The Biggest Free Agents in Football: Who’s Next?
The transfer window may be closed, but the rumour mill is already churning out some serious gossip. With several top players’ contracts set to expire in 2025, we’re taking a look at the biggest free agents in football and where they might end up next.
The Mohamed Salah Situation
Liverpool’s star forward has admitted that he could be playing his final season for the Reds, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign. No talks are ongoing, but it’s hard to imagine Salah leaving Anfield without a fight. If another big offer comes in, Liverpool might be forced to sell their talisman.
Virgil van Dijk’s Future
The Dutch defender is still one of the best in the world, but his contract is up in 2025. Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr are reportedly ready to make him the best-paid defender ever, while Bayern Munich have also been linked. It’s hard to imagine Van Dijk leaving Liverpool, but you never know what might happen.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool Future
The young right-back is still in his prime, but his contract is set to expire in 2025. Real Madrid have been linked with the versatile defender, who has found success drifting into central midfield for club and country. While he’s a one-club man, his reaction to being substituted by new manager Arne Slot might be telling.
Alphonso Davies’ Bayern Future
The Canadian left-back is arguably the best in the world, but his relationship with Bayern seems to have deteriorated. In March, his agent said Bayern’s "ultimatum" over new terms was not fair to the player, and it does look likely that he will leave Germany. Real Madrid are interested in signing Davies and are prepared to wait to acquire his services on a free transfer.
Joshua Kimmich’s Bayern Future
The German midfielder has found himself out of favour at Bayern in recent years. He clashed with former boss Thomas Tuchel and could find himself out as part of Kompany’s squad overhaul. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have all shown interest from the Premier League, while PSG and Barcelona are also monitoring the situation.
Son Heung-Min’s Tottenham Future
The South Korean forward has admirably filled the void left by Harry Kane’s departure, but at 32, time is not on his side. Fenerbahce have reportedly shown an interest, and Son has told reporters that money is not important to him. He wants to play in a league that he enjoys playing in, and the Premier League might not be his priority.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City Future
The Belgian midfielder is still capable of changing a game from midfield, but his time may be up. City are evolving, and a potentially lucrative move to Saudi Arabia is on the cards. However, De Bruyne himself isn’t giving anything away, and it’s hard to imagine him leaving Manchester City without a fight.
Leroy Sané’s Bayern Future
The German winger is one of the top players in Europe, but his contract is set to expire in 2025. Bayern want him to sign a new deal, but talks have yet to get off the ground. Man United signed Noussair Mazraoui this summer and have Diogo Dalot on the books, but could well make a move as Erik ten Hag continues to sign Netherlands internationals.
Denzel Dumfries’ Inter Future
The Dutch right-back impressed at both ends of the pitch last season, scoring four goals and making five assists in 31 games. Inter want him to sign a new deal, but talks have yet to get off the ground. Man United, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all been linked with the talented defender.
Jonathan David’s Lille Future
The Canadian striker is one of the top young goal-scorers in Europe, with 87 goals from 190 games for Lille. Chelsea were in talks with him earlier this year, while Juventus, Milan, Barcelona, and Real Madrid have also been linked. Lille president Oliver Letang previously stated that David would be allowed to leave in the summer, with a release clause of €58m in his contract.
December Expiry
There are also a few players who will play through the summer but have contracts that expire at the end of the year. Lionel Messi, 37, is one of them, with his contract set to expire at the end of the year. The Argentina legend isn’t the player he once was, but he’s still capable of changing a game. MLS would miss him if he were to move on, with his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina a possible destination for his retirement.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Future
The Portuguese superstar is still going strong, but his contract is set to expire in 2025. How long can he keep going? By the time Ronaldo’s contract expires, he will be 41, but there’s every chance that he signs up for another year given his dedication to physical fitness. A return to Sporting CP would be a romantic ending to a stellar career before his retires, but it’s unlikely and the player himself says it’s likely he will hang up his boots in Saudi Arabia.
Roony Bardghji’s FC Copenhagen Future
The Swedish winger is only 18, but he’s already making waves in the football world. A tricky winger with pace to burn, Bardghji has 15 goals in 78 games and is on the radar of a number of top clubs — including Man United, Tottenham, PSG, and Real Madrid — after impressing in last season’s Champions League. He is currently out with a serious knee injury but could be a gamble worth taking once he recovers.
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