As the curtains draw on another season and the summer transfer window opens, there appears to be an abundance of players across the continent who are running down the end of their contracts, and the free agent market could be flooded with potential bargains come the summer. With some of Europe’s best players on the move for next to nothing, we have compiled a ‘free agent XI’ using players who are entering the final months of their contracts.
Free Agent XI
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Although Manchester United mainstay David De Gea is widely expected to extend his contract, the club are seemingly leaving it dangerously close to the end of his current deal.
The Spaniard has often cut a divisive figure among the Red Devils faithful – simultaneously acting as a match-winning hero and a blunder-laden bad guy.
Erik Ten Hag’s insistence on playing progressive football out from the back has uncovered a glaring weakness in his game, and although he has been a loyal servant for 12 years which is reflected in his club-leading wages, the possibility of an exit refuses to subside.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Right-Back: Nelson Semedo
The right side of defence was a toss up between Héctor Bellerín and our eventual pick Nelson Semedo, who we think offers a little bit more at this moment in time.
The expectation is that the Portuguese international will remain put in Wolverhampton, with manager Julen Lopetegui reportedly keen on keeping the 29-year-old next season.
Despite being flagged as a defensive liability on occasion, his ability in the transition makes him an asset for a counter-heavy Wolves side, and he has played all but two of their 38 Premier League fixtures this season.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Centre-Back: Mats Hummels
Rumblings of retirement have left Borussia Dortmund fans imploring Mats Hummels to extend his contract for another year, following a stellar campaign for BVB.
The veteran defender has looked rejuvenated as the club mounted their closest challenge to Bayern Munich’s 10-year Bundesliga monopoly, but there is yet to be any progress on an extension to his contract.
The club are believed to have offered him a bumper deal which would move him level with Marco Reus as the club’s highest-paid player, but the 34-year-old is still assessing his options before penning fresh terms.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Centre-Back: Sergio Ramos
A mass exodus at PSG feels imminent amid the chaos that has ensued last month, with both Neymar and Lionel Messi on the receiving end of threats from club ultras, who demanded the pair leave the club this summer.
A squad lacking in character and depth may be in desperate need of a rebuild, and this may well lead to Sergio Ramos making way. At 37, there would be little point in the legendary Spaniard extending his contract, if the Parisians opt for a drastic change in policy.
His performances have improved leaps and bounds since a disastrous, albeit injury-plagued first season, but this is certainly one to cast a keen eye over as the summer approaches.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Left-Back: Raphael Guerreiro
Another of Dortmund’s back line who is out of contract this summer is Raphaël Guerreiro, who would undoubtedly make a shrewd signing for any interest parties.
The Portuguese international is vastly experienced and hugely versatile, operating largely as a left-back but able to move further up the pitch into a wide attacking role, and even as a central playmaking figure.
Premier League clubs, the most notable of which being European football’s newest recruits Newcastle and Aston Villa, are said to be monitoring the situation closely, and with no new fresh contract talks being reported, he appears almost certain to leave the club.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Defensive Midfield: N’Golo Kante
After making a full recovery from a horrific double-injury that kept him sidelined since the second game of the season, N’Golo Kante’s presence for Chelsea was a welcomed addition to the tail end of a truly disastrous season.
The former World Cup and Champions League winner is said to be on the verge of finalising an extension to his contract at Stamford Bridge, but a host of Europe’s elite including PSG, Arsenal and Barcelona are all waiting in the wings should talks collapse.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Centre Midfield: Ilkay Gundogan
Manchester City remain intent on keeping club captain Ilkay Gundogan for at least another season, but the German appears to be edging closer to a move away.
Newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona find themselves in a spot of bother with the league when it comes to registering new players, but their preference for the summer is to make full use of the free agent market, starting with Gundogan.
The 32-year-old is said to be a long-time admirer of the Blaugrana, and his typically smooth, silky style embodies everything Xavi is hoping to instil in his rebuild.
Elsewhere, rumblings of a link-up with former assistant Mikel Arteta at Arsenal have started to surface, with the Gunners reportedly viewing him as a ready-made Granit Xhaka replacement in the ‘number 8’ role.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Centre Midfield: Youri Tielemans
It is surprising to most that Youri Tielemans didn’t opt for a move elsewhere in the previous two windows, but with Leicester’s relegation confirmed on the final day, it appears a foregone conclusion that clubs will come in for him once again.
The Foxes will undoubtedly be ruing the missed opportunity to cash in on the Belgian, who at just 25, still holds plenty of value. He has consistently been one of their stand-out performers in recent seasons, which has garnered the attention of Manchester United and Arsenal who have both previously made official bids.
The Gunners appear set on other targets such as Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Moises Caicedo, so other potential suitors appear more likely at this moment in time.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Right Wing: Lionel Messi
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Lionel Messi’s departure from PSG is all but confirmed after he and his father communicated their intention to leave last month.
Messi? For free?! Yes please. Clubs will be wagging their tongues at the prospect of picking up the game’s greatest player for next-to-nothing.
The romantic option, a fairytale return to Barcelona, is the most heavily rumoured destination having had to uproot his entire life in Catalonia at a moment’s notice two years ago, although a significant pay cut would need to made to facilitate the transfer.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Left Wing: Wilfried Zaha
The rumours linking Wilfried Zaha with a move away from his beloved Crystal Palace refuse to die down, and the Ivorian’s hesitancy to pen a new deal has only fuelled the gossip.
Arsenal and Chelsea are the most frequent names to pop up among the long line of potential destinations, with the latter having opted to sign Nicolas Pépé instead in the summer of 2019.
The Eagles are scrambling to put together a fresh contract offer, but Zaha may feel its time to try another new challenge after failing to impress at United in his younger years.
Contract Expiry Date: June 2023
Striker: Roberto Firmino
Although Karim Benzema‘s contract at Real Madrid is up in the summer, it would one of the surprises of the window if Los Blancos opt to let the free-scoring Frenchman leave on a free, even if he has been offered £100-per-season in Saudi Arabia.
We have therefore listed Roberto Firmino in our free agent XI, with the Brazilian and current club Liverpool both confirming he will depart the Reds after nine years.
As mentioned, Barcelona are keen on taking advantage of the lack of a price tag, while their bitter rivals Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus have all supposedly registered their interest in the 31-year-old.
Expect a bidding war full of hidden clauses and goalscoring bonuses.
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