George Johnston captained Bolton to a 4-1 Wembley win, was released two days later, and chose League One Luton, who had missed the play-offs.
Gilberto Mora’s Tijuana contract set a €23 million exit, but FIFA’s under-18 rule blocked a summer move after the World Cup.
Tottenham extended Maeson King on 9 June after injury, then stacked senior left-sided cover ahead of the academy defender.
Cole Palmer stayed at Chelsea while Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid and Enzo Fernandez moved to Manchester City, not the June destinations.
Tyler Adams called Alex Scott’s leap huge last June. Manchester United asked the price, Bournemouth said no, and the pair are still starting together.
Ronald Araujo sat Uruguay's opener with a calf tear, then posted zero World Cup minutes for a second tournament, before a Liverpool loan.
Pierre Sage left a Champions League Lens side for Crystal Palace after Iraola chose Liverpool, and his first four games already show the cost.
The 2026 World Cup athlete exception got players onto US pitches, then shifted fans, staff, and Iran’s camp onto Mexico, Canada, and diaspora crowds.
Forest spent two loans hunting James Garner on a free. Everton's deal to June 2030 outlasted the window, and nobody paid.
Ewen Jaouen’s £18.5 million Newcastle deal shut Noah Atubolu out of St James’ Park, then the German started for Frankfurt while Jaouen sat.