According to GIVEMESPORT, the 2026 summer transfer market features an impressive list of high-profile free agents, with clubs across Europe able to strengthen their squads without paying transfer fees. As the World Cup continues and preparations for the 2026/27 campaign gather pace, several elite stars are now available after seeing their contracts expire.
Experience and pedigree on offer
As highlighted by GIVEMESPORT, one of the biggest names on the market is former Manchester City defender John Stones. The 32-year-old leaves the Etihad after a trophy-laden decade, making close to 300 appearances under Pep Guardiola and winning every major honour available.
Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal is another standout free agent after bringing an end to his 23-year association with the Spanish giants. Fellow veteran Luka Modrić also remains without a club after his AC Milan contract expired. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner featured 37 times last season and is reportedly still considering whether to activate a one-year extension.
GIVEMESPORT also includes Neymar among the notable names available, with the Brazilian’s Santos contract due to expire later this year and no agreement over fresh terms currently in place. Former Premier League Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy is another experienced striker on the market after leaving US Cremonese, having scored seven goals in 29 Serie A appearances despite the club’s relegation. Feyenoord and several English sides are reportedly monitoring his situation.
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High-profile attackers searching for fresh starts
Among the headline names featured in GIVEMESPORT’s ranking is Mohamed Salah, whose nine-year spell at Liverpool has come to an end. The Egyptian is currently focused on the World Cup but has been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, MLS and Turkey following his departure.
Former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho is also available after leaving Old Trafford. His loan spell at Aston Villa saw him make 39 appearances, and Villa could yet pursue a permanent reunion ahead of their Champions League campaign.
Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović also features prominently in GIVEMESPORT’s list after becoming available following an injury-hit final season in Turin. Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha enters the market after his Galatasaray contract expired, ending his spell following two productive loan campaigns with Charlotte FC in MLS.
Midfield quality and defensive options
GIVEMESPORT also highlights several experienced midfielders capable of improving clubs immediately. Former AC Milan and Barcelona star Franck Kessie is available after leaving Al-Ahli, while ex-Liverpool midfielder Fabinho became a free agent after renewal talks with Al-Ittihad broke down.
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Elsewhere, Leon Goretzka has departed Bayern Munich amid reported interest from AC Milan, while Yves Bissouma is available following the expiration of his Tottenham contract.
Defensively, Raphaël Guerreiro offers versatility after leaving Bayern Munich, having regularly featured at left-back, in midfield and even as an attacking midfielder under Vincent Kompany. Oscar Mingueza is another attractive option after leaving Celta Vigo, with several Premier League clubs reportedly interested in the former Barcelona defender.
One for the future
Alongside the established stars, GIVEMESPORT also points to highly-rated Arthur Avom as one of the most exciting young free agents available. The 21-year-old midfielder helped Lorient win the Ligue 2 title before earning his senior Cameroon debut, making him one of the standout long-term investments on the market.
As GIVEMESPORT notes, the combination of proven world-class veterans and emerging young talent means clubs have an unusually strong selection of free agents to choose from this summer, creating a rare opportunity to strengthen squads without spending on transfer fees.
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