Maignan, Upamecano, Vlahovic headline XI of players out of contract in summer 2026 | OneFootball

With one January nearing, contract talk is intensifying. Here is an XI of players whose deals expire in summer 2026, headlined by Mike Maignan, Dayot Upamecano and Dusan Vlahovic.

Maignan, captain in his fifth season at AC Milan, faces a major decision as the 2026 World Cup approaches. He is yet to extend and interest has grown. Speaking to DAZN last Sunday, sporting director Igli Tare praised his leadership and said the club would welcome a new deal.

At the back, Upamecano is drawing interest, though Bayern Munich remain optimistic about a renewal. Ibrahima Konaté is the third most used by Arne Slot, on 1,942 minutes. Dani Carvajal’s contract is running down, repeated injuries and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s arrival last summer fuelling talk of an exit.

On the left, Andrew Robertson, beyond 350 matches and honours including one Champions League and two Premier League titles, may fancy a change. The Scotland left-back, on 90 caps and four goals, has lost minutes since Milos Kerkez arrived.

Midfield brings experience. N'Golo Kanté is a pillar at Al-Ittihad, with no extension planned and admirers circling. Bernardo Silva, who renewed two years ago, remains influential at Manchester City but could still move. Leon Goretzka has 13 starts in 23 under Vincent Kompany, totalling 1,100 minutes, and could attract bidders.

Up front, Serge Gnabry’s Bayern deal also runs to June 2026. Used centrally while Jamal Musiala was out, he has five goals and nine assists in 21 games, 14 starts, despite Lennart Karl’s rise. Vlahovic earned the nod under Luciano Spalletti before a late November injury at Cagliari, and was pushed towards the exit last year due to salary. Karim Benzema has not extended with Al-Ittihad and, at 38, his recent form could appeal.

Source: L'Équipe