Friday, September 14, 2018

Out of contract in 2019: The best footballers who will be free agents at the end of the season

Some of the world's top players are into the final year of their deals, meaning they could leave at the end of the season - Goal takes a look at them

Toby Alderweireld | DF | Tottenham

Belgium international Toby Alderweireld was heavily linked with Manchester United during the summer transfer window, but a move never happened. However, it looks likely that he will depart north London soon, particularly as his contract expires in the summer of 2019, and Spurs could well look to cash in before then.

Alphonse Areola | GK | PSG

The signing of Gianluigi Buffon from Juventus during the summer looked to be a major obstacle to Alphonse Areola's path to being PSG's first-choice goalkeeper, but recent developments bode well for the France international. However, he has yet to sign a contract extension and his options remain open.

Mario Balotelli | FW | Nice

Mario Balotelli has enjoyed a career resurgence in Ligue 1 with Nice and he remains at the club despite being close to joining Marseille during the transfer window. The Italy international looks set to stay for another campaign, but after that a move seems likely. Where he goes will depend on how he performs during the season.

Gary Cahill | DF | Chelsea

No longer considered first-choice at Chelsea, Gary Cahill is surely weighing up his options as his contract with the Blues nears expiry. Galatasaray have been heavily linked with the 32-year-old, who recently retired from international duty as part of an effort to prolong his club career, but his vast experience means he would be an attractive acquisition for a number of Premier League teams.

Matteo Darmian | DF | Manchester United

Matteo Darmian's Manchester United nightmare could be set to end next summer when his contract with the club runs out. The Italy international has played second fiddle to Antonio Valencia for a number of seasons and, despite the Ecuadorian's advancing years, is keen to leave Old Trafford. A move to Serie A seems most likely, with Napoli and Inter said to be keen. However, it should be noted that United have an option to extend the Italian's contract.

David de Gea | GK | Manchester United

Without question one of Manchester United's most valuable players in recent seasons, David de Gea is currently in the middle of contract negotiations with the Red Devils. The Spain international was close to leaving Old Trafford in the past, however, and his reputation has grown significantly over the course of the past few years, meaning there would be no shortage of suitors if he wanted to leave. As is commonplace with United contracts, however, there is an option to extend the deal by one year.

Mousa Dembele | MF | Tottenham

Belgium international Mousa Dembele is expected to leave Tottenham after this season and the 31-year-old will be available on a free. He had been strongly touted for a move to the Chinese Super League, but Inter also recently emerged as admirers keen to sign him.

Angel Di Maria | FW | PSG

Angel Di Maria has been a key player for Paris Saint-Germain since joining from Manchester United in the 2015-16 season, but he could be on his way out of Parc des Princes next summer. The Argentina international was close to moving to Barcelona last term, but the move fell through. However, with his contract expiring in 2019 it may make negotiations with potential future employers more straightforward.

Munir El Haddadi | FW | Barcelona

Making a breakthrough at Barcelona is no easy feat, but Munir El Haddadi will be hoping to put forth a case to Ernesto Valverde this season. The 23-year-old has impressed while on loan at Valencia and Alaves, so the challenge now is to do it in the blaugrana shirt. Barca are believed to want the forward to stay at Camp Nou, but he may opt to move on if first-team chances are limited.

Cesc Fabregas | MF | Chelsea

Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas could potentially leave Stamford Bridge for free in 2019 and the highly decorated midfielder will have no shortage of interest. The former Barcelona midfielder has strong competition in the Blues midfield, with Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all vying for starts, so he could look elsewhere to conclude his career. AC Milan and Inter have both been linked, while a return to Spain is not impossible either.

Olivier Giroud | FW | Chelsea

A World Cup winner with France, Olivier Giroud has shown his worth as a powerful target man for both Arsenal and Chelsea in recent years. However, the striker is heading into the final stage of his playing career and his contract with the Blues is set to expire at the end of the season. While he may still have something to offer in the Premier League it looks more likely that the Froges native will move home to Ligue 1.

Diego Godin | DF | Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid star Diego Godin rejected the opportunity to join Manchester United during the transfer window and it was claimed that the Uruguayan used the interest to bolster his position in contract negotiations. No new deal has yet been penned, however, and he could be available on a free transfer in 2019, which is sure to pique the attention of the Red Devils once more, as well as Juventus.

Ander Herrera | MF | Manchester United

Ander Herrera is in his fifth season at Manchester United, but he has become a bit-part player in recent campaigns. Despite not getting as much playing time as he'd like the Spaniard seems to enjoy being at the club, but he will have the option to leave for free next summer.

Hector Herrera | MF | Porto

Porto captain Hector Herrera could be set to end his stay in Portugal and he could leave the club on a free transfer in 2019. The Mexico international is in his sixth season with the Dragons, but has reportedly been attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Phil Jones | DF | Manchester United


Manchester United's desperate pursuit of a centre-back during the transfer window did not reflect well on those they currently have, including Phil Jones. The England international's contract expires at the end of the season - though United have the option to extend - and his future at the club will probably depend on any January incomings

  Vincent Kompany | DF | Manchester City

Vincent Kompany is the undisputed leader in the Manchester City dressing room, having completed 10 seasons at the club, but he is heading into the final year of his current contract. The Belgian's injury troubles have hampered his progress in the past three seasons, but he is hopeful of continuing at the top level for a little while yet. Whether that will be at Man City or not remains to be seen.

