The 2025 summer transfer window has only just slammed shut, but looking ahead, a host of big-name players are into the final year of their deals
The transfer window may have only just swung shut, but behind the scenes, sporting directors and recruitment specialists will already be on the lookout for future market opportunities. In all likelihood, their first port of call will be the list of players who will be available for absolutely nothing in less than a year's time.
Having stayed put in the summer as the penultimate chance to generate a fee passed their respective clubs by, several big-name stars have entered the final year of their contracts. While some could yet renew their terms, many others will be available to sign on a free transfer as early as January, when pre-contracts can officially be signed.
But who are the leading names to keep an eye on as the weeks and months wear on? Below, GOAL brings you the 10 best players who are currently set to become free agents in 2026:
Getty Images SportFrenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Frenkie de Jong's Barcelona future has been suspended up in the air for what feels like an age. Since the Blaugrana's financial turmoil was exposed, not a transfer window has gone by without the Dutch midfielder's sale being postured as a potential solution to the club's ongoing problems, with his eye-watering €365,000-per-week wages a significant burden. But six years after his big-money arrival from Ajax, he's still there.
In 2026, Barcelona finally have an opportunity to shed that weighty salary as De Jong enters the final 12 months of the deal he signed in 2020. However, remarkably, they look set to keep him on. Despite the wealth of midfield options available to Hansi Flick, the 28-year-old has confirmed he plans to sign a renewal, with a three-year extension on the table. There has been a bit of a hold-up, but that's been attributed to the player changing agents.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesSerge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)
Now 30 years old, Serge Gnabry has blown hot and cold for Bayern Munich in recent seasons, with niggling injuries taking their toll and affecting his status as a guaranteed starter. He has, though, outlasted fellow long-serving wingers Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane, who were both moved on in the summer, despite an indifferent 2024-25 season where he managed a relatively modest 12 goal contributions in the Bundesliga.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is currently no talk of an extension for the attacker, although he has repaid the faith shown in him by making a flying start to the new campaign under Vincent Kompany. If he can keep up this kind of form, then Bayern might well come to the table with the offer of a renewal. If he feels it's time for a change, then the Germany international should have no shortage of suitors as a free agent in 2026.
Getty Images SportLeon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
Another long-serving Bayern Munich star, Leon Goretzka has battled back into contention under Kompany at the Allianz Arena when it seemed certain he was going to be phased out last season, remaining a starter at the beginning of the new campaign. However, question marks remain over whether he has done enough to convince the club's hierarchy that he deserves a new contract, having entered the final 12 months of his current deal.
With the opportunity to bring in a transfer fee for the midfielder now all-but gone, it was previously reported that Die Roten have decided against a renewal despite the 30-year-old's resurgence and there are no plans for one to be tabled. Manchester United has been perennially touted as a potential destination for Goretzka, and those links are almost certain to resurface unless those in charge behind the scenes in Munich make a U-turn on their initial decision.
GOALMarc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
After some textbook late drama in the transfer window, Marc Guehi remains a Crystal Palace player. Early on deadline day, it had seemed for all the world that the centre-back was destined for Liverpool as the Reds finally made their move for a player they had been tracking all summer long. Despite a £35 million ($47m) agreement between the two clubs and Guehi undergoing a medical, Palace called the deal off at the 11th hour as they failed to find an adequate replacement before the deadline.
And so, barring another dramatic twist, the defender will play out the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park before becoming a free agent. This might be a forgone conclusion, with Liverpool presumably set to snap him up next summer or on a pre-contract in January to see off any competition. In the meantime, it would be of little surprise if more suitors emerged for the England international, who has previously been linked with Manchester City and will still have plenty of admirers at Chelsea, where he came through the academy.
