The 2026 summer transfer window is shaping up to be a historic turning point for European football, as several of the game's most influential figures prepare to bid farewell to their long-term homes. For fans of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, this marks more than just a typical off-season or the World Cup or even the incoming season. It is the definitive end of an era for those players that had left them mesmerized for over a decade. Each of these stars leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, elite technical skill, and a cabinet full of major trophies.
Here are the top stars of their club who are leaving this summer:
Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
Leon Goretzka is ending an eight-year reign at Bayern Munich characterized by physical dominance and big-game performances. Since joining from Schalke in 2018, he has been a cornerstone of the Bavarian midfield. The 31-year-old German, who joined from Schalke 04 in 2018, is set to leave as a free agent upon the expiration of his contract this summer. Goretzka’s time in Munich was marked by 15 major trophies, including a historic sextuple in 2020 where he served as a core member of Hansi Flick’s dominant side. He formed a world-class partnership with club captain Joshua Kimmich in the middle of the park that balanced defensive steel with attacking late runs. Goretzka also won a stunning six Bundesliga titles, on the course of winning a seventh honor and could be wearing another Champions League medal following the 2020 success where he had a greater role in. In over 200 appearances for Bayern, he consistently provided a goal threat from midfield, recording 48 goals and 41 assists while maintaining elite passing metrics.
While he remains a regular in the starting lineup this season, both the player and the club feel it is the right time to part ways as he enters the final stage of his top-level career.
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
Bought for only $10m from Hull City in 2017 and now considered one of the best bargain signings, Andy Robertson became truly world class in his left-back role and was one of the transfers in the Jurgen Klopp era that transformed Liverpool in the modern era. Now after nine golden years at the club, the 32-year-old Scotland captain will depart as a free agent this summer following the expiration of his contract. The Reds' fans are dearly going to miss their charismatic left-back's galloping overlapping and under-lapping runs, stewed defensive pedigree and above all being an unique trait of a full-back playmaker alongside Trent Alexander Arnold on the opposite flank. He delivered 67 assists during his period at the club in a truly hall of fame career. Despite his declining form in his final two seasons and reduced minutes in the present one, it is of no doubt that Robertson leaves as a club legend. He made 373 appearances for the Reds and was part of historic glories including record-breaking first ever Premier League title for the side in 2020, with a second one in 2025 while also winning the Champions League in 2019.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Across the M62, Manchester City is preparing for the exit of their captain and midfield heartbeat, Bernardo Silva. The 31-year-old Portuguese international will depart the Etihad Stadium as a free agent when his contract expires in June, concluding a nine-year tenure defined by relentless work rate and tactical flexibility. Under Pep Guardiola, Silva became an incredible signing, after joining from the revolutionary AS Monaco squad in 2017, winning six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, alongside historic treble, while amassing over 450 appearances. Beyond his 76 goals and 70 plus assists, his ability to play effectively as a winger, attacking midfielder, or deep-lying playmaker made him irreplaceable during City's era of domestic dominance. His leadership traits and technical qualities made him one of the best in his role in the past decade. His departure was confirmed by assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who noted that "you never replace" a player of Silva's unique profile. Like most players on this list, his next destination is not clear but Silva has expressed a desire to return to his boyhood club, Benfica, his status as a world-class free agent has attracted interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
