Tuchel's Stance on Transfers During World Cup

Thomas Tuchel will not let the transfer window derail England’s World Cup campaign – but he is not about to block it either.

The England manager has confirmed he is prepared to let players leave camp briefly to complete medicals for club moves during the tournament, provided it fits around his team’s preparation and match schedule.

“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, as quoted by Mail Sport’s Craig Hope. “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.”

It is a pragmatic stance in a summer where the World Cup and transfer window collide, and it lands at a moment of particular interest to Manchester City.

City’s Anderson pursuit under World Cup spotlight

Inside the England camp, one name hovers over the market: Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has emerged as City’s leading target as they plan for life after long-serving captain Bernardo Silva, who has departed the Etihad Stadium.

City have already tested Forest’s resolve with an opening offer, only to be rebuffed. Forest value the 23-year-old at around £100 million, a figure that underlines both his importance at the City Ground and the scale of the decision facing City’s hierarchy.

The rejection has not ended the conversation in Manchester. City are weighing up whether to return with an improved bid while also exploring an alternative route: Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali has been identified as another potential option for Enzo Maresca’s midfield rebuild.

Anderson, tied to a long-term contract at Forest, has attracted interest from Manchester United as well, but the understanding is that his preference leans towards a move to the Etihad. That dynamic adds another layer of intrigue to a chase that could easily stretch deep into the summer.

Under Tuchel’s policy, if Anderson’s situation accelerates while he is away with England, the pathway is clear. The England medical team are on standby to conduct the necessary checks, and the manager has publicly given his blessing – as long as it does not cut across England’s match rhythm.

Tuchel’s line: transfers welcome, distractions not

Tuchel’s message is sharp. Club business can happen, but not at the expense of England’s work.

“The last day before the match and the second last day, not,” he stressed. The rule is simple: no medicals on the two days leading into a game. Outside that window, the door is open, but the emphasis remains on focus, clarity and control.

For now, Tuchel says no player has come to him about a move. That could change quickly. The World Cup has always been a shop window; this time, it is also a live negotiation floor.

Behind the scenes, England’s doctor has been briefed and is ready. If a deal reaches the medical stage, it can be handled within camp, avoiding long-haul dashes or disruptive trips, and giving clubs the assurances they need to press ahead.

What it means for City – and everyone else

For City, with Maresca’s arrival imminent and a major squad reshape already in motion, Tuchel’s flexibility is more than a courtesy. It is a potential tactical advantage.

Director of football Hugo Viana and his recruitment team can move decisively knowing that, should they strike an agreement with Forest or another club, the medical hurdle will not be an obstacle while England are in action. Anderson can stay embedded with England, maintain his preparation, and still move closer to resolving his future.

The same logic applies across the England squad. Players weighing up exits, clubs juggling budgets and timelines, agents trying to align competing priorities – all of them now know where the national team stands.

The World Cup and the transfer window are colliding in real time. Tuchel has drawn his line: England’s preparation first, but no unnecessary barriers to players sorting out their careers.

If City do come back for Anderson, or turn the screw on a move for Tonali, they will be doing so in a market where the national manager has quietly removed one of the usual excuses for delay.