In a season marked by the continuing effects of the pandemic, with the finances of many major clubs reduced as a result, free transfers may be the way to go in 2021.
With the turn of the year comes the January transfer window but perhaps more importantly this year than any other, it marks the start of six months where out-of-contract stars can bargain with overseas clubs. .
Pre-contract agreements are common and a number of key players are currently looking at a plethora of options as their agreement goes down. Here are 10 stars that could move on – free of charge at all – summer will come.
Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos are nearing the end of their contracts
LIONEL MESSI (BARCELONA)
Possible destinations: PSG, Man City, Inter Miami
The Barcelona captain pushed for a move away last summer, but the board stood firm.
However, Barca have no power to stop their landlord from choosing new grazings this year, with the Argentine contract expiring in the summer and although he said the last week that he is still ‘undecided’ in his future, many expect the one-club move. air.
PSG, led by team-mate Mauricio Pochettino, are Messi’s favorites to reunite with Neymar, while the attraction of working with Pep Guardiola again at Manchester City means that a move to the Premier League is still a tantalizing option after the summer flirting. A move to the MLS may come later and it would be a surprise as early as this summer.
Lionel Messi’s contract in Barcelona is up in the summer and he could move to PSG or Man City
DAVID ALABA (BAYERN MUNICH)
Possible destinations: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United
Like Messi (who has the same birthday as Alaba), the Bayern Munich defender has been with his club for a long time, but he could leave the Bavarians for a new challenge. summer.
Talks between a club and a player have broken down and Austria are more likely to leave, with the latest reports showing Liverpool and Real Madrid ahead.
Alaba’s £ 12m a quarter’s salary claims could be a point for any potential suitor, but at the age of 28 the center-back is still turned upside down. of fertile years ahead.
Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is out of a contract with several major interested clubs
GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM (LIVERPOOL)
Possible destinations: Barcelona, Inter Milan
The Liverpool midfielder consistently follows in Jurgen Klopp’s side but a ‘stalemate’ over the extension of his contract continues.
The Dutchman, who has been at the heart of the Reds’ success over the past two years, has been linked with a move to Barcelona where he would once again join national team vice-captain Ronald Koeman. .
Inter Milan are also interested in the 30-year-old, who has been asked to make a decision on his future at Liverpool before officially speaking to any foreign clubs about a pre-contract.
Georginio Wijnaldum is still a stalemate with Liverpool and could move on in the summer
SERGIO RAMOS (REAL MADRID)
Possible destination: PSG, Tottenham
In what would be another surprise, Ramos’ time at Real Madrid could be coming to an end.
The Bernabeu captain has told President Florentino Perez that PSG has told him they want him to be part of a ‘super-team’ involving Messi in Paris.
After being in the Spanish capital for 16 years, Ramos may seek a new attack and challenge and a reunion with former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho was also recently suggested.
Sergio Ramos has been at Real Madrid for almost 16 years but will he sign a contract extension?
SERGIO AGUERO (MAN CITY)
Possible destination: Independiente
The full-time Manchester City goalkeeper could finally move on after 10 years in the summer, after a year marred by well-being problems.
The 32-year-old has started just a handful of games since June and has taken the lead with Gabriel Jesus, Ferran Torres and even Kevin De Bruyne in recent weeks.
An extension of the Argentine contract that expires in the summer looks a long shot at this stage and is likely to return to his home country, with Independiente – where he began his career – the people in front.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could be found out the exit door in July 2021
DEPAY MEMPHIS (LYON)
Possible destinations: Barcelona, Juventus
The Lyon player, who got his career back on track after being sidelined at Manchester United, is one of Barcelona’s top targets at Koeman and a move was reported in the summer. last year.
Although that hasn’t happened, the Spanish giants are still interested in free transfer in the summer and the 26-year-old has said he is ready to move on in July.
Juventus have reportedly entered the race for the Dutch international recently, but there appears to be a move to LaLiga – perhaps as something to replace Messi.
Lyon forward Memphis Depay was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona last summer
ERIC GARCIA (MAN CITY)
Possible destinations: Barcelona, Arsenal
Manchester City midfielder insists he will not sign a new contract at the Etihad and has reportedly awaited the outcome of Barcelona’s presidential election at the end of the month.
Currently on the sidelines with coronavirus, the 19-year-old has played just 200 minutes of Premier League football this term – despite establishing himself as a key player in Guardiola’s team at the end of the season. last season.
It has been reported that a five-year deal has been provisionally agreed for Garcia to return to Barca – where he left for City in 2017 – although Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta has also been linked with a free transfer.
Eric Garcia is looking forward to returning to Barcelona after opting not to sign Man City ‘s new contract.
ANGEL DI MARIA (PSG)
Possible destination: Inter Milan
The PSG player is coming to the final years of his career at the age of 32 but he still has a raw quality that will be popular if he does not sign an expansion in Paris.
Whether Argentina’s coalition hire Pochettino convinces Di Maria to stay remains to be seen remains to be seen, but he started in the 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday night.
A player who moved to Manchester United after a successful spell at Real Madrid has been linked with another major European league in Serie A, with the interest of Antonio Inter’s Inter.
PSG’s Angel Di Maria contract expires in June – and expansion isn’t yet on the way
GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA (AC MILAN)
Possible destinations: Chelsea, Tottenham, Inter Milan, Juventus
This is an interesting situation – young goalkeeper AC MIlan has decided to stay at the club for a ‘very long time’, demanding back in November that his replacement Mino Raiola negotiates new deal soon.
However, with no news to come, the 21-year-old has been linked with a number of major European clubs, including Premier League side Chelsea and Spurs.
While staying at the San Siro in red and black is the most likely option, Donnarumma can study overseas contracts with less than six months to go – does that change thinking?
Gianluigi Donnarumma has not signed an extension to his current contract at AC Milan
HAKAN CALHANOGLU (AC MILAN)
Possible destination: Manchester United
Milan may be in complete control of their players behind the scenes, but midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu’s contract position is very similar to Donnarumma’s.
Recent reports suggest an upcoming expansion for a player who has been at the heart of Milan’s attack on this season’s Serie A title, appearing in all 16 league games and recording seven loads. -support.
But a contract has not yet been signed and Manchester United – despite an abundance of available midfielders – are monitoring the situation.
AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is also coming to the end of his contract at the Serie A side.