2025/26 Season: Players Set for Free Agency
The 2025/26 football season is nearing its end, and several high-profile players are poised to change clubs as their contracts expire.
Last summer, Jonathan David, the Canadian forward, was the headline grabbing free agent, leaving Lille after an impressive spell where he scored over 100 goals and helped the club secure the Ligue 1 title in 2021, edging out Paris Saint-Germain.
This summer promises to bring similar excitement, with several star players confirmed to leave their respective teams at the conclusion of their contracts on June 30th. Bernardo Silva has announced his departure from Manchester City after a successful nine years, while Leon Goretzka is set to exit Bayern Munich after more than 300 appearances. The question now is, where will they end up? Let’s explore some of the biggest names on the move.
Ibrahima Konaté
This season, Liverpool faced challenges in the free agency market, particularly when Trent Alexander-Arnold opted for Real Madrid, leaving fans displeased. Now, Ibrahima Konaté appears likely to follow suit and depart the club without a new contract. The ex-RB Leipzig defender hasn’t publicly commented on his future, but manager Arne Slot is still hopeful he might stay at Liverpool. However, Real Madrid is reportedly interested in him.
Despite Konaté’s lackluster performance this season, Madrid seems undeterred, having previously signed high-profile players like Kylian Mbappé and David Alaba on free transfers. Before addressing his club career, though, the 26-year-old will focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where France is viewed as a strong contender. Recent betting odds suggest France is the second favorite to lift the trophy on July 19, with Konaté expected to play a vital role alongside Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich. Whether his future is sorted out before the World Cup kicks off on June 11 remains uncertain.
Bernardo Silva
Another player headed for the World Cup is Bernardo Silva of Manchester City, who has confirmed he will not return to the Etihad Stadium following the tournament. In April, he announced that he wouldn’t extend his contract after June 30, aiming to conclude his nine-year stint with a seventh Premier League title.
Barcelona has shown keen interest in Silva, having attempted to sign him multiple times in the past. Although they came closest in the summer of 2022, then-coach Pep Guardiola insisted on keeping the Portuguese midfielder. Now, with the contract expiring, a move to Catalonia seems likely, though Juventus and Galatasaray have also expressed interest.
Dušan Vlahović
Once revered as Juventus’ solution to their striking woes, Dušan Vlahović was acquired for €70 million from Fiorentina. However, he has struggled to meet expectations, failing to reach 20 goals in any of his five seasons in Turin, including a mere eight goals this season—the lowest of his time at the Allianz Stadium.
With his contract expiring on June 30 and no definitive plans for his future, there are suggestions he may sign a new deal on less favorable terms to stay at Juventus. If negotiations falter, clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea are likely to be in pursuit.
Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka became a coveted central midfielder after announcing he would leave Schalke eight years ago, and now in 2026, he is set for another transition. The German international confirmed earlier this year that he will depart Bayern Munich at the season’s end, prompting interest from several top European clubs.
Current Premier League leaders Arsenal are reportedly leading the charge to sign Goretzka, aiming to bolster their midfield options which already feature players like Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino. Inter Milan is also rumored to be keen on acquiring the experienced midfielder.
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