Summer 2026: The Elite Talents Set to Leave on Free Transfers

Come the end of June, the transfer market will be flooded with heavyweight talent available without a fee. We've ranked the twenty most valuable free agents set to depart this summer, based on Transfermarkt valuations.

20. Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace)

What promised to be a statement signing for Palace has failed to ignite. The Japanese midfielder's stint at Selhurst Park has underwhelmed, and his exit appears inevitable. Milan are among the clubs circling.

19. Zeki Celik (Roma)

The Turkish full-back finds himself in advanced contract negotiations with Roma, with a fresh deal expected to be wrapped up imminently.

18. Mathias Jensen (Brentford)

The 30-year-old Danish midfielder holds the upper hand here—Brentford possess a one-year extension option that should prove straightforward to activate, though Jensen will have admirers if talks stall.

17. Yves Bissouma (Tottenham)

His Spurs tenure ends not with a bang but a whimper. The Brighton coup of yesteryear has failed to deliver the goods in North London.

16. Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)

The German midfielder has made his intentions clear. "Maybe it's my last chance to go abroad. I really want to play truly competitive football again. We'll see what opportunities come up. I'm completely relaxed about it. I'll just let it all happen," he remarked. Arsenal are reported to lead the Premier League charge, with AC Milan also hovering in the background.

15. Danilho Doekhi (Union Berlin)

The Dutch centre-back's next port of call appears to be Leeds United.

14. Fabinho (Al-Ittahad)

The Saudi outfit has frozen all contract discussions, leaving the former Liverpool lynchpin—still just 32—in limbo.

13. Arthur Avom (FC Lorient)

Sunderland are keen on the Cameroonian midfielder, though Lorient hold a one-year extension option that could yet keep him in France.

12. Malang Sarr (Lens)

The ex-Chelsea defender's extension option will almost certainly be triggered by the Ligue 1 side.

11. Souffian El Karouani (Utrecht)

The Moroccan left-back is heading to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

10. Rico Henry (Brentford)

Brentford have a one-year extension sitting in their pocket for the left-back, which they will undoubtedly activate.

9. John Stones (Manchester City)

Stones's departure from Manchester City is confirmed. A sentimental return to Everton has been mooted, though the defender likely fancies himself capable of competing in the Champions League—whether that's with Spurs or elsewhere remains to be seen.

8. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

His expiring contract forced United's hand when Aston Villa came calling for a loan. Villa are positioned as favourites to make the deal permanent, though Bournemouth and Crystal Palace—buoyed by their Europa League qualification—are also sniffing around.

7. Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)

Dortmund have confirmed Brandt's summer departure. Aston Villa are tracking the German winger, and he has all the hallmarks of a Unai Emery signing. Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Roma are preparing their pitches too.

6. Oscar Mingueza (Celta de Vigo)

The Spanish right-back has attracted serious interest from Newcastle and Aston Villa among others.

5. Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)

Despite Konate's lofty ranking, Senesi may well prove the season's most coveted free agent. Manchester United, Newcastle, Juventus, Tottenham, Barcelona and Liverpool have all been linked. Curiously, Spurs have stolen a march on the field since securing their top-flight status.

4. Harry Wilson (Fulham)

Fulham are reportedly close to persuading the winger to pen fresh terms. A standout Premier League campaign has given Wilson considerable negotiating leverage. Leeds, Everton and Aston Villa are among those monitoring his situation.

3. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Silva's Manchester City exit is now official after nine seasons. Barcelona, PSG and Juventus are all circling the Portuguese playmaker.

2. Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Juventus attempted to offload the striker last summer but he remained stuck in Turin despite the broader market movement. Bayern Munich, Newcastle, Napoli and Atletico Madrid are among those eyeing the Serbian forward.

1. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

The Liverpool centre-back tops the rankings, yet his future remains shrouded in uncertainty. October brought whispers of an imminent renewal, but Liverpool's recent track record in closing such deals inspires little confidence. Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked. Reports suggest Konate's commitment to a new Anfield contract may be less advanced than publicly suggested.