According to a report by AS, several world-class football stars are entering the final phase of their contracts, presenting a massive "bargain" opportunity for elite clubs. From January 1, 2026, players whose contracts expire at the end of the current season are legally permitted to negotiate and sign pre-contract agreements with other clubs. This list features players in their prime, such as Dayot Upamecano, Marc Guéhi, and Ibrahima Konaté, all of whom have already been linked with major moves to giants like Real Madrid.

The list of potential free agents or cut-price targets covers every position on the pitch. In defense, alongside the aforementioned names, established veterans such as Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Andreas Christensen are also facing contract expirations. The midfield and attacking departments are equally star-studded, featuring Bernardo Silva, Leon Goretzka, Julian Brandt, and Paulo Dybala, as well as high-profile strikers like Dušan Vlahović and Robert Lewandowski. Even top-tier goalkeepers like Mike Maignan are among those whose futures remain undecided.

The looming deadline has sparked significant transfer speculation, particularly for clubs looking to address structural weaknesses without paying premium transfer fees. Beyond the global superstars, AS also highlights several La Liga talents whose situations are being monitored, including Oscar Mingueza, Fran Beltrán, and Ilias Akhomach. With the winter window now open, the decisions made by these players in the coming weeks will likely reshape the European football landscape for the 2026 summer transfer market.