Australia’s World Cup campaign featured an impressive win over Turkiye before a difficult loss against co-hosts America.
And while the World Cup is about proving who is the best nation in football, for the players it provides the perfect opportunity to put yourself in the shop window with some positive performances.
The Socceroos boast one of the youngest sides at the tournament with an average age of just 26.8, so it’s no surprise that a number of clubs from the biggest leagues around the world would be circling.
Among those who made their mark in the win over Turkiye was Watford winger Nestory Irankunda.
The 20-year-old opened Australia’s account with a wonderful finish when he latched on to a long ball before beating a defender and slotting home.
Irankunda, who was born in Tanzania, has shown that he has fantastic technique to match his pace when given the opportunity.
Nestory Irankunda has been linked with a move to Everton
Defender Alessandro Circati has been linked with a move to Juventus from Parma
Young star Lucas Herrington has drawn the attention of Spanish giants Barcelona
On a number of occasions against both Turkiye and the USA, he was able to glide past his man and threaten opposition boxes.
He had been linked with a move away from the Hornets prior to the World Cup and his performances will have no doubt only increased the noise around a potential move.
According to Transfermarkt his value sits at around $18million, making him a very cost-effective option for any team looking to bolster their wide options.
One such club that has been named as a possible suitor is Everton, with the Merseysiders in need of support on the left-hand side.
Jack Grealish’s loan ended with a broken foot after what had been a bright start and Tyrique George looked good in fits and starts; so Irankunda could be a more permanent solution for the Toffees.
Another youngster who has impressed is defender Alessandro Circati, who has been solid at the back for the Socceroos.
Circati, unlike his defensive partners, didn’t look too out of place in that loss against the USA in their second 2026 World Cup game.
His most impressive moment came when he was able to catch up to Folarin Balogun, his last ditch tackle kept his side in the game.
He has also looked assured with the ball at his feet, imitating some of the best defenders from his Italian heritage.
And it is that Italian background that could play a significant factor in where he could head to next.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move away from Parma, with Juventus expected to make a serious attempt to the young defender.
And his market value of $23 million according to Transfrmarket, is expected to be well under his actually price considering his age and potential – a fee of around $41 million has been widely touted.
The Old Lady of Italy have lost a bit of their lustre over the last few years, and they could benefit from another young defender they can help mould.
Staying in Serie A would also benefit Circati who could stay in familiar surroundings.
Someone we are yet to see at the World Cup is perhaps set for the biggest move of any Socceroo.
Herrington has impressed for the Colorado Rapids and is looking for a big move to Europe to continue his development
18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington was the subject of a $5 million bid by Spanish giants Barcelona.
The 6’4 Colorado Rapids starlet has caught the eye of a number of clubs but the Blaugrana are expected to come back in with an improved bid in the near future.
Ex Brisbane Roar coach Ruben Zadkovic was full of praise for the big defender when speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘I just hadn’t seen anything like the level of detail of Lucas on the ball, and his understanding, his technical ability – and also the way he defended moments was something that I hadn’t seen in nearly any player,’ Zadkovic said.
That sentiment was echoed by Australia national coach Tony Popovic, who said, ‘When I saw him train, I thought ‘yes, he’s 18, so you can find an excuse not to play him if you want.’
‘But… then you go out there. He’s quite young isn’t it, you’ve got [Alessandro Circati] next to him, so two young players together there,’ he said. ‘Hopefully, that’s a sign of the future for the national team at the back.’
