Many of Europe’s top players could be on the move this summer, while some have already revealed they will be looking for new clubs. But where could they go?
Here, we pick nine unique names, speculate on where they might go and what destination they’re most likely to head to.
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Lewandowski | Alvarez | rodri
Fernandez | vlahovic | salah
Goretzka | casemiro | Bernardo Silva
odd Future
Arguably the defining number 9 striker of the last decade in world football, the poland The international has scored almost 600 goals in his career, and with 12 league titles and one Champions League title in his cabinet, he remains one of the most decorated players of the modern era. Although his mobility has diminished with age, his positioning and his technique are as good as ever – as proven by his 17 goals in all competitions this season.
Should Lewandowski leave Camp Nou this summer he will have plenty of options with clubs across Major League Soccer. Saudi Pro League And the Turkish Super Lig was repeatedly linked with him. But the real question is, does he still see himself in one of the top five leagues in Europe? Barcelona have reportedly offered him a contract extension, while the Italian giants juventus And AC Milan There is rumor of interest.
Best fit: There is no doubt that he will significantly increase his goal tally if he joins of MLS A club like Chicago Fire. However, he would be best suited for a team that will give him plenty of opportunities, rather than creating one for himself.
Possible destination: Staying in Barcelona seems the most likely outcome. If that doesn’t happen and he wants to remain at the elite end of European football, AC Milan would be the next best option for his skills.
Few players have been subject to transfer rumors like Alvarez this season; However this speaks more to the demand for his services than the player’s desire to leave Atlético. The Argentina international brings dynamism, quick off-the-ball movement and great tactical versatility, but it is his performances in the Champions League this season where he has shown his best potential and it has put him on the radar of many European powers.
Sources have told ESPN that Barcelona are keen to find a long-term solution at No.9 to replace Lewandowski, and Alvarez would be their dream target. ESPN also reported in January armory Were considering whether to make an offer for the forward this summer.
Does Alvarez see himself at Atleti next season? “I can’t guarantee I’ll stay next year,” he said last month. “Maybe yes, maybe no. I’m happy here, but you never know.”
Best fit: His flexibility would suit Arsenal’s fluid forward line, although such a move seems far-fetched as he has a contract until 2030 and Atletico want to make a profit on the initial €75 million spent to sign him from Manchester City in 2024.
potential consequences: To remain. Atletico have a firm stance and it is possible to get him to sign a better contract.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is the epitome of a modern defensive midfielder. His positioning is excellent, he is difficult to press and he is always available to receive passes from teammates. Few players can single-handedly handle the dirty work of an entire central midfield and allow more attack-minded players to flourish, but Rodri does that.
His contract is entering its final year, so his future should be considered this summer. City is usually proactive in these matters and he is still most important to their team, but replacing him will not be easy. He is in demand, especially by real MadridReshaping their midfield since Joe’s departure toni kross And luka modric And have been interested for a long time. They still lack a defensive midfielder to strengthen their team, and he would be a perfect fit.
Best fit: real Madrid. He is a natural organizer who can stabilize and lead their midfield.
potential consequences: At some point a move to Real Madrid seems inevitable. But the timing – whether this summer or next – may depend on City’s stance and Pep Guardiola’s own future as manager.
Fernandez still has six years left on his Chelsea contract, and is still the subject of constant transfer speculation. some of that stems from His own comments earlier this year – where he indicated he had doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge, before later clarifying and apologizing – which brought him into conflict with his club. Some speculation also comes from Chelsea’s wider financial and sporting situation; Given that, Fernandez’s exit will command a hefty fee and they will need to balance the books.
On the pitch, his value to Chelsea is beyond doubt; He covers a lot of ground, moves the ball forward and makes huge contributions in both attack and defence. true to form, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid have both been linked with a move, while Manchester City are also reported to be interested if he becomes available.
Best fit: Real Madrid would offer a clear, undisputed starting slot for Fernandez, although their move for Rodri seems more logical.
potential consequences: Tempting Chelsea to accept a bid that wouldn’t make them lose money would mean an offer in excess of €100 million, given the way his contract is set up over the long term, and few clubs are capable of that. Another season at Chelsea seems most likely.
At one time it was the subject of interest from all the top clubs Premier LeagueVlahovic did not manage to live up to the initial hype that brought him to Juventus fiorentina For €70 million in 2022. This season, his output has dropped – he has only three goals in 14 matches serie a This season – while an adductor injury has kept him out for long periods. With contract extension talks at Juventus cooling off, he could find himself a free agent this summer.
