Ranked in order of value according to Transfermarkt, here are the 20 biggest stars currently due to become free agents in summer next year…
20) Weston McKennie (Juventus)
“I’ve still one year left, my agents are talking to Juve about new deal,” he said in May. But there have since been reports that the US midfielder has rejected a deal on the same terms.
19) Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Surely retirement will beckon at 38. Unless he thinks he has another World Cup in him…
18) Neymar (Al-Hilal)
The Brazilian megastar is currently trousering around £130million a year. Neymar will be 33 by the time his next deal comes around.
17) Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The Liverpool skipper’s last deal was signed in 2021 and the fact he’s already the club’s second-highest earner, and seemingly content at Anfield, means there is little urgency to get around the negotiating table just yet.
16) Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Did appear to be bound for Bayern Munich until Bayer Leverkusen insisted they wanted over £35m for the German international.
15) Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)
Tottenham and West Ham have both been linked with the French international midfielder.
14) Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
It is thought that the Scot has been offered a new long-term contract at United, but he might have to leave to be more than a bit-part player.
13) Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord)
Feyenoord rejected offers from RB Leipzig last summer but the 23-year-old’s contract status makes the Eredivisie side more vulnerable this year. Geertruida’s versatility – he can play at right-back, centre-back and as a holding midfielder – will also bait the vultures.
12) Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
Juve are desperate to keep Chiesa so there is talk of a short-term extension on the same terms – around £150,000 a week – to kick the can down the road until 2026.
11) Heung-min Son (Tottenham)
Since Harry Kane’s exit, Son has been Spurs’ highest-paid player and there is little panic at the club over a repeat of the Kane situation since they have the option to extend for a further 12 months. But there is talk they will simply offer Son a fresh new deal.
10) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
The Saudis are circling around De Bruyne but it seems unlikely he’ll be off anywhere while Pep Guardiola has breath in his body. City put contract talks on hold while he was sidelined through the first half of the season.
9) Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
We thought he would end his career with Bayern Munich but the appointment of Vincent Kompany as manager could help push the German in the direction of PSG.
8) Ivan Toney (Brentford)
There was talk of the striker signing a new deal that contains a reasonable release clause to make a big move a realistic prospect while repaying Brentford for sticking by him. But even Thomas Frank admits the most likely outcome is a big summer transfer. His prospects of probably dropped from Arsenal to Tottenham.
7) Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad)
The Spanish midfielder has made a name for himself since leaving Newcastle for Real Sociedad in 2018. He’s now a European champion and he could be heading to Arsenal.
6) Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
The full-back reportedly had a deal ready to go at the end of last season, but then Bayern’s boardroom underwent massive change, meaning a new round of talks were needed. And the delay could cost the Bavarians since Real Madrid are sniffing.
5) Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
Chelsea fans want to keep Gallagher but his home-grown status means any fee Chelsea might receive would represent pure profit. A sale to Atletico Madrid is the latest deal on the table.
4) Jonathan David (Lille)
Manchester United need a striker and they are apparently looking for players approaching the end of their contracts, so David seems a good fit. In financial terms, at least. Tottenham, Chelsea and AC Milan are also among the clubs being linked with the Canada forward.
3) Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Liverpool resisted Saudi interest last year but the temptation to cash in this summer, coupled with Salah’s apparent willingness to go, means the Reds have a decision to make.
2) Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)
The Germany winger is understood to have changed his view on signing a new contract with Bayern. Towards the end of last year it was reported that a deal was in the pipeline but all parties decided to put talks on the back burner until after Euro 2024. Arsenal are the latest club linked with the former Manchester City winger.
1) Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
All three of Liverpool’s highest earners are out of contract next summer, with Alexander-Arnold currently behind Salah and Van Dijk. At least they got rid of the high-earning Thiago this summer.
Alexander-Arnold, given his age and background, would probably be the easiest renewal of the lot. Or he would be if Jude Bellingham were not in his ear about Real Madrid.
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