WorldTour transfer market erupts at the Giro as Felix Gall, Paul Seixas and Jhonatan Narvaez headline rumour frenzy
Cycling
The 2026 Giro d’Italia has not only reshaped the general classification. According to Beppe Conti on Rai-Radiocorsa, it has also accelerated several major transfer stories, with Felix Gall, Jhonatan Narvaez and Afonso Eulalio all central to the latest market movement.
Gall is the headline name from the Giro itself. The Decathlon CMA CGM Team climber has emerged as Jonas Vingegaard’s closest challenger in the final week and is reportedly close to a move to Lidl-Trek, who have spent recent seasons searching for a consistent Grand Tour leader.
The Austrian’s Giro has made that link even more intriguing. He has ridden with the best of the race behind Vingegaard, strengthened his position in the high mountains and entered the final weekend sitting second overall.
For Lidl-Trek, already building an increasingly crowded GC structure, Gall would represent another serious statement of intent.
Gall link adds another name to Lidl-Trek’s GC puzzle
Lidl-Trek have not been short of ambition in the Grand Tour market. The team have added or been linked with several riders capable of shaping three-week races, including Juan Ayuso, Derek Gee-West, Mattias Skjelmose and Giulio Ciccone, while Tao Geoghegan Hart arrived with a Giro d’Italia victory on his palmares before injuries disrupted his hopes of returning to that level.
Gall would bring a different kind of profile. His climbing at this Giro has been consistent, direct and repeatable across the hardest stages, making him more than just a one-week or stage-hunting option. If the move happens, Lidl-Trek would gain another rider with genuine Grand Tour podium credentials, but also another leader to fit into an already complex hierarchy.
The same report also links Lidl-Trek with Jordi Meeus, currently at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. Rather than arriving as a protected sprinter, the Belgian would reportedly be used as an important part of Jonathan Milan’s lead-out train, helping cover the expected departure of Simone Consonni and further strengthening the sprint structure around the Italian.
Felix Gall and Jonas Vingegaard cross the line together on stage 19 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia
INEOS eye Seixas as UAE keep Narvaez
Away from the Giro GC battle, Paul Seixas is described as another major market target. The 19-year-old Frenchman, already regarded as one of the outstanding talents of the next generation, has reportedly drawn a major offer from Netcompany INEOS.
Seixas’ 2026 season has only increased that interest. His Itzulia victory, backed up by three stage wins, confirmed his status as one of the most exciting young riders in the peloton, while his Liege-Bastogne-Liege ride added another layer after he was able to follow Tadej Pogacar’s attack on La Redoute before fading later in the race.
According to Conti, INEOS have placed an offer on the table above the one being prepared by UAE Team Emirates - XRG. That would make Seixas one of the biggest transfer fights of the year, especially with his Tour de France debut expected this summer at Decathlon CMA CGM Team.
UAE, meanwhile, appear to have moved strongly to keep one of the Giro’s standout performers. Narvaez had previously been linked with a possible return to INEOS for 2027, but his three stage wins at this Giro have changed the picture. Mauro Gianetti is reported to have convinced the Ecuadorian to extend with UAE for another three seasons.
That would be a significant retention for UAE. Narvaez has not only delivered wins in Italy, but also shown the kind of versatility that makes him valuable across Grand Tours, one-day races and difficult transitional stages.
Eulalio set for long-term Bahrain stay
Afonso Eulalio is also reported to have secured his future, with Bahrain Victorious said to have tied the Portuguese rider down until 2030. Eulalio has been one of the revelations of the Giro. He wore the maglia rosa for nine days, fought deep into the general classification battle and entered the final mountain stages still defending the young rider classification against Davide Piganzoli.
For Bahrain, the renewal would give them a long-term project rider at a time when Grand Tour contenders are becoming harder and more expensive to secure. Eulalio’s Giro has moved him from promising prospect to one of the most watched young GC riders in the peloton.
The final week of the Giro is still being fought on the road, but the race has already started to shape what comes next. Gall’s possible move could add another layer to Lidl-Trek’s Grand Tour rebuild, INEOS are pushing for one of the sport’s brightest young stars, UAE have moved to protect Narvaez, and Bahrain look ready to build around Eulalio for years to come.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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