Bayern duo, Man City legend: 7 out-of-contract players in summer 2026

As the January transfer window approaches, clubs looking for a bargain may be wise to explore players whose deals are running down in the summer.

FIFA’s rules allow players with less than six months on their current contract to negotiate with other clubs, paving the way for pre-contract deals.

However, this mechanism only applies to clubs outside of the country where the player is currently residing.

Therefore, Premier League clubs hoping to snap up Marc Guehi on a free will have to wait until the summer – as long as an overseas side doesn’t beat them to it.

But who could make these moves once January rolls around? We’ve outlined the best players with expiring contracts and hinted at which clubs could take the plunge.

Explaining transfer values

To help give an idea of the values of these prospective deals, we have given each player on this list a transfer value. This is determined by the average market value attributed to them by three notable sources: Transfermarkt, FootballTransfers and FotMob.

All data displayed is correct as of 24th December 2025.

Leon Goretzka has been at Bayern for eight seasons, winning everything on offer during that time.

But the midfielder appears to be at a crossroads, with recent reports even suggesting of a rift between Goretzka and his club – sparking rumours that a January deal may be in the offing.

Tottenham Hotspur was recently highlighted as a possible destination for the 30-year-old, but with reported interest from Spain and Italy, the Lilywhites could have a battle on their hands.

Either way, the Bayern star will be free to talk to European clubs as of next month.

Marc Guehi’s future at Crystal Palace has long been a topic of conversation, not least since a summer move to Liverpool collapsed at the eleventh hour.

It appears the Reds remain interested amid the flailing defence of their Premier League crown, though Bayern Munich are among those also hoping to pounce.

Oliver Glasner has claimed that Guehi will not sign an extension at Selhurst Park, so we can expect European giants to be queueing up very soon.

However, Bayern may hold an advantage over Arne Slot’s side, as they can wrap up a pre-contract deal from 1st January. With an average £44.1m transfer value, he would be the best-value free transfer on this list.

Ibrahima Konate’s next move looks to be up in the air, with the Frenchman facing an uncertain future amid talk of a contract renewal at Liverpool.

Until recently, Real Madrid appeared to be the most keen on the centre-back, though Inter have reportedly entered the race, albeit amid some scepticism.

With Liverpool seemingly actively searching for central defenders themselves, it would not be a surprise if Konate were to seek a new start once the World Cup is over.

Although Milan appear keen to hold on to Mike Maignan’s services, they may be powerless in the new year, as the strongly linked Chelsea could make a move for the French goalkeeper.

Serie A rivals Juventus have also been mentioned as the Rossoneri race to seal a new contract for the 30-year-old, but the Blues look to be in pole position with just days to go before they can shake hands on a pre-contract agreement.

Potential suitors will certainly be on alert following reports that Maignan wants to leave San Siro – which means Milan would likely have to sell in January to avoid letting him go for free.

Ruben Neves shocked the footballing world as he partly led the exodus from European football to Saudi Arabia as the country’s richest clubs laid siege on our continent’s top talent.

Neves’ departure from Wolves was particularly surprising as he was one of the younger players to tread that particular path – joining Al-Hilal for £47m at the age of 26.

The Portugal midfielder has fared rather well in the Middle East, winning one Saudi league title and one King’s Cup.

But having not yet extended his contract in Riyadh and amid constant rumours linking him with a Premier League return – Manchester United appear to be linked most frequently – it may not be long before the likes of the Red Devils decide to act.

Bernardo Silva has flirted with a Manchester City departure in the past, but it looks like 2025/26 will finally be his last season at the Etihad Stadium.

With the Portuguese midfielder out of contract in the summer and no sign of talks with his current club, teams are lining up to take advantage.

There doesn’t appear to be a strong frontrunner at this stage, but Italian Serie A duo Juventus and Milan have been mentioned as having had some form of contact.

Saudi Arabian clubs have long admired Silva and could reignite interest in the coming weeks.