| Updated: August 20, 2025The summer transfer window is approaching its final hours, intensifying the pressure on clubs, agents, and players as the deadline looms. One group drawing particular attention comprises those players whose contracts are due to expire in 2026. Their clubs now face a classic triple dilemma: cash in now, secure a new deal, or risk losing top talent for nothing next summer. These circumstances prompted Sportingpedia to analyse the most valuable players with expiring contracts in 2026 across Europe’s five leading leagues.
One of the most remarkable findings is that four of the five highest-valued players with contracts expiring in 2026 are central defenders. Another interesting revelation is that Bayern Munich are facing the biggest potential loss, with three players worth a combined €94 million set to be out of contract in 2026. They are followed by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester City who also face substantial losses.
Methodology: Data for this report was sourced from Transfermarkt, focusing on the ten most valuable players with contracts set to expire in 2026 from each of Europe’s top five leagues: the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.
The most Valuable players with expiring contacts in 2026
Data Source: Transfermarkt
The transfer market has entered a tense period for clubs whose most valuable players are entering the final year of their contracts. Among all footballers with deals expiring in 2026, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate currently holds the highest market value at €60 million. Three other central defenders also rank among the top five, including Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, and Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong shares third place with Guehi, both valued at €45 million. Other notable names include PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is the most valuable goalkeeper on the list, and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, who stands out as one of the top-rated midfielders with an expiring deal. The highest valued forward is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has a market value of €35 million. The group is rounded out by Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur, who both remain key figures for their clubs as their contracts approach expiry. The combined market value of the ten most valuable players with expiring contracts in 2026 is €415 million.
Ultimate Team of Players with Expiring Contracts in 2026
(highest valued players by position)
Data Source: Transfermarkt
The ultimate team of players with expiring contracts in 2026 features some of the highest valued footballers across all positions. Gianluigi Donnarumma stands out as the goalkeeper, valued at €40 million. The defensive line is particularly impressive, with Vitaliy Mykolenko, Marc Guehi, Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano, and Raul Asencio combining for a formidable back five. In midfield, the trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Frenkie de Jong, and Bernardo Silva represent a blend of creativity, experience, and tactical awareness, making them some of the most attractive options for clubs seeking talent on a free transfer next summer. Up front, Dusan Vlahovic and Yoane Wissa are the two highest valued forwards with contracts expiring in 2026, and their attacking qualities could be in high demand if they do not renew with their current clubs. This selection underlines the quality available among expiring contracts and highlights the calibre of players potentially on the move at the end of the upcoming season.
Top 15 Clubs at Risk: Value of Players with 2026 Expiring Contracts
Data Source: Transfermarkt
The clubs with the highest potential losses due to expiring contracts in 2026 are led by Bayern Munich, whose at-risk contingent includes Dayot Upamecano, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry, combining for a total value of €94 million. Barcelona follows, with Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen all in the final year of their deals, totalling 87 million. Real Madrid is next on the list, with Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger, and Raul Asencio potentially departing for free – players with a combined value of €80 million. Juventus faces the possible exit of Dusan Vlahovic, Weston McKennie, and Tiago Djalo (€65 million).
Manchester City (Bernardo Silva and John Stones – €63 million) and PSG (Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marco Asensio – €60 million) round out the top six, with Liverpool’s main at-risk name being Ibrahima Konate (€60 million). Tottenham is exposed to a possible €55 million loss, led by Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma, while Crystal Palace’s key concern is Marc Guehi. Next are Milan (Mike Maignan and Yacine Adli – €36 million), Brentford (Yoane Wissa – €32 million), Bologna (Jhon Lucumi and Stefan Posch – €30 million), Union Berlin (Diogo Leite and Danilho Doekhi – €30 million), Villarreal (Ilias Akhomach and Thomas Partey – €29 million), and Everton (Vitaliy Mykolenko – €28 million), as they all face similar dilemmas.