At just 26 years old, there’s a good chance serbia His career at the international level will be back on track. He is a left-footed number 9 player who plays on the shoulder of defenders and operates mainly inside the 18-yard box. The question here is less about talent and more about whether he can rediscover his best form after a fragmented year.
Best fit: Bayern Munich Would be an interesting landing site. As a backup option behind Europe’s leading scorer, harry kaneThe amount of chances created by Bayern will allow him to recreate his form without immediate pressure. However, he will have to accept limited minutes.
potential consequences: AC Milan has the form to make such a signing. Whenever there is a high level player on an expiring contract, they are always in the mix. It seems like this is a situation they are prepared to take action on.
definitely going
1:53
Could Liverpool sign Kvaratskhelia or Olise to replace Salah?
Craig Burley debates who Liverpool could sign to replace Mohamed Salah.
Heading into the biggest free transfer of the summer, Salah has to make a decision: keep chasing the biggest titles in Europe or leave the continent for one final blockbuster move. return to AS RomaHe was rumored to have joined Liverpool in 2017, but these reports quickly died down due to the club’s salary cap. now turkish side Galatasaray However, San Diego FC has essentially entered the conversation in MLS. ESPN sources pour cold water On those moves last month.
When Salah announced he would be leaving Liverpool, the Saudi Pro League seemed the most plausible destination and little has changed in the meantime. Wherever he ends up will be a major coup and clearly, this is not an early retirement scenario, but rather a question of where one of football’s most reliable match-winners decides to continue his career.
Best fit: Galatasaray. his signature Victor Osimhen And leroy sane Show they are willing to attract big players, and Salah would give their European ambitions a huge boost.
potential consequences: The Saudi Pro League is impossible to ignore. While the country’s spending has been more measured than its extraordinary early performances, a player of Salah’s profile is exactly what it wants. He will be a great business asset, globally recognized and still performing at a high level. His arrival would be one of the league’s most important signings ever.
Goretzka’s contract expires this summer and Bayern have closed the door to further talks in January. Germany The international is still capable of covering the defensive midfield slot or making a big impact as a center back, and he should appeal to clubs looking to add experience and a physical presence.
His decision should revolve around his role and position. At Arsenal, he will likely be one of several rotation options – a useful player, but not a focal point, much like Christian Nørgaard – while napoliMilan, bayer leverkusen And at Galatasaray, he will get a starring role with a more widespread impact.
Best fit: Both Napoli and Milan could work with him in defensive midfield; Galatasaray offers similar guarantees in a different competitive context.
potential consequences: Either Milan or Galatasaray look most realistic. Both teams could offer key roles, Champions League football and a competitive financial package for a player arriving on a free transfer.
Casemiro has already announced that he will leave when his contract expires this summer, although this comes after his best season in the Premier League. The expectation is that his next move will take him out of Europe, with MLS and the Saudi Pro League the most obvious options, although a return to Sao Paulo – where his career began – has also been mentioned.
Although the Brazil international’s mobility has been questioned at times, those concerns have diminished this season. His game still revolves around positioning, reading the game and skillful use of the ball, including a goal threat from midfield and impressive aerial ability. Those attributes should be valuable no matter where he ends up next.
Best fit: MLS. Inter Miami would be a natural destination given the high profile of their project. Can you imagine the former Real Madrid legend passing the ball to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi?
potential consequences: MLS looks the most realistic destination, although Sao Paulo is a credible option if he opts to return to Brazil.
Few midfielders of the last decade can match Silva in terms of reliability, work rate and tactical versatility; He dictates the game through his short passes and links City’s attacks. There have been a number of star players in and out of the City team under Guardiola, but there’s a good reason why Silva has played 86% of his league games since joining in 2017.
However, Silva has confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season, leaving Barcelona, Arsenal and Juventus immediately linked. However, where he will go next – whether it be MLS, the Saudi Pro League or another European club – is very uncertain.
Best fit: Barcelona looks to be the best match. His control-heavy style appears to suit his strengths, while his nine years under Guardiola should ease any concerns over whether he can adapt quickly. City’s past stars have finally found homes outside Europe’s major leagues, but it seems premature for the 31-year-old.
potential consequences: Barcelona seems to be the most plausible destination, although he will not lack options this summer.
