Explore the top 20 free agents in 2026 and how their expiring contracts could reshape the football transfer market. Discover key players, potential moves, and major clubs preparing to rebuild without paying transfer fees.
The summer of 2026 transfer window is shaping up to be historic in the free agency market. Over 20 elite players will have their contracts expire, creating unprecedented opportunities for major clubs to acquire world-class talent without spending a single euro on transfer fees.
The summer 2026 transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic moments in modern football, as a wave of elite players approach the end of their contracts and prepare to enter free agency.
Unlike traditional transfer dealings that involve huge fees, this upcoming window could allow major European clubs — from the Premier League to La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga — to secure world-class talent without spending a penny on transfer costs.
With more than 20 top players potentially available on free transfers, including established defenders, prolific goalscorers, creative midfielders and rising stars, the 2026 market may trigger a major shift in squad building strategies, wage structures and competition among top clubs.
Much like the 2025 summer transfer window, this unprecedented situation is expected to impact negotiations, shift power dynamics, and put immense pressure on sporting directors as Europe’s top clubs look to take advantage of one of the strongest free-agent classes in modern football history.
From Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, this represents a generational shift in how top clubs will rebuild their squads.
Who are the Top 20 Free Agents in 2026
Table of Contents
Which elite players will enter top 20 free agents in 2026? Discover the top contract expiries and how they could influence transfers, rebuilds, and major club strategies.
| Rank | Player | Current Club | Position | Country | Age | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich | Centre-back | France | 26 | Elite defender; Making final demands of £270k/week + signing fee; Interest from PSG, Real Madrid, Chelsea |
| 2 | Marc Guehi | Crystal Palace | Centre-back | England | 25 | Crystal Palace captain; Failed Liverpool £35m move on deadline day; Multiple top club interest |
| 3 | Ibrahima Konate | Liverpool | Centre-back | France | 25 | Rejected Liverpool contract extension; Real Madrid primary target; Seeking high base salary |
| 4 | Dusan Vlahovic | Juventus | Striker | Serbia | 25 | Offered to Inter & AC Milan on free; Willing to sit out 2025-26 season; €12m annual salary |
| 5 | Bernardo Silva | Manchester City | Midfielder | Portugal | 31 | City captain; Made final decision on future but won’t disclose; Barcelona, Benfica, PSG interest |
| 6 | Mike Maignan | AC Milan | Goalkeeper | France | 29 | Elite shot-stopper; Chelsea previously interested; Unlikely to renew with Milan |
| 7 | Julian Brandt | Borussia Dortmund | Winger/Midfielder | Germany | 29 | Dortmund wants paycut for renewal; Aston Villa monitoring; Elite technical ability |
| 8 | Ruben Neves | Al-Hilal | Midfielder | Portugal | 28 | After Saudi stint, keen to return to Europe; Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham linked |
| 9 | Vitaliy Mykolenko | Everton | Left-back | Ukraine | 26 | “I’m happy at Everton” – stated desire to stay; Reliable Premier League performer |
| 10 | Quinten Timber | Feyenoord | Midfielder | Netherlands | 22 | Young prospect; Arsenal, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund monitoring closely |
| 11 | Leon Goretzka | Bayern Munich | Midfielder | Germany | 29 | Bayern want a wage reduction; Talks are scheduled for January; Juventus is waiting on the outcome |
| 12 | Serge Gnabry | Bayern Munich | Winger/Forward | Germany | 30 | Told to accept reduced wages or leave; Juventus interest strong; 2020/2025 Champions League winner |
| 13 | Weston McKennie | Juventus | Midfielder | USA | 26 | Juventus keen on extending to 2028; More grateful after Leeds loan spell; American-centric media interest |
| 14 | Marcos Senesi | Bournemouth | Centre-back | Argentina | 26 | Manchester United & Newcastle interested; Bournemouth desperate for contract renewal; Early-season form impressive |
| 15 | Harry Wilson | Fulham | Winger | Wales | 24 | 8 goals & assists in first 15 Premier League games; Negotiations from position of strength; Renewal close |
| 16 | Ryan Sessegnon | Fulham | Left-back | England | 24 | Contract renewal “a matter of time” per Fulham manager; England international prospect |
| 17 | Jadon Sancho | Manchester United | Winger | England | 25 | Out on loan at Aston Villa; Expiring contract reason for loan; Path forward unclear |
| 18 | John Stones | Manchester City | Centre-back | England | 30 | Status unchanged despite fitness concerns; City patience with veteran |
| 19 | Vitaly Janelt | Brentford | Midfielder | Germany | 28 | Permanent Brentford substitute; Little scramble expected for German midfielder |
| 20 | Yves Bissouma | Tottenham | Midfielder | Mali | 29 | No minutes under Thomas Frankm. Now injured; Possible moves to Marseille or Nice |
Standout Defensive Options Available in the Football Market
Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano remains the top-ranked free agent and is creating a genuine auction at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. The 26-year-old French international has become Vincent Kompany’s defensive cornerstone under his high-intensity pressing system.
