Top 10 Free Agents from the World Cup: Stars Set to Make Moves

The ongoing excitement of the 2026 World Cup can easily overshadow an equally important development: the summer transfer window. While fans are glued to the matches, many players are looking to showcase their skills and find new homes as free agents.

Several notable footballers are entering this tournament with no club to call their own, having left their previous teams when contracts expired in June. Let’s take a closer look at ten star players who are available for a free transfer this summer, as they vie for attention on the world stage.

Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson's departure from Liverpool marks the end of an era. Signed for just over €9 million in 2017, he carved out a legacy at Anfield, contributing to multiple Premier League and Champions League victories. Despite a reduced role last season, the 32-year-old remains a highly regarded defender. Currently linked with Tottenham and several top Italian clubs, there’s also speculation about a potential return to boyhood club Celtic. However, financial considerations may complicate that move.

Casemiro

After a turbulent spell at Manchester United, Casemiro finds himself on the move once more. The Brazilian was integral in helping the team regain their footing under Michael Carrick, but with his contract expiration looming, questions about his future remain. High wages likely influenced United's decision to let him go, but rumor has it that a stint in Major League Soccer, possibly at Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi, is on the cards.

John Stones

At Manchester City, John Stones has proven to be a remarkable defender, but injury struggles have complicated his standing with the team. The 32-year-old recently bid farewell to City, where he garnered significant achievements including six Premier League titles. Rumored opportunities to join Bayern Munich or even return to Everton could present him with one last shot at top-level football.

Leon Goretzka

At Bayern Munich, Leon Goretzka has seen his status dwindle as younger players have emerged. Set to represent Germany this summer, questions about his future linger. Despite being one of the highest earners at Bayern, he’s struggled for consistent playing time, fueling speculation about a move – with interest from Juventus growing as talks with Arsenal fade.

David Alaba

David Alaba's tenure at Real Madrid has been marred by injuries, with a severe ACL tear sidelining him for over a year. While hoping to revive his career, he faces stiff competition from new signings at Los Blancos. After announcing he will leave upon his contract expiration, he will need to prove his fitness ahead of a possible role with another top European side, including interest from Manchester United and Inter Milan.

Ibrahima Konate

After a below-par season at Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate's exit seems imminent as discussions over a new contract appear stalled, mainly over wage disagreements. While the team wanted him to remain, his performance dipped considerably, raising eyebrows. A potential move to Real Madrid looks increasingly likely, a shift that would aim to reignite his career.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah’s time at Liverpool is also concluding under unusual circumstances. The club announced that he would leave through a mutual contract termination rather than a transfer, leaving them without a fee. After a challenging season marred by disputes with management and a significant drop in performance, many expect him to head to Saudi Arabia, although other options, including Galatasaray and MLS teams, are still on the table.

Luka Modric

While Luka Modric's future hangs in the balance, he could extend his stay at AC Milan. Approaching 40, he proved invaluable last season, even as the team struggled. His ability to control the game remains, and the belief is that he’ll continue contributing in Serie A if he elects to renew, although he’s currently set to become a free agent.

Bernardo Silva

As Manchester City undergoes a transition, Bernardo Silva's departure as a free agent feels imminent. The 31-year-old playmaker has remained a vital asset, and his experience is sought after. Links to top European clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, and Real Madrid are rampant, with rumors suggesting he may even adjust his wage expectations to ensure a transfer to Catalonia.

Xaver Schlager

The anticipation around these players underscores a critical moment in the football transfer market. With high-profile free agents on the move, clubs across Europe will be keen to capitalize. Fans and teams alike should watch closely as the World Cup unfolds—there’s bound to be plenty of drama beyond the pitch.

Xaver Schlager's potential departure from RB Leipzig has turned into a waiting game, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football transfers. Initially, a move to Juventus seemed imminent in January, but that fell apart, attributed to both the club's shift in focus and concerns over Schlager's salary demands. If Juventus wasn't prepared to meet those expectations, it seems unlikely that Celtic would step in, leaving the player in limbo. What's particularly interesting is Schlager's recent comments to RBLive, where he expressed a strong desire to seek new challenges outside the Bundesliga. While he didn't name specific clubs, there's clearly an urgency for him to prove himself, especially with the upcoming World Cup acting as a pivotal platform for players on the move. The spotlight could very well help him attract suitors who might have otherwise overlooked him. It's not entirely clear why Schlager's marketability hasn't surged despite his talent; many factors could be at play, from overinflated wage expectations to clubs simply prioritizing other candidates. For those operating in this space, keeping an eye on his situation could offer insights into broader market trends as the transfer window heats up. Here’s the takeaway: In a crowded transfer market, players like Schlager, who find themselves stuck between clubs and wage negotiations, might just have to be strategic. The World Cup offers a perfect opportunity to showcase skills, potentially changing the trajectory of careers amidst club uncertainties. Let’s see where he lands—because for talent that craves a new stage, the right break could come when least expected.