Will Haaland leave Manchester City?
After a 2025 full of moves that didn’t quite work out, like Wirtz’s nightmare at Anfield or the plague of injuries in Madrid, the giants of Europe are preparing their checkbooks for the transfer market.
Based on the most recent reports from Europe and the contract situation of the stars, these are the deals that could break the market next summer of 2026 , or perhaps even this winter transfer window.
The 10 transfers we’d like to see in the 2026 transfer marketEmpty heading
10.Rodrygo Goes to Arsenal
It’s a simple matter of math: if Real Madrid signs another number 9, their attack will be overcrowded. Rodrygo , whose talent is world-class, doesn’t deserve to be a substitute. Arteta’s Arsenal
would be the ideal destination. Rodrygo has that “Premier League magic” and would be the absolute star at the Emirates, leading the Gunners’ project to dethrone City.
9.Ronald Araújo to Bayern MunichEmpty
If Barcelona finalizes its defensive plans, someone has to leave. Ronald Araújo ‘s contract expires in 2026, and if it isn’t renewed, Bayern Munich will reignite their long-standing interest.
The Bavarians have been obsessed for years with the Uruguayan’s physical prowess, provided he regains his best form. His arrival in the Bundesliga would create an impenetrable defense, while Barça would free up critical salary space.
8.Achraf Hakimi to Real Madrid
The narrative is perfect. Achraf ‘s contract with PSG ends in June 2026. With Dani Carvajal nearing the end of his career, the return of the world’s best right-back to his former club seems inevitable.
His friendship with Mbappé is key. Seeing them reunite on the right flank of the new Bernabéu would be a footballing triumph and would complete the circle for the prodigal son of the academy.
7.Mike Maignan to Chelsea
Chelsea continues to spend, but the goalkeeping position remains a question mark. With Filip Jörgensen looking to leave due to a lack of playing time, the Blues have set their sights on Serie A.
Maignan is the high-caliber goalkeeper that a young Chelsea side is missing. His arrival in the Premier League would give the London club the defensive solidity needed to compete for major titles.
6.Bruno Guimarães to Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne is entering the final stage of his illustrious career, and City needs a new engine. Despite his loyalty to Newcastle, Bruno
Guimarães ‘ profile is pure Guardiola DNA. He possesses the perfect blend of defensive aggression and technical vision. He would be the strategic signing to keep the Sky Blue dynasty at the top.
5.Ibrahima Konaté to Real Madrid
Florentino Pérez loves elite free agents. Konaté ‘s contract expires in 2026, and with no news of a renewal at Liverpool, the Frenchman is the number one candidate for Real Madrid’s defense.
He would arrive on a free transfer to join Madrid’s “French contingent” (Mbappé, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Mendy), solidifying the back line for the next decade.
4.Florian Wirtz to Bayern Munich
Operation Rescue. After a difficult 2025 adapting to Liverpool, the German generational talent could return home. Voices like Thomas Müller have suggested that the Bundesliga is his natural habitat.
Bayern Munich are looking to pair him with Jamal Musiala. The “Wusiala” duo at club level would be the best gift for German football heading into the World Cup.
3.Nico Williams to Liverpool
Liverpool need a new idol after Isak’s serious injury and the post-Salah uncertainty. Nico Williams , who has already flirted with leaving Athletic Bilbao, is the chosen one to electrify Anfield.
His speed and dribbling skills are perfect for the Reds’ direct style of play. He would be the signing that would bring back the passion to the stands at The Kop.
2.Julián Álvarez to FC Barcelona
The entire Barcelona fanbase wants him, and not just because of his meteoric rise to become one of the best strikers in the world, but also because of his undeniable Barça DNA .
Barcelona needs to revamp its attacking line, and to make it one of the best forward lines on the planet, it needs a player like Julián; however, the transfer is not only expensive, but they would also have to convince the Atlético de Madrid board.
1.Erling Haaland to Real Madrid
The mother of all battles. With Mbappé now firmly established, the rumors surrounding Haaland ‘s 2026 release clause are deafening. City are preparing for a post-Pep era, and Real Madrid want the complete collection of stars.
Florentino Pérez sees the Norwegian as the final piece for his new dynasty. Combining Mbappé, Vinícius (if he stays), and Haaland would simply be the most devastating attack in football history.
Source:si