Newsletters
As the summer transfer window is now open across Europe, many contracts that end on June 30, 2026, have left some of the continent's best-known players without clubs.
This year’s free-agent pool stands out, featuring both aging legends looking for their next move and young stars attracting offers from several leagues.
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus
Age: 26 | Serbian | Centre-forward
Dusan Vlahovic arrived at Juventus from Fiorentina for 70 million euros ($76 million) in January 2022 with considerable expectations.
Four and a half years later, his time in Turin ends not with a trophy but a stalemate: contract negotiations broke down after the Serbian striker sought 8 million euros a year while the club held firm at 6 million.
He departs without a transfer fee.
Paulo Dybala — Roma → Renewal imminent
Age: 32 | Argentine | Attacking midfielder
Paulo Dybala's 2025-26 season was disrupted by four injuries, which kept the Argentine attacking midfielder out for 19 matches.
Still, he chose to accept a reported 65 percent pay cut, from 8 million euros down to about 3 million, to stay at Roma.
This shows his commitment, even after interest from Boca Juniors and Premier League clubs.
Luka Modric — AC Milan
Age: 40 | Croatian | Central midfielder
Luka Modric joined AC Milan on a free transfer from Real Madrid in July 2025, fulfilling a long-time personal goal.
His first season in Italy was interrupted by a fractured cheekbone, and more uncertainty came when Milan missed out on the Champions League on the last day of the season.
The club then dismissed its coaching staff, including manager Massimiliano Allegri.
A decision on whether the Croatian midfielder will retire or sign a one-year extension is expected after the 2026 World Cup.
John Stones — Manchester City
Age: 32 | English | Center-back / defensive midfielder
John Stones announced on 28 April that he would leave Manchester City after ten years at the Etihad Stadium.
In that time, the English center-back won 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.
Injuries limited him to 14 appearances in the 2025-26 season, and City replaced him with young Brazilian Vitor Reis and January signing Marc Guehi.
Casemiro — Manchester United
Age: 34 | Brazilian | Defensive midfielder
Casemiro will not extend his contract at Manchester United, ending his time in European football.
Despite a strong comeback at Old Trafford in 2025-26, the Brazilian defensive midfielder is now in talks with Inter Miami.
Major League Soccer's Discovery Rights are already set, and Lionel Messi's presence is a big attraction.
He also received offers from the Saudi Pro League. Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner, joined United from Real Madrid in 2022.
Dani Carvajal — Real Madrid
Age: 34 | Spanish | Right-back
Dani Carvajal announced his departure from Real Madrid on 18 May, ending a 13-year spell that brought 27 major honors, including six Champions League titles.
Several serious knee injuries, starting with an anterior cruciate ligament tear in October 2024, made the club reluctant to offer a new contract.
The Spanish right-back has mentioned Qatar as a possible next move, specifically Al-Gharafa, where his brother-in-law Joselu plays.
He has said he will not join any club that competes against Real Madrid in La Liga or the Champions League.
Memphis Depay — Corinthians
Age: 32 | Dutch / Ghanaian | Center-forward
Memphis Depay's situation at Corinthians is complicated by about 40 million Brazilian real (around $7 million) in unpaid performance bonuses, which have stalled contract renewal talks at the Sao Paulo club.
The Dutch-Ghanaian forward, who played a key role in Copa do Brasil and Paulista title wins, turned down a transfer before the 2026 World Cup to keep his spot in the Netherlands squad.
Leon Goretzka — Bayern Munich
Age: 31 | German | Central midfielder
Leon Goretzka's eight years at Bayern Munich ended when the club confirmed in January 2026 that he would not get a new contract.
The German central midfielder played 310 games, scored 51 goals, and won 15 trophies, including the historic sextuple in 2020.
AC Milan is strongly linked to him, and reports from May 2026 suggest a transfer is imminent.
Julian Brandt — Borussia Dortmund
Age: 30 | German | Attacking midfielder
Julian Brandt's seven years at Borussia Dortmund ended in March 2026, when sporting director Lars Ricken confirmed his departure.
The 30-year-old German attacking midfielder reportedly turned down two Premier League offers in January to finish the season at Dortmund.
Andreas Christensen — Barcelona
Age: 30 | Danish | Center-back
Andreas Christensen is still negotiating with Barcelona after turning down a one-year extension at a much lower salary.
The Danish center-back has been out since a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear in December and played only 17 times in 2025-26. Despite this, he reportedly wants to stay at Barcelona.
Zeki Celik — Roma
Age: 29 | Turkish | Right-back
Zeki Celik was the closest to resolving his contract among Roma's expiring players.
The Turkish right-back and Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini managed to bridge a big salary gap.
Celik wanted about 4 million euros a year, while the club offered 2 million, but reports from late June 2026 say a four-year deal at around 3 million euros per year is nearly done.
Raphael Guerreiro — Bayern Munich
Age: 32 | Portuguese | Left-back / midfielder
Raphael Guerreiro's time at Bayern Munich officially ended on 31 March 2026, when the club announced his departure.
The Portuguese left-back and utility midfielder joined Bayern on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2023
Over three seasons, he played 89 games, scored 12 goals, and provided 8 assists, helping the team win one Bundesliga title.
Set as preferred source
3 min read
