Sports
Best Football Players Whose Contracts Expire in 2027 [Ranked]
With the summer transfer window beginning to gain traction, many teams will be thinking about how they can bolster their squads ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
And like the price of everything, transfer fees for new additions continue to rise, forcing many teams out of the bidding wars for the very best talents around.
There are always plenty of gems available on the free agent listings, but many clubs seeking a bargain will also be looking further into the future at the players whose contracts expire in 2027. Whilst still under contract currently, players whose current deals expire next summer will be available to negotiate deals with a new club from January.
It creates a difficult situation and a race against time for the player’s current club, as they seek to come to a new agreement fast. But for clubs in the market, it presents the chance to get good players on a cut-price deal or possibly a free transfer in a year’s time.
Here is a closer look at some of the best players from world football whose contracts are up in 2027.
12
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
The Argentinian centre back has become a key figure for Manchester United since signing from Ajax in 2022. His current deal has an option to extend one year until 2028, with United reportedly keen to exercise that option. The defender didn’t manage to return to United a back-to-back World Cup winner, but did help Argentina reach the final against Spain and enjoyed a stellar tournament.
11
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
The France international has been crucial to Crystal Palace’s recent success, hitting double figures in the Premier League the last three seasons. Jean-Philippe Mateta came very close to joining AC Milan in January, clearly keen to cash in on a big move following his good form. There’s a strong chance that another big team will swoop for the striker with his current Crystal Palace deal into the final 12 months. Manchester United and Juventus have been linked.
10
Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)
Despite verbal agreements and advanced negotiations, a contract extension for Brahim Diaz has yet to be officially confirmed. The former Manchester City and AC Milan star is reportedly monitoring his game time and role in the squad before committing to a new deal. Diaz is one of the leading assist makers at the World Cup, which could generate some renewed interest knowing his contract situation.
9
Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the best midfielders in the world, Fabian Ruiz added another Champions League medal and a World Cup to his honours list ahead of the 2026/27 season. Having previously been a key player for Napoli, Ruiz has shone for Paris Saint-Germain, but a return to Spain could be on the cards as he heads into his thirties. He began his career at Real Betis, but his quality is such that Real Madrid and Barcelona will no doubt be on alert.
8
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
The former Chelsea star has been busy representing co-hosts the United States at the World Cup, but he will return to Italy knowing that his current deal expires next summer. ‘Captain America’ has a one-year extension option beyond 2027, but with Pulisic enjoying his time with the Rossoneri, he is reportedly hoping to sign a long-term extension.
7
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
The Manchester United captain was reportedly close to leaving the club last summer, following interest from the Saudi Pro League. And with his contract up next June, and with the new Premier League assists record to his name, there’s a good chance that the Saudi teams will be circling again for the 31-year-old. However, United are reportedly set to offer Fernandes a huge contract extension.
6
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
The Brazilian’s deal is set to expire next summer. However, Arsenal do have the option to extend Martinelli’s contract by another year, potentially keeping him at the club until 2028. Because of the stipulation, Arsenal have not been prioritising the extension. The Premier League champions may also be assessing their options. Martinelli just posted his worst Premier League goal return since joining the club in 2019, with just one goal in 30 appearances.
5
Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Ferran Torres continues to be a strong source of goals for Barcelona but reported delays over a contract extension suggested that the Spanish giants were considering cashing in on the former Manchester City man. Robert Lewandowski’s departure has allegedly changed Barca’s position on Torres, but a good offer could convince them to sell as he enters the last year of his contract.
4
Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
The Italian left back’s ties to the Nerazzurri run deep, with a 22-year association with the club. Inter are reportedly working on a contract extension for one of their most prized assets. But Arsenal and Manchester United are supposedly rumoured to be interested in Dimarco, who continues to be one of the most productive full backs in Europe.
3
Rodri (Manchester City)
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and recently crowned World Cup winner has endured a tough time with injuries over the past two seasons, but there is reportedly a contract on the table for one of the club’s key players. However, Rodri hasn’t exactly shied away from rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
Sports
Liverpool Now Pushing to Complete £100m Deal to Sign ‘Elite’ Barcola
Liverpool are now said to be planning to spend huge money on their statement winger signing. The Reds have had a pretty quiet summer so far, snapping up Victor Muñoz, while they had already agreed to sign Jeremy Jacquet to replace Ibrahima Konate, who departed at the end of his contract.
But Andoni Iraola is going to want a handful of signings to polish off his squad and ensure he has the tools he needs to play within his attack-first, largely wing-based style of play. And as luck would have if for the Spaniard, Mo Salah left this summer, leaving an almighty hole on the wing.
Liverpool are expected to address that hole as their main priority, while they could also add to the midfield before the summer is out.
Liverpool ready to spend big on new winger
PSG winger Bradley Barcola has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer. The France World Cup star is said to have rejected a new contract proposal from PSG this summer, hoping to depart Parc des Princes to become a star elsewhere.
Barcola has played an important role in Luis Enrique’s side, winning two Champions League titles along the way, but the presence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia means a starting role on the left is not going to come any time soon. Barcola has played a supplementary role on the left, and he has had to play out of position to get more regular football.
But at 23 years of age and clearly a huge talent, he feels as though he can play a starring role elsewhere, and he is likely right. Liverpool are hoping to take advantage of the situation, and The Times say they are ready to pay £100million in a bid to make the deal happen.
But PSG value Barcola highly, and buoyed by the huge fees paid within the Premier League this summer, notably by Chelsea for Morgan Rogers and Manchester City for Elliot Anderson, they think Barcola is worth as much as £145million.
Liverpool will want to convince them to lower their fee, and Barcola can help by further pushing for a move, but it’s no secret that PSG do not need the money, and they can be a tough club to negotiate with for that reason.
