Big clubs circle as Europe's top center backs near free agency

"A wave of top center backs is approaching the end of their current deals, and the timing could trigger a scramble across Europe's biggest clubs. With several high-profile defenders free to negotiate from January ahead of contracts expiring in June 2026, teams like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are watching closely. Among them is Andreas Christensen, whose situation at Barcelona mirrors a broader trend."

"The 29-year-old acknowledged in an interview with Tipsbladet that for now "there is no plan B" regarding his future and that he has to keep "seeing what comes next". Even without a guaranteed starting spot, his experience from Chelsea, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Barça makes him an attractive option for teams seeking stability at the back. The list of impending free agents includes Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, and Marc Guehi, three defenders who would normally command major transfer fees."

"Upamecano, 27, is drawing strong interest. Bayern Munich want to keep him, but his contract is running out, and reports in Germany suggest clubs such as Barça, Madrid, and PSG are monitoring his stance. In France, RMC Sport reported that PSG would be ready to act while Madrid are reportedly keeping close watch as well. Konaté is on a similar timeline. Liverpool have offered a new deal, though the 26-year-old has yet to respond."

Several high-profile center-backs approach contract expirations in June 2026 and will be free to negotiate from January, creating potential upheaval across Europe’s biggest clubs. Players such as Andreas Christensen, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, and Marc Guehi are central to this dynamic and could move without transfer fees if renewals are not agreed. Bayern, Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona and other top teams are monitoring situations closely and weighing offers, renewals, or possible winter sales to avoid losing assets for nothing. The concentration of expiring deals could trigger a domino effect reshaping multiple defensive lines.

Read at Barca Blaugranes