6 players who could earn big moves with strong Copa America showings

Every major international tournament offers the players on display an opportunity to accelerate their club careers. The 2019 Copa America is no different. A strong month-long showing can serve as a springboard, potentially leading to a big-money transfer. Here are several footballers who'll be hoping this summer's competition in Brazil helps them achieve exactly that.

James Rodriguez (Colombia)

• Age: 27
• Club: Real Madrid

James Rodriguez's career has come full circle. The Colombian became a household name at the 2014 World Cup, scoring stunning goals en route to winning the Golden Boot and, ultimately, earning a life-altering move to Real Madrid. The Spanish behemoths reportedly paid €90 million to secure the services of the then-23-year-old from Monaco. He looked destined to be a superstar for the next decade.

Fast forward five years, and his career has stalled.

James is coming off a largely disappointing two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich, with the Bavarian side deciding not to make his switch permanent. Meanwhile, there's been no indication whatsoever that he's in Zinedine Zidane's plans at the Santiago Bernabeu. A dominant month in Brazil, the site of his 2014 breakthrough, is exactly what the photogenic playmaker needs to get things back on track.

David Neres (Brazil)

• Age: 22
• Club: Ajax

Somewhat lost amid the absurd collection of young stars at Ajax, David Neres was forced to bide his team before garnering praise similar to that of Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt. Eventually, people took notice. The Brazilian winger thrust himself into the conversation alongside his Dutch teammates with an electrifying Champions League performance against Real Madrid, and now he has a prime opportunity to establish himself as the most exciting young talent available in the summer transfer window.

Neres could be the greatest benefactor of Neymar's injury-induced absence as the most natural replacement on the left wing for Brazil. A collection of Premier League clubs are already said to be interested in the 22-year-old, but he could have them climbing over one another if he shines on home soil in the coming weeks.

Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)

• Age: 23
• Club: Real Betis

Tottenham will likely be the only party hoping that Giovani Lo Celso has a muted Copa America campaign. The Champions League finalists have reportedly submitted a £53-million bid for the versatile midfielder, whose move to Real Betis from Paris Saint-Germain was only made permanent in April.

Lo Celso's capable of playing many positions; he led Betis with nine La Liga goals this season in an attacking role, but profiles more as a deep-lying playmaker who could be the ideal replacement for dribbling savant Mousa Dembele at Spurs. Regardless, a strong showing with Argentina over the next month can only mean trouble for Daniel Levy at the negotiating table: either Betis respond by upping the asking price, or other clubs voice their interest and force Tottenham into a bidding war.

Wuilker Farinez (Venezuela)

• Age: 21
• Club: Millonarios

It's only a matter of time before Wuilker Farinez is plying his trade in Europe.

An uber-athletic goalkeeper with spectacular reflexes, Farinez has represented Venezuela across multiple youth levels. He backstopped La Vinotinto to a second-place finish at the Under-20 World Cup in 2017, and then quickly established himself as the first-choice shot-stopper for the senior side.

Millonarios must be salivating at the prospect of making a small fortune when an inevitable European bid arrives. A deep Venezuelan run this summer could ensure that happens sooner rather than later.

Duvan Zapata (Colombia)

• Age: 28
• Club: Atalanta (on loan from Sampdoria)

Radamel Falcao's presence looms large for Colombia. The nation's captain and all-time leading scorer will once again lead the line for Los Cafeteros this summer. Should he, though?

Duvan Zapata, and not Falcao, comes into the tournament as Colombia's most credible scoring threat. The imposing striker found the net 23 times in Serie A this season, leading Atalanta to a historic third-place finish and subsequent Champions League berth. He chipped in with seven assists for good measure, highlighting his all-around impact.

Falcao, barring a stunning move by new manager Carlos Queiroz, will start. But Zapata, who is in the midst of a two-year loan move from Sampdoria, could ultimately have the greater influence on the tournament.

Almoez Ali (Qatar)

• Age: 22
• Club: Al-Duhail

The scheduling clash with this summer's Gold Cup means CONCACAF sides won't feature at the Copa America for the first time since guest nations have been involved in the tournament.

Instead, Japan and Qatar, the finalists from this year's Asian Cup, round out the 12-team field. The latter, which will play host to the 2022 World Cup, earned a shock victory over the Samurai Blue in that final, with Almoez Ali scoring the last of his nine tournament goals in the 3-1 victory.

Ali, who plays for Qatari side Al-Duhail, captured both the Golden Boot and Top Player award at the competition after setting a single-tournament scoring record. Should he come anywhere close to that output on a grander stage in Brazil, transfer rumors will inevitably follow.