Jeremy Doku Rejoins Belgium Squad as Manchester City and Arsenal Secure Record-Breaking Transfers During World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been marked not only by high-stakes competition on the pitch but also by significant personal and professional milestones for several Premier League stars. Belgium winger Jeremy Doku made a highly anticipated return to the national team’s base in Washington on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The Manchester City forward had briefly departed the tournament to return to England for the birth of his first child. His arrival was met with emotional scenes as his teammates provided a warm welcome, boosting the Belgian camp’s morale as they navigate the global showpiece.

While Doku celebrates a personal addition to his family, his club, Manchester City, has been making waves in the transfer market with a seismic acquisition. The English champions have reportedly agreed to a club-record fee for Nottingham Forest’s standout midfielder Elliot Anderson. The deal, valued at an initial £116 million with the potential to rise to £130 million, represents a possible British record transfer. Anderson, who has been a revelation since his £35 million move from Newcastle in 2024, has seen his stock skyrocket following 88 appearances for Forest. Despite the noise surrounding his future, the midfielder remains focused on his international duties with England at the World Cup.

North London rivals Arsenal have also been active, finalizing the permanent signing of Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen. Following a successful loan spell where he made 39 appearances last season, the 24-year-old has committed his long-term future to the Gunners with a contract running until 2031. The transfer, valued at approximately £34.5 million, secures a key defensive asset for Mikel Arteta’s side. Much like Anderson and Doku, Hincapie is currently occupied with national team responsibilities, representing Ecuador at the World Cup as they seek to make a deep run in the tournament.

These developments highlight the relentless nature of the modern football calendar, where the boundaries between club business and international glory frequently overlap. As the 2026 World Cup progresses, the performance of these players will be under intense scrutiny, particularly for those like Anderson and Hincapie who have recently secured high-profile moves. For Doku, the focus shifts back to his on-field contributions for Belgium, now buoyed by the joy of fatherhood. With the Premier League season looming on the horizon, these early transfer moves signal a determined intent from England’s top clubs to bolster their ranks ahead of what promises to be a competitive domestic campaign.