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. If no renewals are reached, they could instead move without compensation, creating the kind of domino effect that can reshape entire back lines.
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. That uncertainty has fueled speculation that the club might consider a winter sale to avoid losing him for nothing. He recently addressed the noise, saying “lately I’ve read a lot in the press” and noted that his representatives are still negotiating with Liverpool while he hopes a decision will arrive soon.
Guehi, meanwhile, is one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League. Crystal Palace resisted bids last summer, but with his contract also ending in June, interest has only intensified. Liverpool had a deal lined up late in the last window before it collapsed at the final moment. Bayern, Barça, and Madrid have all been linked as well, drawn by the England international’s blend of consistency and upside.
Barcelona, for their part, are still adjusting after losing Iñigo Martínez to Saudi Arabia at the end of the summer window. That departure left the squad without a natural left-footed center back, prompting continued speculation around Nico Schlotterbeck. The Dortmund defender fits the profile, though his contract runs until 2027, meaning any move would require significant negotiation.
