Do Eden Hazard, Christian Pulisic, Marcus Rashford and others need to find new clubs ahead of the World Cup?

The new season hasn’t even started yet before the managers voice their concerns about the only timing World Cup in Qatar this November and its impact on the transfer market.

“The players have been very focused for this World Cup, which is a good thing because they are already in good shape and taking care of themselves.” Chelsea Owner Thomas Tuchel said on August 5. “It’s also a bad thing. They are focused on the World Cup, not here. [on their clubs]. Part of them, I have a feeling, is thinking about November. “

A week later, Tottenham Head coach Antonio Conte also participated. “Every season has different goals; this season has the World Cup,” said the Italian. “Many players claim to play often to give away [them] more time to play the game. “

If Sunday of “Battle of the Bridge” whatever happens, Tuchel and Conte rarely agree on many things these days, so maybe we should all pay attention at this point. Less than 100 days left until the World Cup kicks off in Qatar. In a typical season, when an international tournament will take place in June and July, the January transfer window will prompt players to reconsider their futures and consider short-term moves when The scramble to remain relevant to their country is on the rise.

Some feel the clock ticks louder than others. With two weeks to go in this transfer window, players on the fringes of the first team everywhere will have to weigh whether to wait patiently for their chance or push for a move to keep their World Cup dreams alive. ESPN looks at a number of people facing the conundrum about Qatar.

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The warning signs have been there for a while. Chelsea signed Raheem Sterlingalmost missed it Raphinha arrive Barcelonaand still trying to land at least two more attacking players with two rejected bids Because Everton‘S Anthony Gordon and the talks continued about Barcelona Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Extensive upgrades are being sought in those locations – especially after permission Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner gone – shows Pulisic has a battle to become an influential player at Stamford Bridge this season. He featured in Chelsea’s opening two games, but only came off the bench, playing 30 minutes in total. Of course, a continuation might be enough, as he is a guaranteed starter for USMNT regardless in November, and there is even an argument that limited game time will keep him fresh for Qatar.

Pulisic also has two years left on his Chelsea contract, so the situation could be looked at after the tournament or next summer – but an offer to play in the first team at a progressive club could have appeal. for both the Blues and the player. As a result, Manchester United’s Pulisic loan investigation could be a game changer. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are willing to allow him to join a domestic rival – Newcastle, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the situation – but United can at least offer European football without a turn move to another country. months before the World Cup.

As another winger pursuing a club chasing players in his position, Hudson-Odoi is in a similar situation to Pulisic at Chelsea – but under much greater pressure for an international position. . In fact, there is little chance for the 21-year-old to come in EnglandHis plans, with his final limit being in November 2019.

But a glimmer of hope for Hudson-Odoi will come from the fact that Gareth Southgate has an expansive 26-man squad to choose from, and the manager is also known to select players according to form, so a quick run in the next few months maybe for wingers. some hope. However, Chelsea currently prefer a loan to a permanent transfer, with Newcastle and Aston Villa among the many parties registered an interest.

Excellent Gallagher loan at Crystal Palace last season and broke into England’s senior squad by making four appearances throughout the campaign, most recently in their final game – lost 4-0 at home in the Nations League arrive Hungary in June. However, there is strong competition for places in Southgate’s squad, and Gallagher is the outsider to make it to the final group of 26 in any case, let alone his lack of regular appearances. at Chelsea.

The 22-year-old was substituted in Chelsea’s first two Premier League games, playing just seven minutes. Crystal Palace and Newcastle are among the clubs interested in Gallagher if he is available, but head coach Thomas Tuchel is a fan of the midfielder and the situation is likely to be complicated by injury. N’Golo Kante. The French World Cup winner was substituted in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham with a hamstring problem and a long stay on the sidelines that would make Chelsea not even inclined to part with Gallagher.

Alonso has wanted to move to Barcelona for many months now. Catalan club of ongoing financial problemsplus the controversy with Chelsea over transfer fees, are big contributing factors but the left-back is also pushing as he has a real chance to perform Spain Qatar team. Spain coach Luis Enrique kicked Alonso out of his squad last November, saying: “I have to admit this is a moment when I am no longer faithful to a player, in case This is Marcos Alonso because what he’s done in the previous games, he deserves to be here and even to start.”

