Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh is expected to receive monster deals from rival clubs to pry him out of Ikon Park.

Walsh is contracted until the end of 2026, when he will reach restricted free agency status, but that won't stop interest from elsewhere.

Albeit the All-Australian midfielder is more than likely to remain at the Blues, offers from warchest clubs like St Kilda, Essendon or North Melbourne could "turn his head" amid a salary squeeze at Carlton.

"Sam Walsh will get big offers this year," journalist Cal Twomey said on Gettable.

"He's already one of the Blues' million-dollar men but shapes as the next captain.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Sam Walsh of the Blues in action during the 2019 AFL round 13 match between the Carlton Blues and the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"As a pre-agent, he'll get big money thrown at him to turn his head this year, particularly if Carlton's woes continue."

The Blues have started 2025 poorly, following on from a disappointing back half of last year, despite it culminating in an elimination final.

In their past 11 outings, Michael Voss has only led his side to victory on two occasions, namely against North Melbourne and West Coast.

And the Round 1 shock defeat to the rebuilding Richmond has caused alarm bells to ring early in the season.

On top of the underwhelming start, the Blues are currently navigating through contract negotiations with some of the stars, notably ruckman Tom De Koning, who is genuinely considering making a switch to St Kilda.

De Koning is one of 19 players who come out of contract at season's end, putting the pressure on the list management team.

Jesse Motlop could expect a fair piece of pie in his next deal while required veterans Mitch McGovern, Sam Docherty, Nic Newman, Jack Silvagni and George Hewett will all put their hand out for big offers.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jacob Weitering, Sam Docherty, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and Tom De Koning of the Blues sings the song in the rooms after winning the First Elimination Final AFL match between Carlton Blues and Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 08, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Depth players like Alex Cincotta, Orazio Fantasia, Nick Haynes and Francis Evans will also need to come into consideration.

Carlton already has large amounts of money tied up to Patrick Cripps (2027), Jacob Weitering (2031), Harry mcKay (2030), Charlie Curnow (2029) and Adam Cerra (2030).

Walsh is already one of the highest paid Blues players, and given his impressive CV at age 24, he could demand a figure that could push the club to the edge.