EDINSON CAVANI, Christian Eriksen and Mario Gotze are just three huge name players to be out of contract this summer.
With January now upon us, stars with just six months left on their current deals are able to negotiate pre-contract terms this month.
The best XI using only stars available on a free transfer this summer
Many are already doing just that, with Cavani thought to have agreed to join Atletico Madrid this summer.
But he’s not alone, with hundreds of football’s biggest names set to be released on a free on July 1, as things stand.
We’ve put together a best XI of those players, below – as well as a few notable others…
GOALKEEPER
Joe Hart is currently available on a free transfer in the summerCredit: Reuters
Joe Hart
ONCE undisputed England No1 and top stopper at Premier League champions Manchester City – things have gone somewhat downhill for Hart.
Sub-par loan spells at Torino and West Ham saw him ultimately leave the Etihad to join Burnley – where he’s played just twice this season, both in cup competition.
He’s expected to leave on a free this summer – and he won’t be short of suitors either, still aged just 32, with Aston Villa hopeful of landing the former Three Lions ace.
Notable others: John Ruddy, Karl Darlow, Walter Benitez
DEFENDERS
Both Bailly and Vertonghen are still yet to sign new contractsCredit: Reuters
Thomas Meunier, Eric Bailly, Jan Vertonghen, Layvin Kurzawa
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN bizarrely seem fairly content to let some of their biggest names walk away for free this summer.
Thiago Silva is joined by Meunier and Kurzawa in having just months left on their current deals – all of whom would be an asset to almost any club in Europe.
Meanwhile, Manchester United star Bailly – who hasn’t played a single minute this season – is joined by Tottenham’s Vertonghen in the heart of defence.
The Belgian is expected to follow in team-mate Toby Alderweireld’s footsteps and sign a new deal – but for now, he’s available on a free come the summer.
Notable others: Thiago Silva, Nacho, Cedric Soares, Nathaniel Clyne
MIDFIELDERS
Christian Eriksen looks certain to end his long stint at TottenhamCredit: Reuters
Christian Eriksen, Blaise Matuidi, David Silva
YOU could put together at least two Champions League-worthy midfields from the list of free agents this summer.
Tottenham star Eriksen arguably has the biggest upside, but veterans Silva and Matuidi would still be huge additions to title-contending teams.
But 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric is also set for release, along with Premier League stars Nemanja Matic, Adam Lallana and Fernandinho, to name a few.
Notable others: Nemanja Matic, Luka Modric, Adam Lallana, Fernandinho
FORWARDS
Edinson Cavani is being chased by a host of European giantsCredit: EPA
Willian, Edinson Cavani, Mario Gotze
A HOST of big name forwards are available for nought this summer – with three Chelsea stars up for grabs.
Willian would certainly get in the starting line-up after showing flashes of brilliance this term – with Pedro and Olivier Giroud struggling.
Cavani is being chased by both Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Atletico Madrid, after still proving he’s one of the world’s top strikers.
Gotze is another big-name star set for release – while Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon and once Arsenal and Liverpool target Ryan Fraser could be available.
Notable others: Ryan Fraser, Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon, Pedro, Olivier Giroud
James Maddison will NOT be joining Man Utd this transfer window, insists Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
