While the summer transfer window is fast approaching, many European clubs are already monitoring the market for free players, which has become more strategic than ever in an economic context that remains as tense as ever. With no transfer fee to pay, these profiles often represent ideal opportunities to strengthen a squad with experience, talent or even depth at a lower cost.
And if Ligue 1 also has several interesting players at the end of their contracts, this focus focuses exclusively on players playing abroad. From the Premier League to Serie A, including La Liga and the Bundesliga, several very attractive names will be free from June 30. Between experienced executives, former internationals and even players capable of playing at the highest level, here are our eleven of the best opportunities to seize for free this summer.
GB: Yann Sommer (Inter Milan, Switzerland, goalkeeper 37 years old – 33 Serie A matches this season)
At 37, the Swiss goalkeeper is coming off another very solid season with Inter, freshly crowned Italian champions. Starting in the 2025 Champions League final against PSG last year, the experienced goalkeeper continues to display a very competitive level despite his age. Free from June 30, he remains a safe bet, notably endowed with very good recovery quality.
DG: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool, Scotland, left back 32 years old – 24 Premier League matches this season)
A true symbol of Liverpool’s modern era, the 32-year-old Scottish full-back is reaching the end of his cycle after having won everything under Klopp then Slot. Renowned for his incessant activity and especially the quality of his crosses, he remains a formidable offensive weapon on his left lane. Captain of Scotland, he will still be a major part of his selection during the 2026 World Cup. He could do the business of a club looking for experience in defense. Robertson would also be very close to arriving at Tottenham according to the English press.
DC: David Alaba (Real Madrid, Austria, central defender 33 years old – 11 La Liga matches this season)
Hampered by injuries in recent seasons, the Austrian has seen his playing time decrease, without erasing his status as a high-level versatile player. Capable of playing in central defense, on the left flank or even as a defensive midfielder, he is preparing to turn the page at Real Madrid after a spell notably marked by two Champions League crowns. An experienced profile, left-handed, still highly sought after on the market. However, the Austrian defender is not really coveted at the moment.
DC: Ibrahima KonatĂ© (Liverpool, France, central defender 27 years old – 36 Premier League matches this season)
Author of a generally mixed season, like that of his team, the French defender nevertheless remains a highly coveted player on the market. Aged only 27, he has been followed for a long time by Real Madrid. Indisputable as a hinge alongside Virgil van Dijk when he is at 100%, he has however not completely convinced over the long term, and his contract has not been extended. In fact, he even announced his big departure from Liverpool a few days ago. If we are to believe Florentino Perez, his signing at Real Madrid will be effective as soon as the emblematic boss of Real Madrid is re-elected.
DD: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain, 34-year-old right back – 17 La Liga matches this season)
An emblematic figure of Real Madrid and the Spanish selection, the 34-year-old right-back is one of the references to his position over the last decade. A true collector of trophies, he has won everything at the highest level and remains a sure value despite the years. In a different role, he still retains real importance in a locker room, thanks to his experience and his leadership. He will be able to bring a lot in a new environment, like Lucas Vazquez at Bayer Leverkusen this season.
MC: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, Portugal, 31-year-old midfielder – 38 Premier League matches this season)
Used in recent seasons in a more central role, as a playmaker, the Portuguese is coming to the end of an exceptional cycle with Manchester City. Having passed through AS Monaco before establishing himself as a major executive in Pep Guardiola’s project, he left England after stacking up trophies, including 6 Premier League titles and a Champions League. Free this summer, he is already attracting many European big names, notably AtlĂ©tico de Madrid, even if the latest rumors in Spain send him to Barça. Note that the 31-year-old Portuguese has indicated that he will make his choice of club after the World Cup.
MC: Casemiro (Manchester United, Brazil, 34-year-old midfielder – 34 Premier League matches this season)
After a very good season in midfield with Manchester United, the Brazilian midfielder was able to regain a central role and convince his coach Carlo Ancelotti to take him for the next World Cup. At 34, he delivered a successful season on an individual level, mainly contributing to the club’s return to the Champions League, with 9 goals scored in all competitions. According to several reports, however, he could be tempted by a new challenge and a departure for MLS, where Inter Miami is among the avenues widely mentioned.
MC: Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich, Germany, 31-year-old midfielder – 31 Bundesliga matches this season)
Gradually relegated to the rotation with the emergence of young profiles like Aleksandar Pavlović within Bayern Munich, the German midfielder nevertheless maintains a good rating on the market. At 31, he remains an experienced player capable of bringing volume and impact to the midfield. Already targeted by Arsenal during the last winter transfer window, he could once again attract the attention of several big clubs this summer. To be continued.
AG: Memphis Depay (Corinthians, Netherlands, 32-year-old striker – 8 Brazilian Serie A matches this season)
After a contrasting stint in South America, the former Olympique Lyonnais player did not completely find the stability he hoped for at Corinthians. If he displays honorable statistics with around twenty goals in more than sixty appearances, his adventure has also been marked by controversies and a certain irregularity. At 32 years old, with his experience in Ligue 1 and La Liga, the Dutch striker nevertheless maintains an interesting rating and could offer himself a final challenge in Europe or elsewhere after the 2026 World Cup. Memphis Depay will be free from any contract from July 31, 2026.
BU: Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona, ​​Poland, 37-year-old striker – 31 La Liga matches this season)
Considered one of the best number 9s of his generation, Robert Lewandowski has just won a new La Liga with FC Barcelona. In a slightly more remote role this season, the Polish striker has nevertheless maintained remarkable efficiency with 19 goals in all competitions, including only one from the penalty spot. At 37 years old, he remains a different profile and still efficient, whether as a starter or in the rotation. It could represent a major opportunity on the market, even if tracks outside Europe, notably in Saudi Arabia or in MLS, have been regularly mentioned in recent months.
AD: Dušan Vlahović (Juventus, Serbia, 26-year-old striker – 19 Serie A matches this season)
Announced in many major European clubs during the previous summer transfer window, the Serbian striker finally continued his adventure at Juventus after a rather long series. Held back by an injury at the start of the season, he quickly found a starting role upon his return, taking particular advantage of limited competition to establish himself up front. Author of 10 goals in 13 starts, he displays solid statistics. At just 26 years old, he remains one of the most sought-after attackers on the market, with interest from Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid according to the Spanish press.
Varied and interesting profiles
If certain profiles do not appear in the main eleven, other players with very different backgrounds could also liven up this summer transfer window. French goalkeeper Illan Meslier will be free this summer and could represent an interesting option for a leading team looking for reinforcement in the cages. In defense, several executives are reaching the end of their contracts. Starting with Antonio RĂĽdiger, pillar of Real’s defense, who should however extend his adventure in Madrid. John Stones, an important figure at Manchester City, will also be available, as will Stefan de Vrij, at the end of his cycle at Inter Milan.
In midfield, Nabil Fekir, Franck Kessié and Fabinho will also be free, as will Luka Modrić, even if the Croatian has an option to extend for an additional season. While in attack, several experienced profiles are also arriving on the market. Adama Traoré, Mauro Icardi and Raheem Sterling are among the best-known names. Paulo Dybala is also concerned, even if he would rather head to Boca Juniors for the rest of his career. A particularly rich free player market.
