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.
France and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, 30, could be on Chelsea's transfer agenda again in the next window following 27-year-old Spaniard Robert Sanchez's performance against Manchester United. He is free to sign a pre-contract agreement in January as his current deal expires next summer, and was wanted by the Blues in the summer. (Daily Express), external Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has urged midfielder Carlos Baleba to remain grounded despite rumours of a move, with Manchester United interested in signing the 21-year-old Cameroon international