However, negotiations have stalled over financial demands. Upamecano is reportedly seeking £270,000 per week plus a substantial signing fee—Bayern have branded these demands as ‘nonsense,’ though PSG and Real Madrid’s reported interest has empowered his position.
Bayern remain in “advanced talks” with the defender, and recent reports suggest they are hopeful of retaining him, though a breakthrough has yet to materialize.
Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi’s failed Liverpool transfer remains dramatic. The Crystal Palace captain underwent a medical at Anfield on deadline day in September 2025, with a £35 million deal plus £10 million in add-ons finalized.
However, Palace manager Oliver Glasner objected to losing his captain without a replacement, and the club pulled the plug at the last moment. Rather than triggering a Palace meltdown, Guehi’s performances have remained elite, and now he becomes one of 2026’s most coveted centre-backs.
Liverpool is still leading the race for a summer deal, despite interest from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. According to Sky Sports, the club expects a “clear run” at Guehi in January or the summer, as other contenders seem content to wait for his free agency.
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate’s Real Madrid drama intensifies daily. The Liverpool defender has rejected the Reds’ contract extension offer, reportedly unhappy with its performance-based bonus structure. Real Madrid is actively pursuing him, having already recruited Trent Alexander-Arnold on a pre-contract agreement earlier.
Konate is demanding approximately £200,000 per week in basic salary—well above what Liverpool have offered in their revised proposal.
With his contract set to expire in June 2026, he can start negotiating a pre-contract with European clubs from January 1, 2026. Real Madrid’s interest seems genuine, with intentions to team him up alongside newly signed defender Dean Huijsen in Xabi Alonso’s system.
Best defenders available as free agents in 2026
| Name | Age | Position | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | 27 | DR / DC / DL | Japan |
| Rui Mário | 31 | DC | Portugal |
| Hugo Mallo | 34 | DR / WBR | Spain |
| Juan Bernat | 32 | DL / WBL | Spain |
| Mohammed Abdel Shafy | 40 | DL / WBL | Egypt |
| Iván Marcano | 38 | DC | Spain |
| Sergio Reguilón | 29 | DL / WBL | Spain |
Striking Options & Goalkeeper Stars
Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona departure is confirmed. The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano have both confirmed that Barcelona will NOT extend the Polish striker’s contract when it expires in June 2026.
At 37 years old, Lewandowski has delivered 112 goals in 175 games for Barça, winning two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey.
While he remains prolific with 30+ goals this season, Barcelona’s financial constraints and long-term planning have determined his exit. His next club remains unknown, though moves to Saudi Arabia or a return to Bayern are possibilities.
Dusan Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic offers elite striking talent at no fee. The Juventus striker, despite being one of Serie A’s highest earners at €12 million annually, has become a free agent headache for the Turin club.
Juventus have offered him contract termination multiple times, but Vlahovic prefers to see out the final year of his deal rather than accept transfer offers.
He has been offered to both Inter Milan and AC Milan on free transfer terms, yet neither club has made a formal approach. The Serbian, now 25, could still prove to be a shrewd acquisition for a top European side willing to match his wage demands.
Top Forwards are available as free agents in 2026
| Name | Age | Position | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dries Mertens | 38 | AM / ST | Belgium |
| Diego Costa | 37 | ST | Spain / Brazil |
| Lorenzo Insigne | 34 | AML / AMR / ST | Italy |
| Radamel Falcao | 39 | ST | Colombia |
| Silvio Romero | 37 | ST | Argentina |
| Gerard Deulofeu | 31 | AMR / AML / ST | Spain |
| Vincent Aboubakar | 33 | ST | Cameroon |
Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan represents rare elite goalkeeper availability. The AC Milan shot-stopper, arguably Serie A’s best goalkeeper, will be available on a free transfer if Milan doesn’t renew his contract.
Chelsea previously showed concrete interest when attempting to acquire him in June 2025, though they baulked at his valuation. With only one year remaining, Maignan could become one of the summer’s biggest steals for any club needing elite goalkeeper talent.
Top Goalkeeper are available as free agents in 2026
| Name | Age | Position | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fraser Forster | 37 | GK | England |
| Vicente Guaita | 38 | GK | Spain |
| Darren Randolph | 38 | GK | Ireland |
| Hirotsubu Nakabayashi | 39 | GK | Japan |
| Alessio Cragno | 31 | GK | Italy |
| Manuel Riemann | 37 | GK | Germany |
Midfield Depth & Aging Legends
Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva’s Manchester City captaincy faces uncertainty. The Portugal midfielder was handed the captain’s armband by Pep Guardiola following his new contract in 2025, making him the club’s most recent leadership appointment.
