Thomas Tuchel’s Stance on England Players’ Transfers During World Cup

Thomas Tuchel will not block England players from completing transfers during the World Cup – as long as club business bends to his timetable, not the other way round.

The England manager has made it clear that any member of his squad can undergo a medical while on international duty if it helps seal a move, with the national team doctor already on standby.

“If anyone has chance to complete a transfer, we’ll not stand in the way, but it has to align with our schedule and goals which is to be focused and prepare for matches,” Tuchel said, speaking before England’s opening game. “The last day before the match and the second last day, not. Until now, no player approached me. The doctor is ready to take any medical if needed! We’re always happy to help have clarity around the player.”

That stance could shape a frantic few weeks for several Premier League clubs, not least Manchester City.

City’s summer plans collide with England duty

At the Etihad, a pivotal rebuild is already in motion after the departure of captain Bernardo Silva. Elliot Anderson has emerged as City’s leading target for the summer window, with the club viewing the Nottingham Forest midfielder as a key piece for the next cycle.

Their first move, though, has hit resistance. Forest have rejected an initial bid and value the 23‑year‑old at around £100 million. City must now decide whether to return with an improved offer or pivot to alternatives.

One such alternative on their radar is Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United, with City exploring whether a deal for the Italian could be engineered if Forest hold firm over Anderson’s price.

John Stones, meanwhile, is also in the middle of change. Having left Manchester City after his spell at the Etihad, the defender is looking for a new club and could benefit directly from Tuchel’s openness to medicals in camp should a concrete offer arrive while England are in Qatar.

Anderson’s future in the spotlight

For Anderson, the picture is complicated but enticing. He is under a long-term contract at the City Ground, and Forest are under no pressure to sell. Manchester United have also shown interest, yet the understanding is that the player’s preference leans towards a move to City if a deal can be struck.

Inside the England camp, Tuchel’s position offers clarity: if Anderson’s situation develops rapidly, there will be no national-team barrier to him completing the formalities. The medical can be done on site, as long as it doesn’t cut across England’s match preparation.

Behind the scenes, City’s director of football Hugo Viana and his recruitment team are weighing their next step. Do they push Forest with a second, stronger bid for Anderson, or accelerate talks over Tonali and test Newcastle’s resolve?

What is certain is that Anderson will stay locked in on the World Cup while keeping a close eye on his phone. The market is moving around him, and his future could hinge on how aggressively City choose to act.

A World Cup played to the rhythm of the market

Tuchel’s approach stretches beyond one club and one player. By opening the door to medicals, he has effectively acknowledged the modern reality: the World Cup and the summer window now overlap in a way that can’t be ignored.

Clubs will plan, agents will push, and players will weigh up career-defining choices – all while chasing glory on the biggest stage. England’s manager has decided not to fight that tide, only to control when and how it reaches his camp.

For City and others, that flexibility could be decisive. Transfers may now be sealed not in training grounds or private clinics, but inside a World Cup base, under the watch of a national-team doctor and a coach determined that off-field business never derails the pursuit of a trophy.