11 May 2026 19:00 BST |
8 min read
The 2026 summer transfer window will open in just over one month’s time and it promises to be another hectic period for the biggest clubs in European football.
The presence of this summer’s World Cup means that most deals may be delayed until after the tournament, but a host of top teams are in the market for reinforcements and several global superstars have been tipped to move clubs before the start of the 2026-27 season.
Below, FootballTransfers runs through 10 of the most high-profile players who could define the upcoming summer window.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes still has one year remaining on his current contract at Manchester United and the Red Devils are unsurprisingly desperate to keep him after a stellar season, in which he has won the FWA Footballer of the Year award.
The Portugal international remains one of the best players in the Premier League and despite being 31 years old, he is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down just yet.
Rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia have died down in recent months, while none of Europe’s elite clubs have been heavily linked with a move, which suggests that he could be set to stay.
If he does leave, however, it will cause Man Utd to dip into the market for a suitable replacement – a task that wouldn’t be cheap.
Vinicius Jr
Like Fernandes, Vinicius Junior also has one year remaining on his contract and he has also been identified as a top target by the Saudi Pro League.
A move to the Middle East seems slightly unlikely given his pedigree and the fact he’s still only 25 years old, but discontent at Real Madrid is rife and the club are still yet to finalise a new deal with the Brazilian.
Los Blancos have been unwilling to match his wage demands and although any prospective new manager will undoubtedly want to work with Vini Jr, the situation remains incredibly complicated.
The most likely scenario is that he signs a new deal, but the club may be unwilling to risk the possibility of Vinicius leaving as a free agent in 2027, which could prompt a sale this summer.
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson is arguably the most sought-after player in the Premier League and his stock will rise even further if he performs well at the World Cup for England this summer.
Rumours suggest that Nottingham Forest could demand a fee in excess of €140 million to sanction a sale when the window opens, and this could feasibly block any prospective moves.
However, Manchester City and Man Utd have both earmarked him as their primary midfield target for this summer and a transfer battle is expected to ensue before the end of Deadline Day on 31 August.
If he leaves Forest, Anderson could become the most expensive Premier League player ever and if he remains at the club, both Manchester clubs will be required to sign an alternative.
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon has been an excellent performer for Newcastle United since his arrival from Everton, but his career at St James’ Park is widely expected to end this summer.
Eddie Howe has dropped several hints suggesting that an exit is on the cards and it’s understood that Gordon is keen to explore his options amid substantial interest from both Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Chelsea have also been linked too, although a move to Stamford Bridge seems slightly less likely given the fact they aren’t expected to have Champions League football on offer.
Either way, Gordon is set to leave Newcastle for a fee that could exceed €80m, with Arsenal and Bayern expected to go head-to-head for his signature when the window opens.
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez is the most in-demand striker in world football and while Atletico Madrid have no intention of selling him, reports of a big-money transfer continue to dominate the rumour mill.
The Argentina international is one of the best centre forwards on the planet and it’s no surprise that both Arsenal and Barcelona are desperate to sign him this summer, despite the fact he could cost as much as €150m.
Alvarez has been in red-hot form since leaving Manchester City for Atleti in 2024 and although he still has four years remaining on his contract with Diego Simeone’s side, it’s understood that he is open to a transfer this summer.
A deal will be incredibly expensive, but the transfer domino of Alvarez joining Arsenal, for example, would be huge.
Yan Diomande
12 months ago, Yan Diomande was an unknown prospect at Leganes. Now, he is wanted by almost every top club in Europe.
Following a sensational debut season at RB Leipzig, the Ivory Coast winger is being pursued by a host of elite teams and it’s reported that Liverpool are leading the charge for his signature as they look to secure the signing of a suitable replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Diomande is equally capable of playing on the left or right flank and with a price tag of at least €100m, he could become one of the most expensive players in football history this summer.
Leipzig are keen to retain his services for another season, however, which could scupper a possible move, especially considering his current deal with the Bundesliga outfit isn’t due to expire until 2030.
Enzo Fernandez
The overwhelming likelihood is that Enzo Fernandez will remain at Chelsea this summer.
He still has six years left on his deal and the Blues are expected to demand a fee that comes close to the €121m they paid Benfica to sign him in 2023. However, a deal could still be finalised.
The Argentina international dropped several hints suggesting he would like to move to Madrid in March, amid significant transfer interest from Real Madrid, and reports indicate that Chelsea are amenable to a sale for the right price.
If he does leave, it will be to one of the biggest clubs in the world, and Chelsea will need to dip into the market for a replacement, who will likely be extremely expensive.
Robert Lewandowski
Despite being 37 years old, Robert Lewandowski is still one of the best strikers in the world, but his stint at Barcelona is currently set to end in July.
His contract will expire this summer and the Poland legend has admitted that he is yet to make a final decision on his future, with rumours suggesting that Barcelona are keen to extend his deal by a further year.
However, MLS side Chicago Fire are pushing to sign him and it’s understood that a move to America is Lewandowski’s most likely next step, rather than another season at Camp Nou.
If he does depart Hansi Flick’s side, they will need a new number nine and given Barcelona’s status in world football, they will be keen to secure the services of a superstar forward to replace Lewandowski.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
During his time at Napoli, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia established himself as a world-leading winger and he has stepped things up to another level since his arrival at Paris Saint-Germain last January.
The Georgia superstar is now one of the best players in world football and he has unsurprisingly caught the eye of scouts from the biggest clubs in Europe.
Arsenal, in particular, have registered their interest in Kvaratskhelia, with the 25-year-old regarded as a dream target amid their pursuit of a new left winger this summer.
PSG are extremely unlikely to sanction a sale and Kvaratskhelia has no reason to leave given their immense success under Luis Enrique, but he is still one to watch during the 2026 summer window.
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers has been perennially linked with an Aston Villa departure ever since his arrival at the club and a sale could feasibly take place this summer.
The England international signed a new contract with Unai Emery’s side last year, but he continues to be targeted by several top teams and he could be used to fund the signings of several reinforcements this summer.
The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and PSG are all reportedly keeping tabs on his progress and he could become the latest €100m superstar before the end of Deadline Day.
A deal isn’t certain to occur, but there’s no smoke without fire and Rogers could be set to leave Villa this summer.
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