Jean-Marc Bosman forever changed the way football transfers could be conducted back in 1995. Since then clubs have allowed few players are allowed run down their contract, preferring to cash in on them before their contract is up. Most notably Arsenal sold the likes of Robin Van Persie and Alexis Sanchez for big money to rivals Manchester United, instead of letting their term dwindle down. There was a few notable transfer over the years, Sol Campbell leaving Spurs for North London rivals The Gunnars, Steve McManaman Joining Real Madrid from Liverpool and Robert Lewandowski switching Dortmunds for Munich.
Last year though we seen some huge landmark free transfers with Real Madrid picking up David Alaba and Barcelona having to be very financially concious and picking up the likes of Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia for no transfer fee. However the one that shook the footballing world was Lionel Messi swapping the Nou Camp for the streets of Paris. PSG themselves also picked up Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma as a result of their contract running down.
It seems that tides are changing and players are more then happy now more then ever to see out their contracted obligations and pick up a huge signing bonus on the other end. There are a plethora of names up for grabs next year for free and here are some of the most notable ones.
Kyllian Mbappe
Embed from Getty ImagesThe frenchman looks set to see out his tenure with PSG and fufill his lifelong dream of joining Real Madrid. Los Blancos kept knocking on the door, with outrageous money however the Paris side has so far rebuffed their advances. Another bid may be incoming in January, with PSG sporting director Leonardo adamant that Mbappe promised he would not leave for free.
Also out of contract : Angel Di Maria
Paul Pogba
Embed from Getty ImagesPaul Pogba is now in the position to leave Manchester United for the second time in his career for absolutely nothing. Initially leaving for pasture new and joining Juventus due to lack of playing opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson, Pogba came back to work under Jose Mourinho. However his return has not always been regarded as successful. Certain fans complain having to watch Pogba excel in his national side and winning a world cup but putting in indifferent performances for the Red Devils. Uniteds shaky managerial structure and poor performances have shed doubt over a constantly cloudy future, no matter where he ends up his mouthy agent Mino Riola will no doubt secure him a huge contract
Also out of contract : Jesse Lingard
Gareth Bale
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Gareth Bale – Real Madrid Saga looks set to finally end come 2022. The annual cost of his contract to his employer is reported to be €60 million, this along with a tumultuous time in general with the club will no doubt lead to his exit. The player has certainly had a trophy laden career with the club but there seems to be a certain distain due to his injury record, price tag, not learning the language and apparently caring more about Golf. Wales – Golf – Madrid , in that order, remember? Madrid fans are truly fickle though, they have booed Alfredo Si Stefano, Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. The experience has lined Bale’s pockets so much that at the age of 32, he is considering retirement.
Also out of contract : Isco, Luka Modric, Marcelo
Andrea Belotti
Embed from Getty ImagesIt has been confirmed by Torino that the 27 year old Itallian Andrea Belotti will not be signing a new contract with the club from Palmero in 2015. Nicknamed “Il Gallo” the Torino captain had a €100 million release clause slapped on his contract to sway interest from big side three years ago. His goal contributions have somewhat dwindled last season with 13 goals in 35 appearances, however that can also be due to playing in a struggling side, often left top on his own. A complete striker who will be a bargain for any club looking for a goal scorer
Antonio Rudiger
Embed from Getty ImagesA favorite of Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea have been trying to secure the contract for some time. However he has also been heavily linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world, the likes of PSG, Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and most recently Liverpool. At the age of 28 the powerful centre back will be hitting his prime and Chelsea will be desperate to keep a player they moulded into an elite defender. Especially considering the loss of other considerable defensive names at the end of the year. The stumbling block seems to be money, with Rudiger wanting to be put in the higher wage bracket in the club. However if Chelsea concede are they rewarding a player for running down their contract? Does is weaken them in negotiations with the other players running down their contract?
Also out of contract : Andreas Christensen, Tiago Silva & César Azpilicueta
Ousmane Dembele
Embed from Getty ImagesBarcelona seem a club in disarray, losing the Iconic Messi was a tough one to swallow naturally, but the precarious financial position and ambiguous managerial situation does not bring much hope for fans and players alike. The 24-year-old is yet to make a single appearance this term due to a hamstring problem and will likely be frozen out for the season if he does not sign an extension. It would be another stick to beat Barcelona with after the failures of the expensive Phillipe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann transfers
Also out of contract : Sergi Roberto
Paulo Dybala
Embed from Getty ImagesEverything seems set for Dybala to stay at Juventus passed his 2022 contract expiry. After the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and of course the Serie A title to Inter Milan last season, keeping a truly world class talent like Dybala would be a big blow for Juve. The famous side from Turin are currently languishing in 7th after ten games and will need to sort this renewal on if they are to move on and focus on getting Dybala firing.
Also out of contract : Mattia De Sciglio, Federico Bernardeschi and Juan Cuadrado
Niklas Sule
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Bayern Munich defender has decided to keep all his option open amid interest from a host of parties. By all account he is happen in Munich working with Julian Nagelsmann, helped him at Hoffenheim at the start of his career. Chelsea have been the loudest in their interest for the 26 year old German, and with Rudiger possibly leaving the Blues will we see a switcheroo?
Also out of contract : Corentin Tolisso
As you would agree, there are some big names on the list! However there is alot more big names not mentioned here. Check out the full list right here.
