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Emily Wilson·11 July 2024
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Emily Wilson·11 July 2024
International football allows players to strut their stuff in front of as many eyes as possible, and plenty of clubs then jump for their signature.
Here are five players who could earn summer moves after impressing at the 2024 Copa América.
Canada’s Copa América run could have been vastly different if it hadn’t been for the talents of Jacob Shaffelburg.
The 24-year-old Nashville SC winger proved why manager Jesse Marsch should give him a shot in the starting line-up after acting as the only authentic threat against Canada’s opponents. He is relentless, always ready and willing to go toe-for-toe in a pacy race with defenders and chuck crosses into the box.
After the group stage action, Shaffelburg was tied for fourth in open play expected assists behind players like Lionel Messi and Federico Valverde. His strike against Venezuela in the quarter-finals was his third for the national team, all of which arrived in some form of knockout match.
Despite a contract until 2026, the MLS club could indeed have their phones ringing this summer.
La Liga’s Real Sociedad are another club that could see interest pour in as Jon Aramburu made a stellar case for himself on the international stage.
Before the tournament, the right-back had only made three international appearances but emerged as a go-to name in the starting line-up all the way until Venezuela’s eventual quarter-final exit. Despite the early elimination, his tournament stats seriously impressed.
Aramburu made 26 tackles at the tournament and two assists in just three matches. He also made two goal-line clearances, proving his awareness is one of his best qualities despite only being 21.
Real Sociedad have him tied down until 2027, but money does talk.
Adding a Copa América finalist would also be a key boost to a club, and Colombia’s Jhon Arias has many teams ready to pounce.
After establishing himself with Fluminense, Arias was entrusted to help Colombia extend their unbeaten run to a staggering 28 games this summer.
The 26-year-old winger has started every match for the finalists despite only nine competitive appearances for his country. Five arrived this summer, and he’s provided two assists to date. His ability to keep hold of the ball and dribbling qualities particularly stand out.
His contract ends in 2026, but he’s already been linked with West Ham, Rangers, and other United Kingdom-based clubs. Perhaps this summer, the deal will be over the line?
Another emerging attacker is Uruguay’s Maximiliano Araújo
The 24-year-old Toluca winger has two goals and one assist, and he is tied third tournament-wide for most goal involvements. He notably also leads the way among his fellow countrymen in goal involvements, ahead of Darwin Núñez, Federico Valverde, and other veterans.
His performances this summer mean his overall record with the national team continues to be deadly. Araújo has three goals and seven assists across all competitions in only 12 caps.
That expert production rate suggests a few clubs could be interested in bringing him out of Liga MX with a contract ending in 2026.
Standing at a towering 1.94m is our fifth and final selection, Edgardo Fariña.
The 22-year-old defender played every minute of Panama’s campaign as they notably beat the United States and faced Colombia in the quarter-finals. Despite only seven appearances to his name, Fariña exudes a calmness that mirrors something of a veteran, with vital clearances and man-marking abilities
Subsequently, a move away from CA Independiente in Panama could be on the table, as he presents key qualities for playing in a top-level league.
He’s already been linked with moves to Burnley, Watford, Cardiff and Feyenoord this summer. Time will tell.
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