When a player is on international duty, clubs must juggle negotiations, medicals and federation approval without derailing the tournament. Agents say the standard sequence—terms, contract, medical, FIFA TMS registration—remains, but the medical often moves to the team’s base. Manchester City flew staff to Kansas City for Elliot Anderson's £116 million check, while AC Milan sent doctors to Miami for Gonçalo Ramos's €74 million exam. Elite clubs rely on a global network of facilities, making a four‑to‑six‑day window between games sufficient for thorough scans.

National coaches sometimes act as gatekeepers. England’s Thomas Tuchel allowed Anderson’s paperwork to proceed, whereas England women’s boss Sarina Wiegman insists any move be settled before the tournament. This fourth stakeholder can speed or stall a deal, depending on the federation’s stance. Agents stress that the greatest risk is the player’s mental focus; constant contact may distract from matches and increase injury anxiety.

The 2026 World Cup has already seen Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ismael Saibari and Johan Manzambi switch clubs while competing. Their transfers illustrate that, with careful logistics and minimal player disruption, even blockbuster moves can be sealed without compromising national performance.