Top XI stars could be free agents in 2026: CL-winning quality? | OneFootball

In times of ever-increasing transfer fees, there’s nothing better than scoring a real bargain again. And what’s better than affordable bargains? Exactly, when you get something for free – completely free of charge. There will be quite a few top players in this category next summer, especially when it comes to defense. We’ve put together the top free transfer XI for you. 

Goalkeeper

Mike Maignan (AC Milan)

Among other things, he’s been mentioned in the depths of the internet as a potential replacement for Neuer at Bayern by speculative fans, and the AC Milan keeper’s contract expires next summer. The French national goalkeeper certainly won’t be facing unemployment—unless he’s looking forward to early retirement. Italy’s Goalkeeper of the Season in 2021, part of the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2024. Regularly strong performances for L’Équipe Tricolore and in Serie A do their part to attract top clubs—and they might hardly believe their luck if they can sign such a top keeper on a free transfer this summer. 

Defense

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

After his transfer to Liverpool fell through at the very last minute this summer, half the football world is after Marc Guehi. No wonder, as the Englishman brings everything you could wish for in a center-back. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and once again the Reds are interested. Where he ends up will surely also depend on what happens with Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté, who are also likely to move on a free transfer.

📸 Stu Forster - 2024 Getty Images

Dayot Upamecano (FC Bayern Munich)

The current status of contract extension talks between the decision-makers on Säbener Straße and the star defender seems to change by the minute. But one thing is clear: if no agreement is reached and the very unlikely option of a winter transfer doesn’t happen, Dayot Upamecano will be the free agent with the highest market value next summer—by far. According to ‘transfermarkt.de’, that value is 70 million euros. No wonder, then, that Munich are giving Upamecano all the time and space in the world and aren’t putting pressure on the 27-year-old. Otherwise, they could end up losing out. 

Danilo Doekhi (Union Berlin)

Danilo Doekhi also has plenty of quality; not only does he defend very well for Union, but he’s also a real goal threat (already 6 goals). The Dutchman has already announced his departure next summer, but hasn’t named a destination yet. A defender of his caliber should be interesting for almost every Bundesliga club and beyond—especially on a free transfer. 

Niklas Süle (Borussia Dortmund)

Niklas Süle arrived in Dortmund on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 and will likely leave the same way in summer 2026. His contract is reportedly not being extended, which is understandable given the ongoing fitness issues of the now 30-year-old. But a fit and motivated Süle could theoretically still make waves at quite a few clubs. Perhaps at his former club Hoffenheim or back home at Eintracht Frankfurt, who are desperately seeking defensive stability? The world is open to "Sülinho" in any case. 

Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool)

Yes, another defender, but his name simply can’t be left out. Ibrahima Konaté could leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer. For the Reds, that would be a disaster, because after last summer’s expensive transfers, they can hardly afford to lose a player with an estimated market value of around 50 million who brings in exactly zero euros. If a winter transfer doesn’t happen, several options should open up for Konaté in the summer—whether in the Premier League, La Liga, or maybe even the Bundesliga. 

Midfield

Leon Goretzka (FC Bayern Munich)

The classic box-to-box player with consistent performances. He’s often said to lack that certain something, the world-class quality a Bayern player is supposed to have. And since Bayern have plenty of world-class midfielders, the decision-makers on Säbener Straße might well consider not renewing his contract. Maybe not world-class, but internationally experienced, with titles at the highest level and a profile any team could use—Goretzka won’t be heading for unemployment either. 

Vitaly Janelt (Brentford)

Hamburg-born Vitaly Janelt has been a regular at Premier League club Brentford for years, but strangely enough, he’s never made it into the national team. Maybe a change of scenery back home could help; HSV (and several other Bundesliga clubs) could definitely use a defensive midfielder like him. 

📸 Eddie Keogh - 2024 Getty Images

Serge Gnabry (FC Bayern Munich)

If the German record champions and offensive star Gnabry don’t extend his contract, which expires this summer, Serge Gnabry will also be available for free. Sure, his performances can vary wildly (Bayern reportedly offered him a reduced, performance-based contract for a reason), but there are surely plenty of top clubs for whom the 30-year-old would be a real asset, despite his inconsistency. A winter transfer, however, is unlikely with the World Cup approaching. 

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

For years, Bernardo Silva has been flirting with a move away from Manchester, but in the end, he always stayed. In summer 2026, it could finally happen. Only the destination is still unknown. He’s often said he wants to return to his youth club Benfica someday. The only question is whether now is the time, or if he’ll join another top club first. He definitely still has the quality for it.

Attack

Dušan Vlahović (Juventus)

Dušan Vlahović probably never lived up to the huge transfer fee of over 80 million that Juventus once paid for him. But as a free agent, the Serbian striker, who is still only 25, could be an exciting option for many European clubs. After all, he’s certainly a proven goalscorer. Recent rumors have linked him with FC Barcelona and AC Milan, among others.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 INA FASSBENDER