real-madrid-cf-v-fc-bayern-munchen-uefa-champions-league-2025-26-quarter-final-first-leg (3)
real-madrid-cf-v-fc-bayern-munchen-uefa-champions-league-2025-26-quarter-final-first-leg (3)
Some massive names have entered the final 12 months of their contracts, with clubs facing a race against time to agree new deals - or cash in while they can.
From World Cup winners to Premier League record breakers, some of football's most high-profile players are available for nothing next summer, as things stand.
Arguably the biggest fish heading towards the free agency pool is Vinicius Junior, who has rarely been out of the headlines in recent weeks.
Real Madrid have failed to reach an agreement on fresh terms with the Brazilian, with Arsenal ready to pounce. The Gunners are hoping to capitalise with big-money deal for the winger.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are hoping to lure Rodri back to La Liga. The feeling is mutual, with Rodri receptive to their interest, having entered the final year of his Manchester City deal. Having won the lot at the Etihad, plus the big prizes with Spain too, the 31-year-old wants to conquer his homeland.
Over in Germany, Harry Kane's contract at Bayern Munich is on the countdown. After bludgeoning 146 goals in 147 games, Bayern are predictably keen to continue their alliance. However, the lure of a Premier League return, and Alan Shearer's all-time goal record, could see Kane quit next summer.
Elsewhere, Manchester United are racing to tie Bruno Fernandes down to a new deal. The Portuguese midfielder broke the Premier League record for assists in a single season last term, on route to several Player of the Year awards. United are confident that the club can keep him out of the clutches of rival sides.
25 top footballers out of contract in 2027
Vinicius Junior - Real Madrid
Harry Kane - Bayern Munich
Rodri - Manchester City
Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United
Ferran Torres - Barcelona
Federico Di Marco - Inter Milan
Lisandro Martinez - Manchester United
Gabriel Martinelli - Arsenal
Brahim Diaz - Real Madrid
Christian Pulisic - AC Milan
Fabian Ruiz - Paris Saint-Germain
Curtis Jones - Liverpool
Jean-Philippe Mateta - Crystal Palace
Joao Felix - Al-Nassr
Kaoru Mitoma - Brighton
Jack Grealish - Manchester City
Hakan Calhanoglu - Inter Milan
Alisson Becker - Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool
Thibaut Courtois - Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo - Al-Nassr
Jhon Lucumi - Bologna
Stanislav Lobotka - Napoli
Luke Shaw - Manchester United
Yasin Ayari - Brighton