A year ago
De Gea, Firmino, and Skriniar make up the free World XI. TONIGHT as clubs prepare to swoop
On Saturday, contracts in the world of football are expected to expire. Since athletes' contracts often expire on June 30, leaving may provide them the freedom to negotiate a move to a new club.
In the world of football, the summer is when players begin to make moves to join other teams in preparation for the upcoming season.
Since January, teams have been free to talk with individuals whose contracts are about to expire, but many are still left pondering their options as they are set to officially lose their jobs on Saturday. It will be interesting to watch where many of the well-known players who will be in demand this summer end up.
Fans of the Football Manager video game series will be familiar with the thrill of learning that a talented player's contract has expired, allowing them to sign top talent without blowing their transfer budget.
In the upcoming weeks, a lot of real-life managers will share this excitement due to some potentially exciting additions.
Here is our list of the top XI players still available for free this summer, even if many have already been claimed:
GK: David de Gea
De Gea is finally ready to depart Manchester United after spending the last 12 years there, with the club apparently withdrawing its offer of a contract extension.
The 32-year-old's salary at Old Trafford was £375,000 per week, but it now appears probable that he will leave as Erik ten Hag searches for a goalkeeper who is more at ease with the ball at their feet.
De Gea will still have many options, and a team that prefers to play long-ball soccer would be a wise choice for the former Atletico Madrid player. He still excels at stopping shots after taking home the Golden Glove in the Premier League last year, but potential suitors must take into account his flaws before making an approach.
Matt Doherty, RB
Doherty, who was on loan from Spurs to Atletico Madrid for the previous six months, is now preparing for his next transfer after making only two appearances and failing to make an impression in Spain.
The 31-year-old Irish international most certainly has one significant move remaining in his career, although the caliber of clubs interested in him may not be as high. Even yet, if a Premier League club were looking to add experience, one of the league's bottom half teams may be a decent fit for him.
Milan Skriniar, CB
Skriniar, 28, who is likely the team captain, had a difficult season at Inter Milan due to injuries, but at his best, he is still one of the best center backs in Europe.
There have been rumors of a transfer to PSG, but nothing has been confirmed. As a result, a Premier League club may decide to pounce on a deal this summer; Man United is rumored to have made contact. Despite the Slovakian international's injury history, a free move would likely be a risk worth taking.
Daley Blind, LB
Blind, who had a disappointing season at Bayern Munich this year, will likely be looking for a new team this summer at the age of 33.
The Dutchman's physicality will always be an issue, but his tactical adaptability and breadth of technical skills more than make up for this shortcoming. He admitted that earlier this year, in an effort to return to Manchester United, he had contacted his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag. As a player who is familiar with both the club and the manager's style, he may still be pursued by his countryman.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the CM.
The Ox, a player who is also departing Merseyside this summer, leaves Liverpool after a string of injuries.
The England international has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but the 29-year-old said in an interview with Mirror Football last month that he still has his sights set on succeeding at a new club at the same level as he did at Liverpool.
Angel Di Maria, CM
It was widely accepted that the reason he joined Juventus last summer was to position him for success at the World Cup. This was supported by his performance for Argentina in the championship game, which included a goal that completed an incredible trophy collection.
A Premier League transfer is improbable due to issues from his previous time in England with Man United, but a player with exceptional talent might yet make one more significant move at the age of 35.
Daichi Kamada, CAM
The Japanese international, who will make his name at Eintracht Frankfurt by winning the Europa League in 2022, is free to leave Germany this summer and has drawn interest from around Europe.
The 26-year-old is a technical prodigy who can play either a forward or a midfielder position. Roma, managed by Jose Mourinho, are rumored to be leading the chase for his services, but Premier League clubs would be wise to take a look at a player who netted nine goals in the Bundesliga last year.
Marco Asensio, RW
The three-time Champions League champion, a world-class athlete at his peak, is departing Real Madrid after an illustrious career with the La Liga heavyweights.
He is a left-footed winger who can play in a deeper position. He is sure to get a lot of interest, so joining PSG at a time when the French champions must find a Lionel Messi replacement might be advantageous. Chelsea and Aston Villa are potentially potential destinations for the Spain international in the Premier League.
Roberto Firmino, CF
Firmino, one of Liverpool's top players in recent years, left Anfield this summer and is expected to have no trouble finding a new home.
Total Comments: 0