With many clubs being shackled by Financial Fair Play rules this January, there has been a severe lack of activity. Owners and directors are worried about splashing the cash given what's happening with Manchester City, Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Therefore, the free agent market could be more important than ever this summer. There are some star-studded names set to be without a club in just a few months as well as some very experienced professionals who still have plenty left in the tank, so let's dive into the the top 10 players whose contracts expire this summer.
The Top 10 Players Whose Contracts Expire this Summer
1 – Kylian Mbappe
The French international has been at the centre of the most drawn-out and talked about transfer sagas in recent history. Every transfer window – especially in the summer months – the talk is centred around Mbappe and whether he's joining Real Madrid or signing a new contract with PSG.
Mbappe did indeed extend his stay at the Parc de Princess recently. Still, he will now be able to finally leave as a free agent in a few months and join Real Madrid, although he will have to give up some incentives and bonuses in his current contract if that ends up happening.
2 – Adrien Rabiot
Trouble and media attention follows Adrien Rabiot wherever he goes and that's been no different over the last few years. The Frenchman is represented by his mother – who's also his agent – and that's led to disputes between him and Juventus in recent times.
Rabiot was previously linked with a move to Manchester United not too long ago only for him to then sign a new contract with the Old Lady. However, that is now set to come to an end and after an impressive season in Turin – he's registered six goal involvements already – Rabiot looks set to test the free agency market and secure a lucrative contract.
3 – Alex Meret
Alex Meret is one of the more underrated goalkeepers across Europe and will be a stunning pick-up for any club this summer. The Italian international was the number one for Napoli last season as they romped home to the Serie A title boasting a clean sheet percentage of 47.1.
There has been very little talk of Meret and Napoli coming to any sort of agreement over a new deal and with top clubs such as Newcastle United after a new number-one he could be tempted to experience the Premier League.
4 – Toni Kroos
It's quite incredible that Toni Kroos is starting the majority of games for Real Madrid at the age of 34 and with the midfield options at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal. The German international has been a mainstay for Los Blancos over the years but could soon see a curtain come down on his time in the Spanish capital.
Kroos is currently on 443 appearances for Real Madrid and if he had it his way he'd probably retire at the Bernabeu. However, given his age and the young talent coming through, it may be in the club's interest to move off his wages and say farewell.
5 – Anthony Martial
A career which promised so much for Anthony Martial has fizzled out. The Frenchman was tipped to potentially win a Ballon d'Or when he moved to Old Trafford but has been unable to stay on the pitch for long enough to warrant that talk.
Martial was even shipped out on loan last season to Sevilla and this season only has one goal to his name across all competitions. Despite this, there are rumours about Man United offering him a new contract, something which appears to be a poor financial decision based on what he has been delivering for the Red Devils on the pitch.
6 – Luka Modric
Another part of the Real Madrid midfield which has served the Spanish giants so well over the last decade, Luka Modric's future looks to lie away from Spain. Modric is indeed four years older than Kroos, but for sure, there will be clubs keen to lure the one-time Ballon d'Or winner to their club.
However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him call it a day on football upon the expiration of his current deal. The Croatian could go out after the Euros in Germany having only started nine games in La Liga this term and looks to be in the twilight years of his career.
7 – Piotr Zielinski
A perhaps more unknown figure in European and English football, Piotr Zielinski has established himself as one of the most effective box-to-box midfielders on the continent.
Zielinksi has been with Napoli ever since 2016 costing the Italian side around £14 million. He now boasts a market value of £27 million so would be a huge loss for his current club if he were to leave on a free transfer.
8 – Jorginho
Jorginho's move from Chelsea to Arsenal certainly raised eyebrows at the time and he's done nothing to prove people wrong.
The Italian international is an experienced Premier League professional and former UEFA Best Player in Europe so will have plenty of suitors, especially if he doesn't command a transfer fee. Clubs back in Italy, especially Napoli if they lose Zielinski, could be very interested.
9 – Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho has had a disappointing season in the Championship with Leicester but his Premier League record speaks for itself.
42 goals in 196 appearances is impressive given so many of them were not starts for Leicester or Manchester City. He will certainly prove to be a great value signing for clubs all over Europe and in England.
10 – Thiago
A two-time Champions League winner would usually be higher up on a list such as this but injuries have ruined his last few years.
Since joining Liverpool back in 2021, Thiago has never managed to start more than 20 Premier League games in a single campaign which will likely see him not offered a new deal.
He's still only 32 years old so could land back in Spain where the tempo is far slower and does not put as much strain on his muscles.
Remember to check out all of the free betting tips we have on offer!
