January 1st is a red-letter day. It marks not only the start of a new year and new goals for 2026 but also the beginning of the period when all players whose contracts are set to expire can negotiate with any club, without their current team's knowledge. This upcoming transfer window will be particularly significant for the defence. Several top-tier defenders have, for now, opted not to renew their deals. Here are the 11 best players whose contracts run until June 30.

Mike Maignan, from Milan, is considered one of Europe's most underrated goalkeepers. A starter for the French national team, the club is attempting to renew his contract, but the player has delayed his decision. Ibrahima Konate, a defensive pillar for Liverpool, winners of the Premier League, has attracted interest from major clubs such as Bayern Munchen and Real Madrid. This year he has made some errors, and his renewal still seems distant, though not entirely ruled out.

Marc Guehi, from Crystal Palace, was not released to Liverpool on the final day of the transfer window, with the club fully aware they might lose him for free in June. He is a promising defender, an England international, and coveted by major European teams. Dayot Upamecano, from Bayern Munich, is the defender most likely to renew; the German club does not want a repeat of the "Alaba situation" and may go to great lengths to keep him.

Carvajal, Real Madrid captain, has been essential given the numerous injuries in the squad. His contract expires at the end of the season, and the club has yet to make a statement, while the player prefers to await the World Cup before deciding. Ruben Neves, who at his peak chose to transfer to Al-Hilal SFC in Saudi Arabia, is already sparking rumours of a return to Europe. With Real Madrid in need of a midfielder, the Portuguese is looking for a new club.

Serge Gnabry, from Bayern Munchen, may have passed his best years, but he remains a highly talented player in the final third, and any club would be interested in him, even more so if he could be signed for free. His renewal with Bayern is still ongoing. Leon Goretzka, also from Bayern, has no active negotiations at the moment, and the club will have a lot of work behind the scenes during the summer to define his future.

Andrew Robertson, from Liverpool, after a poor 2024-25 season, managed to elevate his performance once again. The arrival of Kerkez seemed to open an exit door, but he remains a high-quality backup and a true club legend.

Dušan Vlahović, from Juventus, transformed from a criticised player to an indispensable attacking force. Discussions about his sale gave way to renewal negotiations, though still far from a final agreement. Robert Lewandowski, from FC Barcelona, is experiencing his season with the fewest minutes since joining the club. Age and physical issues are starting to take their toll, and at the moment, his departure seems more likely than a renewal.

Rúben Neves

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