However, Silva revealed in September 2025 that he has “already decided” his future but won’t disclose it publicly. At 31 years old, with interest from Barcelona, Benfica (his former club), and PSG, Silva appears positioned for one last major European move.
Manchester City officials want him to stay, but his final decision remains shrouded in mystery as he approaches the final year of his contract.
Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves eyes European return after Saudi stint. The experienced Portuguese midfielder spent one season at Al-Hilal establishing financial security for his family, and now appears ready to rejoin Europe’s top tier.
Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham have all been linked with the ex-Wolves star. His intelligence, technical ability, and leadership experience make him attractive to clubs rebuilding midfield infrastructure.
Serge Gnabry
Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka face Bayern’s wage-cut reality. Bayern Munich has told both German wingers/midfielders that their future contracts will come with much lower wages.
At 30, Gnabry is seeing his market value drop, leaving him with fewer options. Goretzka, just a year younger at 29, still has more possibilities. Both have attracted interest from Juventus and other Serie A teams looking for experienced players.
Real Madrid’s Defensive Reshuffle
Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger’s 2026 future remains uncertain. The German centre-back arrived at Real Madrid as a free agent in 2022 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the defense.
However, chronic injury issues since late 2023—including meniscus and recurring soft-tissue injuries—have impacted his availability and consistency.
Real Madrid remain open to extending his contract beyond June 2026, but negotiations have been suspended during his recovery from a September injury sidelining him for approximately three months.
Saudi Arabia remains strongly interested, viewing Rudiger as an elite veteran for a final lucrative contract.
David Alaba
David Alaba faces likely departure. The Austrian defender, who joined Real Madrid as a free agent in 2022, has seen his role diminish significantly since an ACL rupture in December 2023.
Xabi Alonso has preferred younger defensive options, particularly Dean Huijsen, limiting Alaba’s playing time and influence. With his contract expiring June 2026, Real Madrid have informed Alaba that he will not be part of the 2026/27 project.
Saudi Arabia is seen as the most likely destination, with the club ready to help arrange his departure and offer financial support to clear his salary from the books.
Top midfielders are available as free agents in 2026
| Name | Age | Position | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damián Díaz | 39 | AM / CM | Ecuador / Argentina |
| Rafinha | 32 | MC / AMC / AMR | Brazil / Spain |
| Fernandinho | 40 | DM / MC | Brazil |
| Oriol Romeu | 34 | DM / MC | Spain |
| Giacomo Bonaventura | 36 | MC / AMC / AML | Italy |
| Hakim Ziyech | 32 | AMR / AMC / AML | Morocco / Netherlands |
| Fernando | 38 | DM / MC | Brazil |
Notable English Contingent
John Stones
John Stones’ Manchester City status remains elite despite fitness concerns. The 30-year-old English centre-back has proven himself one of the Premier League’s finest defenders, and while age and injury history warrant caution, Pep Guardiola remains patient. Stones remains under contract until summer 2026, with City assessing whether to extend or utilize the free agency route.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s future path is unclear after Manchester United’s expiring contract. The English winger, now on loan at Aston Villa, can start talks with other clubs from January 1, 2026, and could become a free agent in the summer.
His expiring contract was the key reason Manchester United initially resisted loaning him out, but ultimately yielded to Aston Villa’s pursuit. Whether he returns to Old Trafford or finds a new club remains speculative.
Harry Wilson and Ryan Sessegnon
Harry Wilson and Ryan Sessegnon represent Fulham’s renewal push. Both young English talents remain at Fulham with contracts expiring in 2026, but manager Marco Silva appears confident of keeping both.
Wilson, with his impressive goal-scoring run (8 goals & assists in 15 games), has negotiated from a position of strength. Sessegnon’s renewal is described as “a matter of time” by Silva.
Manager & Tactical Implications
The 2026 free agency market represents a seismic shift in football transfer economics. With elite defenders (Upamecano, Guehi, Konate), elite attackers (Lewandowski, Vlahovic), elite midfielders (Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves), and elite goalkeepers (Maignan, Sommer) all available without transfer fees, clubs with robust financial structures will gain enormous competitive advantages.
Teams like Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City—capable of offering substantial signing bonuses and competitive wages—are positioned to orchestrate the most significant free agency haul in football history.
The Bosman ruling has reached full maturity: elite players at career peaks are now leveraging their remaining contract years to secure premium financial packages and career-defining moves, while clubs face the previously unimaginable prospect of rebuilding elite squads entirely through free transfers.
