The top 5 players out of contract this summer
Published:
There could be some real bargains
There have already been some huge transfer deals completed this January.
Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona for £142m. And his former club finally signed Virgil van Dijk for £75m.
But clubs don’t always have to pay enormous fees to bring in top quality players. They could snag a bargain with players who are coming to the end of their contracts.
The Coral News Team picked out the five best players available for free at the end of the season, or potentially in a cut-price deal this month…
Alexis Sanchez
In normal circumstances, Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez would only be available if a club came along with an offer that was too good to turn down. But the Gunners have allowed arguably their best player to run down his contract.
Sanchez doesn’t seem to have any intention of signing a new deal and it looks like he’s likely to leave this month. However, Manchester City are 1/4 favourites for his signature and don’t want to pay over £20m.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also understood to be interested in Sanchez. But he’s determined to link up with Pep Guardiola again.
Mesut Ozil
How have Arsenal let it come to this? As well as Sanchez, Ozil could walk away for nothing this summer.
There doesn’t seem to be as much interest in the World Cup winner this month. But plenty of clubs would love the chance to bring in one of the best playmakers around on a free transfer.
Manchester United are likely to be near the front of the queue. United boss Jose Mourinho worked with Ozil at Real Madrid and is understood to be keen on a reunion.
Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka is likely to be included in Germany’s World Cup squad this summer alongside Ozil. And like Ozil, he’s also coming to the end of his contract.
The Schalke midfielder is being chased by Bayern Munich and Liverpool. It’s easy to see why too – he drives his team forward with his energy and determination. The Bochum-born general has real quality on the ball too.
And at 22-years-old, he’s going to get even better in the future.
Stefan de Vrij
Stefan de Vrij has played a key role in Lazio’s top-four push this season. It’s no surprise that Liverpool, Barcelona, Inter Milan and AC Milan are all reported to be watching him closely.
A ball-playing centre-back seems to be a necessity for most top sides nowadays. De Vrij would fit the bill very well.
Fernandinho
Fernandinho may not be one of Manchester City’s big stars, but his tidy play in central midfield allows the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva to shine.
However, despite his important to the side, his current deal only has a few months left to run. City have recently been linked with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred as a potential replacement for the 33-year-old.
Even if Fred does come in, Fernandinho’s experience and all-around game would still make him a useful option. If City don’t act quickly, a rival could swoop in and get an excellent player for nothing.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
