The 7 'smart moves' not to miss this summer transfer window

Several players have been free agents since their contracts ended in June 2026. Foot Africa brings you the seven players every team dreams of adding to their squad.

Mohamed Salah

The day he announced his departure, something shifted at the Reds. This is, after all, a legend leaving after nine years at the Merseyside club.

442 matches played, 257 goals scored, and 120 assists; a Champions League winner (2019) and twice a Premier League champion (2020, 2025)... Mohamed Salah’s stint at Anfield will forever be etched in the club’s history.

Where will the Pharaoh go next? No one knows yet, but rumors point to Saudi Arabia. He was also on Besiktas’ radar, but the deal ultimately fell through.

Dušan Vlahović

Unwanted in recent months at Juventus, Dušan Vlahović confirmed his exit in June. Both sides failed to agree on a contract extension, with Vlahović among the highest earners at the Old Lady.

The Serbian international is among the names considered to replace Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United. His profile fits English football to perfection.

Jadon Sancho

Free since his departure from Manchester United, Jadon Sancho is searching for his next destination. His high salary makes a move within Europe unlikely.

A transfer to a Middle Eastern club seems most likely for the England international. Qatar’s Al-Rayyan are already closely monitoring his situation.

Franck Kessié

The Ivorian international is set to do the opposite journey of Jadon Sancho. The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations champion is determined to return to Europe after ending his stint with Al-Ahli Saudi.

The former Barcelona midfielder is reportedly close to joining Juventus or AS Roma. A return to Italy is on the cards for the player who shone for years at AC Milan.

David Alaba

Once a superstar, David Alaba’s career has been derailed by injuries. The former Bayern man logically left Real Madrid after limited appearances last season.

The Austrian international is still capable of making a big impact for any club, provided he regains his fitness.

Leon Goretzka

According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto on Radio Marca, Goretzka has offered himself to FC Barcelona. That would allow him to play again under Hansi Flick, his former manager at Bayern Munich.

The German international on a free transfer? That could be a real coup for the Catalan giants.

Julian Brandt

After six years at Dortmund, Julian Brandt is the seventh name on our list. There are not many rumors about his next move, and he’ll have to be patient before finding a new club to relaunch his career.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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