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In an era defined by PSR and UEFA’s strict financial rules, the free agent market has become more crucial than ever, offering clubs the chance to land top-quality players without spending on transfer fees. As June arrives, several star names are approaching the end of their contracts, prompting an intense race for their signatures.

From players still performing at their peak who have allowed their contracts to run down, to seasoned veterans seeking a final challenge, and others released by their clubs, this summer’s transfer window promises plenty of intriguing opportunities for those aiming to make smart acquisitions.

Some of the biggest stars have likely already received multiple offers, while potential buyers will have to decide whether others on this list are worth the gamble of a free signing.

Here’s a look at the 20 biggest and best players set to become free agents this summer...

20. David Alaba (Real Madrid)

Once regarded as one of the top defenders of his generation, David Alaba’s time at Real Madrid since leaving Bayern Munich in 2021 has been marred by injuries, including an ACL tear in 2023 that sidelined him for over a year. The Austrian featured only sporadically under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa during the 2025-26 campaign, and reports in February confirmed that Real Madrid would not renew the contract he signed five years ago. Despite his fitness concerns, Alaba is expected to attract offers, with Juventus and AC Milan among the clubs linked with the 33-year-old.

19. Andy Robertson (Liverpool)

It’s the end of a remarkable era at Anfield as Andy Robertson prepares to leave Liverpool after nine trophy-laden years. The Scottish left-back, a cornerstone of the club’s successes under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, will depart with both Premier League and Champions League medals. Although Liverpool confirmed his exit in April, Tottenham appear ready to bring him in on a free transfer, with the 32-year-old seen as a key addition to add experience and leadership as Spurs aim to steer clear of another relegation fight in 2026-27.

18. Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)

Another Real Madrid legend is set to depart, as long-serving captain Dani Carvajal prepares to end his 13-year second stint at the Bernabeu. The 34-year-old was informed in May that his contract would not be renewed, and he will become a free agent soon. Carvajal’s omission from Spain’s World Cup squad has also likely brought his international career to a close, but any club signing him will gain a player rich in experience and success.

17. Oscar Mingueza (Celta Vigo)

Former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza has flourished since joining Celta Vigo, emerging as one of La Liga’s most consistent right-backs over the past 18 months. With his contract expiring, he could be ready for a step up, with Arsenal, Juventus, Aston Villa, and Newcastle reportedly interested. His progress has made him one of the more intriguing names to watch as the window opens.

16. Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace)

Japanese playmaker Daichi Kamada could follow manager Oliver Glasner out of Crystal Palace this summer. Kamada joined Palace in 2024 after leaving Lazio, reuniting with Glasner following their successful stint at Eintracht Frankfurt. With Glasner moving on after delivering the FA Cup and Conference League titles, Kamada’s future remains uncertain. AC Milan, Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Besiktas are all rumoured to be monitoring his situation.

15. Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma)

Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini could face a difficult farewell from his boyhood club. While both the player and manager Gian Piero Gasperini are keen to continue together, reports suggest Roma’s owners, the Friedkin Group, want him to take a substantial pay cut. The 29-year-old’s future remains unresolved, though negotiations over a new deal are reportedly progressing.

14. Andreas Christensen (Barcelona)

Andreas Christensen’s 2022 move from Chelsea to Barcelona initially looked like a shrewd signing, but injuries have hampered his progress. The 30-year-old centre-back rejected a one-year extension involving a pay cut in April. While he has expressed a desire to stay, uncertainty surrounds his future at Camp Nou.

13. Paulo Dybala (Roma)

Despite his immense talent, Paulo Dybala’s career has been plagued by injuries. The Argentine attacker, now 32, has struggled for fitness at Roma and could soon find himself without a club. Although the Giallorossi had not approached him for a renewal by May, reports suggest he is close to agreeing on a one-year, incentive-based deal with reduced wages, similar to Pellegrini’s situation.

12. John Stones (Manchester City)

John Stones’ decade-long stint at Manchester City appears to be ending. The defender’s persistent injuries have limited his impact, and City confirmed in April that this would be his final season. The 31-year-old, who had even considered retirement, has been linked with a return to Everton, while Juventus, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich have also shown interest.

11. Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Uncertainty surrounds Dusan Vlahovic’s future at Juventus. Although discussions over a new contract resumed after a good run of form, the Serbian striker’s hesitation to accept a pay cut has raised doubts. With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid unlikely to make a move, Atletico Madrid and Newcastle appear more realistic options.

10. Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)

Julian Brandt’s inconsistent seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund is coming to an end. Despite injuries and fluctuating form, his 15 goal contributions last season will attract interest. Atletico Madrid are believed to be in talks with the German international, while Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for the 30-year-old playmaker.

9. Luka Modric (AC Milan)

Luka Modric’s transition to Serie A has been seamless, with the 40-year-old Croatian excelling at AC Milan following his Real Madrid departure. However, his future depends on the managerial situation after Massimiliano Allegri’s sacking. His one-year contract is nearing its end, leaving his next move uncertain.

8. Casemiro (Manchester United)

Casemiro’s revival at Manchester United was one of the stories of the season. The Brazilian midfielder rediscovered his form under interim coach Michael Carrick, helping the club return to the Champions League. Despite this, United had already announced his summer exit in January. Supporters have called for him to stay, but Casemiro confirmed in March that his departure was “made and done.” A move to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami now appears likely.

7. Harry Wilson (Fulham)

Harry Wilson enjoyed a career-best season for Fulham, contributing 19 goals and assists across competitions, including 16 in the Premier League. As his contract expires, Aston Villa are seen as potential suitors, though Fulham have not ruled out a renewal for the 29-year-old winger.

6. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Robert Lewandowski leaves Barcelona after losing his starting spot to Ferran Torres, despite scoring 19 goals in 2025-26. The 37-year-old Polish striker is weighing offers from AC Milan and Porto, while moves to MLS or the Saudi Pro League also remain possibilities as he seeks one final challenge before retirement.

5. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

Ibrahima Konate’s departure from Liverpool has been confirmed after a difficult campaign marked by defensive mistakes. Once a key figure in their Premier League-winning side, the 26-year-old’s form dipped significantly. Although Real Madrid were previously interested, talks collapsed. Konate was close to extending his deal before negotiations broke down, paving the way for his exit.

4. Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)

Marcos Senesi emerged as one of Bournemouth’s standout performers during their push for Champions League qualification. The Argentine centre-back has impressed with his composure and passing, and the club have confirmed his departure at the end of his contract. Tottenham are reportedly leading the race for his signature.

3. Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)

Leon Goretzka will leave Bayern Munich after a decade of service. The 31-year-old midfielder, who regained his place under Vincent Kompany, is expected to join AC Milan, though Arsenal have also shown interest. Speaking to Sky Germany in March, Goretzka hinted: “Maybe it’s my last chance to go abroad?”

2. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

After years of speculation, Bernardo Silva’s time at Manchester City has come to an end. The 31-year-old Portuguese star has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most versatile players, adapting to a deeper midfield role in his final season. While Benfica and Barcelona are leading contenders for his signature, he is also being monitored by Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and PSG. Reports suggest Bernardo would accept a pay cut to join Barcelona.

1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah’s unexpected departure from Liverpool marks the end of an extraordinary nine-year spell in which he scored 257 goals in 442 appearances, winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. The Egyptian winger’s relationship with former manager Arne Slot deteriorated, prompting his decision to leave. Having rejected Saudi offers last year, Salah is now expected to move to the Middle East after leading Egypt at the upcoming World Cup in North America. He stated recently, “Everything will become clear after the World Cup.”