All the players at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid out of contract next summer
While Real Madrid and Barcelona look to poach free agents across Europe, which players could be leaving La Liga's big three next summer?
Real Madrid free agents
The headline departure is likely to be Antonio Rudiger, who before the arrival of Dean Huijsen was a de facto starter, and two seasons ago, one of their most consistent players. Things started to go poorly for the 32-year-old around this time last year though, when Rudiger was diagnosed by the club of having arthritic knees. As Real Madrid’s defence crumbled around him, and he battled on through injuries, Rudiger’s performances began to drop, and exit talk rose earlier this year.
After surgery in May, Rudiger looked less assured at the Club World Cup and the early games this season, making some obvious mistakes. He has now been ruled out until at least December, and if Real Madrid had any doubt, this will confirm to them that it is the time to move on from Rudiger. This summer Saudi Arabia showed interest in the Germany international.
Following him through the door is likely to be David Alaba, who has similarly been involved in an almighty war with his knees since his horrific cruciate ligament injury in 2023. Alaba similarly returned in January, but is yet to look the same, and also underwent surgery again in May.
Playing his first minutes since for Austria earlier this month, but is yet to be used by Xabi Alonso, a sign he does not have much of a future at the club. The fact he is one of the highest earners at Real Madrid all but ensures he will be looking for a new club. Alaba was linked with Fiorentina amongst others including Saudi Arabia this summer, an indicator that Los Blancos were willing to move on already - Alaba has called the transfer stories ‘lies.’
Barcelona
For Barcelona, the big question next summer is how they will replace Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old extended his contract this year, but the feeling is that his fourth year at Barcelona will be his last - Lewandowski is also one of Barcelona’stop earners. The Polish striker continues to declare himself fit and healthy whenever given the chance, so there is a chance he wants to remain at Barcelona, or even elsewhere in Europe. There have been a number of stories about the wages he could earn in Saudi Arabia too.
Perhaps the most interesting case is Andreas Christensen though. The Danish defender was adamant he was going nowhere, and Barcelona were forced to hang onto him - not that this is an imposition. All three managers Christensen has had have been happy with him. He will be 30 next year, and has an injury record, yet there is no doubt that at his best, he can cut it at the top level. On a free, relatively risk-free, and yet Christensen has announced his desire to stay at Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid started last season with nine players out of contract this past summer or in 2026, but have done plenty of work. Be it through departures in the transfer market, contracts simply ending or renewals, new power figure Carlos Bucero, who edged out Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta, has reduced that number to just one in reality.
That would be Javi Galan, who has had an up and down spell at the Metropolitano. Last season was his first as a starter, and this season he is battling for a spot with David Hancko and new signing Matteo Ruggeri. Yet left-back was considered a priority in the transfer market, and Galan is not considered the answer for Diego Simeone. The 30-year-old has his limitations, but will be a solid addition for a midtable or Europa League side in any of Europe’s top leagues.
False friends
There are a number of players who are technically out of contract, but seem unlikely to be available. You might be thinking that Trent Alexander-Arnold only has to hold out for one season to make the right-back spot his own, but Real Madrid have already agreed an extension through to 2027 with Dani Carvajal.
Barcelona still need to negotiate and seal contract negotiations with Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia, who could be quality signings if they are available. It is very much expected that both will sign new deals though, having both commented publicly that they want to do so. Equally, talented youngster Marc Bernal, who Chelsea are keen on, has an agreement in place until 2029, even if it hasn’t been registered.
Atletico captain Koke Resurreccion reminded of his value, even at 33, and with some holes in his game, at Anfield on Wednesday night, allowing Atletico to organise themselves in midfield. Koke is technically out of contract next summer, but has a rolling deal with Atletico, meaning he the two can agree to extend the deal as they please. Of course, they might not do so, but Atletico certainly won’t push a club legend out, and Koke would probably have to decide to leave.