The 2025/26 football season has drawn to a close around Europe and clubs will now turn their full attention towards planning for the future.
We recently took a look at the Premier League stars that are set to become free agents this summer.
However, there are a number of other big names in world football that are also set to become free agents in the next month, and that could catch the eye of Premier League sides.
Here are some of the biggest names in world football that are set to be free agents this summer…
Vlahovic
It is not so long ago that Dusan Vlahovic was one of the hottest prospects in European football. The Serbian international was Arsenal’s top striker target back in 2022, when he joined Juventus for £67 million. Now the Italian side are unable or unwilling to meet his contract demands, and the 26-year-old could walk out the door for free.
Vlahovic’s contract will expire at the end of the month and the Gunners could finally get their man. Arsenal are one of the top clubs said to be keeping tabs on the forward, alongside the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Lewandowski
Another elite striker set to be on the market for free this summer is Robert Lewandowski. Now aged 37, the Polish goalscorer is not renewing his deal with Barcelona.
Despite his age, Lewandowski will still draw plenty of suitors. He was the best striker in the world in his prime and was very unlucky to not win a Ballon D’Or. His invaluable experience will be an attraction for clubs. It is not like he offers no value on the pitch either – just the season before last he netted 42 goals in 52 matches for Barcelona. Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the veteran forward.
Brandt
Lewandowski, of course, first announced himself at the top level with Borussia Dortmund, before leaving them as a free agent. The German side are set to once again lose a star for free this summer, with Julian Brandt moving on at the end of his contract.
The midfielder has been a key man for Dortmund since arriving seven years ago. He assisted Mats Hummels goal against PSG that sent the Germans to the Champions League final two years ago. However, the number ten has now decided to move on. The quality 30-year-old could tempt a Premier League side, although it seems he could be heading to Serie A.
Goretzka
Another German midfielder available as a free agent this summer is Leon Goretzka. The 31-year-old has won every major honour with Bayern Munich since joining in 2018. However, he will leave the club at the end of the month when his contract expires.
It is understood that the Germany international dreams of a move to the Premier League. He has been linked with Arsenal, although a number of Italian sides are very keen on Goretzka.
Modric
When it comes to experienced midfielders, there are few that compete with Luka Modric. Now aged 40, the Croatian has the option to extend his contract with AC Milan for a further year. However, he has not yet triggered that clause and it seems increasingly likely that he will depart the San Siro this summer.
It has been 14 years since the midfielder last played in the Premier League. Given his age and the physical nature of the division, he is unlikely to return now. Nevertheless, he has been linked with a spectacular return to Real Madrid. A more likely destination is a homecoming to Dinamo Zagreb in his native country.
Alaba
A man that played alongside Modric at Real Madrid for a number of years is David Alaba. It has already been announced that the Austrian defender will leave the Bernabeu as a free agent this summer.
One of the best defenders in the world when he moved to the Spanish capital, injury struggles have plagued Alaba in recent seasons. Still, the 33-year-old will remain an attractive prospect to some clubs. Manchester United are amongst those interested in securing the services of the Austrian.
Dybala
A final star that could be available as a free agent this summer is Paulo Dybala. The Argentinian has been left out of the World Cup squad and has not yet renewed his deal with Roma. An incredible talent when he arrived on the scene, the forward has spent almost his entire career in Italy. It is not so long ago that he was regarded as a genuinely world class attacker during his best days with Juventus.
The 32-year-old has a long-held desire to play in the Premier League. He has been close to completing a blockbuster move to England more than once – to both Manchester United and Tottenham. Although those past deals eventually fell through, this summer could be the time they finally materialise.