Barcola an ‘elite’ attacker
PSG boss Luis Enrique is a big fan of Barcola’s, which explains why the French club offered the winger a new deal this summer. The former Spain boss said last year: “I think Barcola is one of the best dribblers in Europe. He has extraordinary qualities. We are delighted with him.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool reporter James Pearce has described Barcola as an ‘elite’ talent, saying: “Victor Munoz, earlier on in the window, was kind of with one eye on the future. He’s still kind of potential rather than the finished article. Barcola is elite, isn’t he? He’s been part of such a successful PSG team, and when you’re replacing someone of Salah’s status, it has to be someone who is ready.”
Sports
Tottenham Tipped to Sign Marcus Rashford Next, De Zerbi Wants Him
Tottenham Hotspur could sign Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford this summer, with an offer in the region of £30 million expected to be enough to seal a prospective deal, according to talkSPORT.
Rashford enjoyed a relatively productive stint on loan at Barcelona last term, netting 14 goals and registering 11 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. Despite this, La Blaugrana opted against purchasing the 28-year-old permanently, instead moving for the player’s international teammate Anthony Gordon, in a deal that came to £69 million with Newcastle.
This has left Rashford in limbo, with his dream move no longer on the cards, and a return to the fold at Old Trafford not said to be on the table.
Arsenal have been linked with a shock move for the Englishman, although it now appears a different North London club could be leading the charge to land the wide forward.
Marcus Rashford Could Make Shock Spurs Switch
Rashford and United have cut ties completely, and thus, the player’s representatives and the north-west club are looking for a solution for him this summer.
Arsenal have long been mooted as a potential suitor for the divisive winger, but talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook doesn’t believe Mikel Arteta would approve signing a player who doesn’t fit into his dressing room culture at the Emirates.
Instead, Crook has revealed that he ‘could see’ Rashford ending up signing for the Gunners’ North London rivals, Tottenham.
“I think if he goes anywhere in London, I’m keeping an eye on Tottenham,” he told talkSPORT.
“I could see that deal happening. Roberto De Zerbi believes that he can get the best out of Marcus Rashford.
“When you say a cheap deal, I think probably an offer of £30million will be accepted by Manchester United, but you have to factor in he’s on £325,000 a week at Old Trafford, and doesn’t seem too willing to take a pay cut.”
Tottenham Should Avoid Marcus Rashford This Summer
Spurs have spent big on their defence and midfield already this summer, adding the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke to Roberto De Zerbi’s ranks for a combined £237 million.
Thus, the Lilywhites might be looking for a market opportunity as they attempt to bolster their attack. Given Rashford could be available for as little as £30 million, Spurs would be forgiven for viewing the England international as a potential bargain signing.
However, when you factor in his enormous wage package, which Crook alluded to, then the player looks rather expensive all of a sudden. Combine this with his age and the fact that he’d likely want a lengthy contract, and the deal becomes somewhat unappealing.
Spurs continue to be linked with Manchester City’s Savinho, who would come with less baggage, a cheaper wage and many more years ahead of him.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Sports
Arsenal Target ‘Super Talent’ Rayan
Arsenal fans are waiting for a statement signing in the summer transfer market as the club look to follow up their title triumph with more silverware.
The Gunners have already added to Mikel Arteta’s squad for the new season with the additions of goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer and attacker Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
Piero Hincapie has also joined on a permanent deal from Bayer Leverkusen after such a successful loan spell in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign.
Amid the club’s interest in a blockbuster move for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, a report from Sky Sports on Wednesday indicated that the Brazilian will be remaining at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and the Spanish giants are confident he will agree on a new contract.
Another Brazilian to sign?
Arsenal are one of five clubs interested in a move for Bournemouth star Rayan, according to The Sun.
The Brazilian wowed in his game time for the Cherries in the second half of last season after joining from Vasco da Gama in the January transfer window.
Signed for £24.7m with £5.6m in potential add-ons, the 19-year-old right-winger contributed five goals and two assists in 15 games as Bournemouth secured a place in Europe for the first time in their history.
Rayan was such a hit for Bournemouth that Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Arsenal are all keen on the Brazil international.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
The Sun report that the Gunners are considering making a bid but they must resolve the futures of both Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson first of all to help balance the books.
The report states that Arsenal believe moving fast for Rayan is essential, especially considering interest from the aforementioned quartet.
It is claimed that a bid in the region of £85m would represent exceptional value to Bournemouth’s owners, with the Brazilian described as a ‘world-class talent’ by Cherries teammate Marcus Tavernier.
Rayan praise
Rayan’s first few months in England will only help him going forward and he will no doubt star in the Premier League this season.
Scoring in only his second appearance for Bournemouth in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, the teenager came in for plenty of praise and was hailed as a “super talent” by Danny Murphy when speaking on Match of the Day.
“Second half they [Bournemouth] were really good. Villa were decent in the first half, [Morgan] Rogers, [Jadon] Sancho, but Bournemouth have been on a good run recently and Rayan, the new signing who they brought in to replace [Antoine] Semenyo, he’s young, he’s 19, he goes both ways.
“His final ball sometimes didn’t work, but his positivity and his willingness to beat people and try and make things happen is always refreshing.
“He was sometimes coming in and playing and passing and making the right choices, and then when he had the space, he’d try and beat his fullback, go one-on-one.
“He grew into the game in the second half, more and more starting to get on it and try and dominate, as the whole team did actually.”
On Rayan’s goal, he added: “This is really bad defending [from Lucas Digne], but still, the pace, the power, the positivity, and the finish there on his so-called weaker foot will do him the world of good to score on your first full game for your club and get the fans on board. He looks a super talent.”
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