Europe’s January transfer window swung open when the calendar flipped to 2026, and the incentive for players to find the perfect situation is high with the World Cup less than six months away.
Here are six U.S. World Cup hopefuls who could be on the move next month.
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Fabrizio Romano laid it plain earlier this week: “Tyler Adams is an option for Manchester United in the January transfer window,” soccer’s leading transactions reporter said. Why wouldn’t he be? Before suffering a suspected MCL sprain Monday in Bournemouth’s breathless 4-4 tie against the Red Devils, Adams was in the midst of a career season. Finally fully healthy after missing significant portions of the last three seasons because of injury, the midfield terrier is second in the Premier League in interceptions this season, trailing only Chelsea destroyer Moises Caicedo. That form has apparently attracted the attention of Man United manager Ruben Amorin, who is looking to bolster sixth-place United’s squad midseason. For all of United’s recent struggles, they remain among the biggest brands in sports. The prospect of helping them return to glory and Champions League play as soon as next season could be too hard for Adams to turn down.
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Berhalter’s spectacular goal against Uruguay in the Americans’ final match of 2025 has him on the brink of a World Cup trip in 2026. Then again, the central midfielder mans the deepest position in coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. He’s entering the final year of his contract with Concacaf and MLS Cup runners-up Vancouver Whitecaps and hasn’t yet inked an extension. An Irish passport means he wouldn’t count as a non-European Union player on the continent, and a successful overseas move might just cement his place on Poch’s roster. If he goes, the Netherlands could be an ideal fit for the technical but undersized 24-year-old.
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After a stellar 2025 for the national team plus four seasons and 100 MLS games for Real Salt Lake, Luna, 22, is desperate to test himself overseas. He’ll surely have the chance after leading the USMNT in games played this year, with 17. And he’s willing to take it — provided it’s the right fit.
“What would be the best bet for me to get in a position to be on that World Cup squad?” Luna said when I asked what would drive his decision. “Is it the right timing? The right money? The right move for the family? Obviously, the biggest thing is playing time, whether it’s MLS or somewhere in Europe.”
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