Football News: Top 10 Free Agents in the Summer

Now we’re in the second half of the season, and the January transfer window is closed, we take a look at who can be snapped up for no transfer cost in the summer.

We have compiled a list of what we think are the 10 best players in world football right now who are out of contract at the end of the season. Of course, there’s a lot of time between now and then for players and clubs to negotiate new contracts, but that might not be the case.

1. Lionel Messi

Obviously, we had to start with Lionel Messi, arguably the GOAT (yes it’s always a big debate, but that’s not why we’re here). For those who don’t know, he’s having an awful time in Spain at the minute, and having fallen out with the Barca board, it’s clear he doesn’t want to be there.

If anyone did want to sign the 33-year-old magician, they would have to meet his wage demands, because let’s be honest, any club will bend over backwards to get Messi’s signature? Could he reunite with Pep at City? Could he fly across the Atlantic and spend the rest of his time in the MLS? Who knows, but he is available.

2. Sergio Aguero

Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer is in the last six months of his contract. The problem is, the 32-year-old has missed a fair amount of the last couple seasons due to injury, which is unfortunate considering he is (or should be) in the conversation of best Premier League strikers ever.

City are yet to begin contract talks, but there’s still time for them to keep hold of the best striker they’ve had in years. If not, does another team (maybe even in the Prem) take their chances of him staying fit and sign him up?

3. Angel di Maria

You’re reading correctly, a trio of Argentinian internationals can all walk from their respective clubs come the end of the season. Di Maria was able to rebound his career quickly after his short, poor stint at Manchester United.

Now with 4 league titles and a Champions League final under his belt at PSG, he may look elsewhere for one last move before the end of his career. Di Maria has said he is “staying calm” about his future, so clearly he knows something we don’t, but he could be moving away from Paris in the summer.

4. Memphis Depay

Another player who didn’t quite make it at Manchester United – Depay’s Lyon contract ends in less than six months.

He is only 26-years-old, so still has a lot to offer, and if he can carry on his form he has had at Lyon, there’s no doubt he can be a great signing for a big team.

5.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Yes, the 39-year-old legend is still playing. Not only that, but he’s currently smashing it in Serie A, helping AC Milan to currently be top.

Out of contract at the end of the season, will a club try and force one more year out of him? Age is evidently not a problem – Ibra’s like a fine wine.

6. David Alaba

Bayern Munich are the best team in the world right now, no question. However, their captain and centre-half David Alaba has announced he won’t be signing a new contract with the best club in the world.

Expect a lot of links and rumours about this world-class defender in the coming months, as we’re sure a lot of people will be wanting to get him signing some documents.

7. Sergio Ramos

The Real Madrid captain is a veteran at the highest level of the game. He’s pretty much in the best football XI every year. He is quality.

He could leave the Spanish capital in June, though, with heavy links to Manchester United and Liverpool already starting to pop up.

8. Gigi Wijnaldum

Speaking of Liverpool, their signing from Newcastle could walk away from Anfield at the end of the season. There’s nothing to suggest he won’t sign a new contract with the club, but if he doesn’t, clubs can snatch him up for nothing.

9. Olivier Giroud

Giroud has been a little overlooked at Chelsea – which could still all change with Tuchel coming in – but the Frenchman has not yet agreed a new contract with the club.

He is good enough, so who’s willing to give the striker an opportunity to show Chelsea what they’ve missed out on because they didn’t put pen to paper?

10. Gianluigi Donnarumma

Still only 21 years of age, the young goalkeeper has been on the Italian scene for what seems like ages to say he’s only 21. Currently at top of the table AC Milan, there’s a chance – albeit a small one – that the club won’t get his signature on a new contract.

Just in case, clubs should be on the lookout for the Italian first-choice keeper, who would be a great long-term investment. They wouldn’t have to worry about a new GK for a long time.