Top Premier League players you can sign for free this summer, including Lisandro Martinez and Bruno Fernandes
With the winter transfer window just around the corner, Premier League clubs are already thinking about their next moves. At the same time, some players whose contracts are ending soon can sign pre-contract deals with clubs outside the UK up to six months before their contracts finish. So, which stars could your club sign for free?
Last summer, big names like Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah left on free transfers, joining Tottenham and Besiktas. Their former teammate Ibrahima Konaté moved to Real Madrid. Casemiro left Manchester United for Inter Miami, while Manchester City stars John Stones and Bernardo Silva took on new challenges in Europe with Inter and Real Madrid.
So, who are some valuable players Premier League teams might pick up without paying a transfer fee in summer 2027?
Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
Martínez grabbed attention recently with a disagreement involving the club’s director, and it seems likely he’ll leave Old Trafford when his contract ends in June 2027. Although he could extend his deal until 2028, the Argentine defender prefers a move to Spain and has been linked to Atlético Madrid. Transfermarkt values him at £38.1m, so losing him for free would be a big loss for United since they paid £57m to sign him from Ajax in 2022.
Yasin Ayari (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Ayari has been a vital player for Brighton since joining from AIK in 2023. The Swedish midfielder has scored seven goals and assisted four times in 84 games and is attracting interest from big clubs like AC Milan. Brighton and Ayari are still talking about a new contract, but no deal has been made yet.
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
Pulisic is well-known to Premier League fans from his Chelsea days. Now 28, he plays for AC Milan but has struggled with injuries recently, making just three Serie A appearances this season. Despite this, he’s expected to attract interest next summer.
Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid)
Díaz, who has played for Manchester City, AC Milan, and Real Madrid, might move again next summer. Since Mourinho took over at Real, he has played only four times and likely won’t be a regular due to strong competition. For Premier League clubs, signing him could be a smart move because of his Champions League experience.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
The club captain, who was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, stayed with United but might reconsider next year after a tough start to the season. Several clubs could show interest, and it’s unclear if United will offer him a new deal beyond June 2027.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Mateta has nearly left Palace twice in recent windows, with moves to Nottingham Forest and AC Milan falling through. The 29-year-old French striker hasn’t played since the opening day this season. He’s expected to leave Selhurst Park next summer and has challenged the validity of his contract at FIFA.
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
Richards has been important for Palace over the last two seasons, helping them reach the 2025 FA Cup final and being part of the squad for the 2026 Conference League final. The 26-year-old American defender opened contract talks in spring, but no agreement is confirmed yet, so he could also leave for free.
João Félix (Al-Nassr)
Félix has moved around a lot lately—from Atlético Madrid to loans at Barcelona and Chelsea, then AC Milan, and now playing in Saudi Arabia. Despite scoring 30 goals and assisting 23 times in 57 games for Al-Nassr, his contract is ending in less than a year. He reportedly wants to go back to Barcelona, but Al-Nassr’s president hopes to keep him another season.
Here’s a quick look at some other players valued by Transfermarkt who could be available next summer:
– Yasin Ayari (Brighton) – £38.1m
– Lisandro Martínez (Man Utd) – £38.1m
– Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) – £29.6m
– Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) – £29.6m
– Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) – £29.6m
– Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) – £25.4m
– Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) – £23.7m
– João Félix (Al-Nassr) – £23.7m
– Calvin Bassey (Fulham) – £23.7m
– Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) – £21.2m
(And many more…)
So keep an eye out! Some top players might become free agents soon, which could be a fantastic opportunity for your club to strengthen the squad without breaking the bank.