Expiring contracts

The best players out of contract in 2027

By the Transfer Tracker Data Desk · Updated 1 September 2026

Biggest name: Vinicius Junior · Top 10 combined: €597m · Players watched: 40

The names clubs are watching most closely, because they can be signed at a cut price now or for nothing at all next summer. Every player here is in the final full season of his deal, ranked by market value, led by Vinicius Junior at €140m. A player drops off the moment he signs an extension.

11 of the top 20 are 26 or younger — prime-age players in the final year of a deal are the market’s single biggest bargain, and the clubs that plan ahead are already circling.

How this ranking is put together

Players whose registered contract expires during 2027, ranked by current market value. From January 2027 those at overseas clubs can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club and leave for free, which is why they are worth tracking a year out.

Which valuable players are out of contract in 2027?

Vinicius Junior is the most valuable player with a contract expiring in 2027, valued at €140m.

Why do expiring contracts matter so much?

A player in the final year of his deal can be bought at a discount because the selling club risks losing him for nothing. From January he can also agree a pre-contract with a foreign club and leave on a free. It is one of the biggest levers in the market.

What is a Bosman?

A free transfer of an out-of-contract player, named after the 1995 ruling that let players move freely at the end of their contracts. Signing a player on a Bosman means no transfer fee, though wages and signing bonuses are usually higher to compensate.

More rankings

• The top players most likely to leave this window
• The most valuable football players in the world
• The best young players in the world (under 21)

See the full ranking, updated live. Open on transfertracker.ai