Back then, Enrique chose Jose Gaya and Jordi Alba was his preferred left-back option as Alonso struggled during his minutes at Chelsea. However, once Ben Chilwell With a serious knee injury, Alonso was featured regularly for the second half of the campaign at Stamford Bridge, prompting the 31-year-old to be recalled for Spain’s matches in March and June. But the return of Chilwell, combined with Marc Cucurella£53 million comes from Brightonmeans Alonso will be once again on the periphery – a move this summer that is crucial for his Qatar hopes.

Hazard’s three years at Real Madrid have been a disaster – with 28 league appearances, four goals and numerous injuries – but there are signs his fortunes may have changed just in time to step up. into the World Cup fit and in shape. Surgery in March to remove a metal plate inserted into his leg after breaking his ankle saved the 31-year-old from pain for the first time in years.

Belgium Manager Roberto Martinez has always kept the faith, despite Hazard’s difficulties – he made three UEFA Nations League appearances in June – and at Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti intends to use Hazard more this year. . His preferred left wing position is occupied by Vinicius Juniorbut Ancelotti sees potential in the role of “wrong number 9” as backup for Karim Benzema.

“Physically he’s fine,” said Ancelotti after Hazard’s help turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win in Madrid LaLiga open at Almeria. “I think he’ll have a few minutes.” Hazard was desperate not to leave Madrid as a failure. This season, he will have the opportunity to change that story, even if it is a useful impact substitute, rather than the main man. – Alex Kirkland.

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Craig Burley feels Marcus Rashford should jump at any chance to leave Manchester United for PSG.

Rashford’s problem is not that he doesn’t play enough games, it’s that he doesn’t play enough with them. He played 32 games last season but was dropped by England against the March internationals because his form did not warrant a place in the team. Years go by and the problem is still the same. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain and though United insist they won’t let him gothere is an argument that changing the scene might help him.

He will almost certainly stay at Old Trafford this summer, and with a few other options in Erik ten Hag’s squad, he is likely to continue to get his chance. It will be up to him to do enough to ensure Southgate has to pick him for the World Cup but the season bad start for Rashford or Man United. – Rob Dawson.

When Conte doesn’t want a player, they usually don’t doubt it. Reguilon, who made 67 appearances for Tottenham in two seasons, has been left out of the club’s pre-season tour of South Korea and has not been included in the Premier League’s matchday squad so far this season. . Conte’s full-back is essential to his 3-4-3 system and he views his left-wing pick as a battle between Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisicwho then came by free transfer from Inter Milan this summer.

Spurs are also planning a future with the 19-year-old Destiny Udogie arrive for an initial £15 million before being loaned back to his old club Udinese. Reguilon is linked with a return to Spain – his last international appearance was in September and only regular action can force him back into contention.

Ndombele is a long shot for France formation. His last cap was in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan, and since then he has been frozen by Conte and sent on loan. Lyon. The 25-year-old certainly has no future at Spurs while Conte is at the helm, but one problem with his possible departure is Tottenham’s determination to recoup most of the £53.8m they spend. paid Lyon to sign him three years ago. Naples seems to be his most likely destination – a positive spell in Series A could push him back to France by coach Didier Deschamps thinking for Qatar.

Vestergaard moved to Leicester from Southampton It didn’t turn out the way he wanted it to. The Foxes paid £15m to sign him last summer but the centre-back has only started six league games in the Saints. Now, Vestergaard is looking to leave the club amid concerns over his place in the DenmarkTheir starting lineup played an important role in last year’s Euro 2020 semi-final.

Leicester have only one summer signing so far – goalkeeper Alex Smithies32 years old, on a free transfer from Cardiff – and is under financial pressure to raise funds through the player’s departure Wesley Fofana, James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy among those who are attracting interest. A loan move could work for all parties, but Vestergaard could face being dragged into what looks like a frenetic finish out the window for Leicester.