recent need to boost their position with financial fair play, the club's owners will welcome any substantial bids for a player who has barely featured for a year and still has a contract until 2025.
ANGELO PRECIADO
During Ecuador's 2-0 win over Qatar in the opening fixture of the World Cup, Enner Valencia naturally received the majority of the plaudits, yet his second goal was set up by an excellent delivery from Angelo Preciado.
The right-sided player again impressed in the following contest versus Netherlands, helping his South American nation earn a draw versus Oranje and matching direct opponent Daley Blind blow for blow.
While Preciado's performances levels dropped when Ecuador reverted to a back four against Senegal, it was already clear that he possesses the attributes to become a quality wing-back.
Preciado has been with Genk since January 2021, contributing seven assists from his 51 appearances, but he now has just under seven months remaining on his contract at a time when his stock has never been higher.
There is now an opportunity for a European club who uses wing-backs to take advantage of the situation. Although Genk will almost certainly activate the two-year option on his existing terms, they know that Preciado will be hoping for a pay rise in the future or the freedom to take a more lucrative chance elsewhere.
AZZEDINE OUNAHI
During Morocco's unexpected run to the World Cup quarter-finals, their big names have naturally been making the headlines, including Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech.
However, in the aftermath of his Spain side being knocked out by the Atlas Lions in the last 16, Luis Enrique took the opportunity to heap praise on Azzedine Ounahi.
Speaking to reporters, Enrique said: "I was pleasantly surprised by the number '8', I can't remember the name, I'm sorry. Where did that boy come from? He plays very well".
That boy, Luis, plays for French side Angers. The 22-year-old has made 46 appearances in Ligue 1 since the start of last season, while all 14 of his caps for Morocco have been earned this year.
Ounahi's qualities have gone largely unnoticed in an Angers team which sit bottom of France's top flight. The player has failed to contribute a single goal or assist in 1106 minutes of football this campaign, yet his performances in Qatar and the words of Enrique could lead to interest in his signature from clubs who may not have previously considered themselves as potential admirers.
body check tags ::
