12 players who face uncertain futures after World Cup from Ronaldo to Hazard

With most elite football on hold as the World Cup gets underway, it has given some players a bit of breathing space from their domestic duties – where they find themselves in uncertain positions.

But as the Qatari competition comes to an end next month just before the January transfer window, there could be some major moves in the winter window this season. There are several who might be eyeing the mid-season market as a means to escape their situations.

It could mean putting on a show over the next few weeks is more important than ever as they look to entice another club to fork out top dollar while others might just welcome the distraction of the World Cup. So, who is facing an uncertain future after the tournament this year?

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Cristiano Ronaldo

It might be no surprise to hear that Ronaldo's future is now up in the air after his shocking interview given to Piers Morgan just days before the tournament got underway. After bad-mouthing Manchester United, the club are looking to scrap his contract – meaning a move is almost definitely on the cards.

Ivan Toney

Despite missing out on the World Cup, interest has never been higher in Brentford star Toney – who netted twice against Manchester City at the Etihad in a 2-1 win for the Bees just after Gareth Southgate snubbed him for his England squad.

Chelsea are among the clubs reported to be interested but the likes of United and Tottenham could also be swayed with strikers in short supply.

Jeremie Frimpong

The Netherlands have a young and exciting squad and one of those that could catch the eye is Frimpong, who has been linked with a move to United. The right-back fits into Erik ten Hag's ethos, which would surely spell the end of Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford.

Declan Rice

While transfer rumours have swirled around Rice for years, West Ham's resolve will be further tested if the midfielder puts on a show at the World Cup. Rice appears to be first-choice under Southgate, while the likes of Chelsea and United have long been looking to snap up the Englishman.

Edson Alvarez

The Mexico international made no secret of his desire to quit Ajax in the summer amid interest from Chelsea but the Dutch club felt they had lost too many players already, such as Lisandro Martinez and Antony.

However, when the transfer window opens – it would be no surprise to see Alvarez eye another exit in a move that appears set to happen at some point.

Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea found a temporary solution for Lukaku when they loaned him back to Inter Milan but when that expires, they will have to find a solution quickly. Could the Belgian even be brought back into the team with Thomas Tuchel gone? Or does he stay at Inter permanently? Who knows.

Ilkay Gundogan

It would be a real surprise to see Gundogan leave at the end of the season when his contract expires as he is such as crucial part of City's squad. Nevertheless, that is the scenario that looks most likely right now with the likes of Barcelona, Galatasaray and even Nurnberg linked with a free transfer.

Harry Maguire

While Southgate has kept faith in the centre-back, Ten Hag has clearly not – dropping him almost entirely and making Maguire fourth-choice. It points towards an exit but finding a suitor might be easier said than done – though Leicester are in need of a centre-back…

Eden Hazard

It is fair to say that Hazard's dream transfer to Real Madrid has not gone exactly to plan after a series of injuries but he still has a contract until 2024 at the Bernabeu. However, while Real want to get rid – the Belgian has no intention of scrapping his deal early – making another 'Gareth Bale' scenario.

Xavi Simons

Like Frimpong, another Dutch youngster with bags of potential ready to make a big impression – currently at Feyenoord after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, but the French club have a buyback clause. And they might need to consider triggering it with a long list of scouts ready to take a closer look at Simons.

Jude Bellingham

Borussia Dortmund are the masters of selling players for big fees and Bellingham looks set to become the next to earn them a very pretty penny. Numbers have already been touted worth nine-figures.

But a decent World Cup will solidify Dortmund's price-tag while the big clubs around Europe look to win the race for his signature.

Lionel Messi

In the last year of his contract at PSG, Messi has insisted that no negotiations will take place with anyone until after the World Cup – a competition he dreams of winning.

But his short stint in Paris could come to an early end with Inter Miami among the frontrunners for his signature as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner looks to wrap up his career in the States.

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