As the 2026-27 European football season approaches, high-profile stars including Mohamed Salah, John Stones, and Jadon Sancho find themselves without clubs after summer contract expirations and mutual departures, leaving their immediate futures uncertain amid international tournament commitments and ongoing transfer negotiations.
European football’s summer transfer window has opened into a turbulent landscape for several marquee names. While millions change hands for active squad builders, a parallel market of high-profile free agents is commanding attention across the continent. According to transfer listings and contract expiration tracking, July marks the formal end of numerous high-value deals, throwing established veterans and under-24 talents alike into the open market.
Mohamed Salah Leaves Liverpool as Besiktas and Fenerbahce Circle
Mohamed Salah is searching for a new club after an agreement was reached with Liverpool to end his contract early. The Egyptian forward departed Anfield by mutual consent after nine trophy-laden seasons.
Salah broke down in tears as he waved goodbye to supporters, having previously confirmed his departure in March via an emotional public statement. The 33-year-old forward has most recently been linked with a move to Turkish club Besiktas, alongside reported interest from Fenerbahce.
According to updates from Transfer News Live on X, an agreement in principle has been reached on a deal until 2027 worth €12M per year, with an option to extend until 2028. Besiktas are optimistic of completing the signing in the coming days.
John Stones Reaches the End of an Era at Manchester City
John Stones has left Manchester City after a decade at the club in which he won 15 major trophies. Stones signed off with an FA Cup win and is one of the biggest names at the World Cup who is now a free agent.
Stones was emotional as he said goodbye to fans, crying on the pitch after his 294th and final game. Since leaving Everton in a £47.5m 2016 move, he won 17 major titles at the club, including six Premier Leagues and the Champions League.
Picked for England by Thomas Tuchel despite recent injury issues, the 32-year-old is part of England’s squad. Stones has most recently been linked with former club Everton and Italian giants AC Milan.
Jadon Sancho and Other Notable Free Agents
Jadon Sancho, who joined Manchester United in a £73m deal in 2021, is also now unattached after leaving Old Trafford. It has been a turbulent few years for Sancho, and he has spent the last two and-a-half years playing elsewhere on loan, most recently at Aston Villa following a lacklustre period at Chelsea.
Sancho made just 30 Premier League appearances for United but has reportedly received an offer from Qatari side Al-Rayyan. Other notable free agents as of July 1st, 2026 include Dusan Vlahovic.
Dusan Vlahovic, Leon Goretzka, and Yves Bissouma
Vlahovic was unable to agree an extension at Juventus and is now on the hunt for a new challenge. Yves Bissouma is on the hunt for a new club after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, having made just 11 top-flight appearances last season.
Additional names now without a club include former Arsenal full-backs Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu, ex-Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt, Celta Vigo full-back Oscar Mingueza, and former teammate Casemiro.