Filipe Luis | DF | Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis is in the final year of his contract with the capital club and his future is currently in doubt. Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for the Brazil international, while PSG have also been suggested as a potential destination.

David Luiz | DF | Chelsea

It looked as if David Luiz's time at Chelsea was up when he struggled to nail down a starting place under Antonio Conte, but his fortunes have improved under the guidance of new boss Maurizio Sarri. The 31-year-old has yet to sign a new deal with the club though, meaning his options remain open at the end of the season.

Eliaquim Mangala | DF | Manchester City

Eliaquim Mangala has struggled to establish himself at Manchester City since joining from Porto in 2014, with a series of injuries and loan moves away from the club contributing to that reality. His contract is up at the end of the season and, as Pep Guardiola moves on in pursuit of silverware, Mangala is also likely to move on to pastures new.

Anthony Martial | FW | Manchester United

His differences with Jose Mourinho have been well documented in the past summer and Anthony Martial could potentially leave Manchester United as a free agent in 2019, should United not trigger their option to extend his deal. The France international has been linked with a host of clubs, including Bayern Munich and Sevilla, but no move materialised. A change of manager - which seems like a real possibility if the Red Devils continue to struggle - could see him stay though.

Juan Mata | MF | Manchester United

Juan Mata has endured ups and downs since arriving at Old Trafford from Chelsea back in 2014, winning a number of trophies along the way. Now 30 and with his contract heading towards expiry, it has been reported that he is seeking a return to Spain to wrap up his playing days, with Valencia a likely destination.

James Milner | MF | Liverpool

Despite his advancing years, James Milner has been a vital component in Liverpool's push for success under Jurgen Klopp. The 32-year-old has shown incredible versatility for the Reds, covering the left-back position, and continues to demonstrate seemingly boundless industry in midfield. However, the Merseyside outfit are looking to the future with the recruitment of players such as Fabinho and Naby Keita, meaning he will soon be deemed surplus to requirements. It has been suggested that he may retire at the end of the season, which is surprising given how much he could still offer.

Nacho Monreal | DF | Arsenal

While Arsenal have been ridiculed for their defensive fragility in recent seasons, one player who has stood out is Nacho Monreal. However, despite being one of the Gunners' better performers, he could be set to leave at the end of his contract next summer. Barcelona have been linked with a move for the Spain international, who is equally comfortable at centre-back or full-back.

Andreas Pereira | MF | Manchester United

Andreas Pereira has had to be patient for his chance to shine at Manchester United and he is finally getting the opportunity after spending last season on loan at Valencia. The Brazil international is literally playing for his future at the club now, with his contract set to run out next summer, though United can trigger an extension.

Adrien Rabiot | MF | PSG

The imminent contract expiry of miidfielder Adrien Rabiot has been a lingering source of consternation for PSG and the player's future remains unclear. The 23-year-old has proven himself in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, so it is no surprise to see his name linked with clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Serie A has also emerged as a potential destination too, with AC Milan and Juventus being linked.

Aaron Ramsey | MF | Arsenal

Wales international Aaron Ramsey is currently in his 11th season at Arsenal, but he could find himself moving on in 2019. The arrival of Unai Emery has brought with it a change of approach at the Emirates Stadium and, while he is still a first-choice player for the Gunners, Ramsey is a desired recruit for a number of clubs, including AC Milan.

Arjen Robben | FW | Bayern Munich

Arjen Robben will be 35 by the time the 2018-19 season ends, at which point he will be a free agent. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea star was famously injury prone during his youth, but has managed to prolong his career nonetheless. It may be that the Dutch winger retires when his contract expires, but he has also been spoken of as a potential marquee signing in Major League Soccer and the Chinese Super League.

Luke Shaw | DF | Manchester United

Luke Shaw has long been linked with a move away from Manchester United and his troubles with Jose Mourinho have served to exacerbate that speculation. The 23-year-old has been blighted by injuries since joining from Southampton and his stock has fallen considerably. With no new contract signed yet, a departure could well be on the cards, with Tottenham believed to be among the admirers.

Chris Smalling | DF | Manchester United

Chris Smalling is one of the longest serving players at Old Trafford currently, but the 28-year-old is reportedly close to the exit door as his contract winds down. The defensive quandary at Manchester United has not been solved but, once it is, Smalling could be the one to suffer should United opt against extending his deal. Wolves were strongly linked and could possibly rekindle their interest.

Daniel Sturridge | FW | Liverpool

A lot of water has run under the bridge since Daniel Sturridge was starring alongside Luis Suarez at the head of Liverpool's attack and his Merseyside adventure could be set for a conclusion with his contract expiring in 2019. Now 29, Sturridge was sent on loan to West Brom last season and has been forced to contend with being a back-up as the trinity of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane star for the Reds.

Antonio Valencia | DF | Manchester United

At 33, Antonio Valencia is in the autumn of his playing days and his contract is set to expire in 2019 - though United could trigger an extension clause. With such vast experience under his belt he would undoubtedly attract interest, but whether or not he would want to move to another club at this point is unclear.

Jan Vertonghen | DF | Tottenham

While his long-term defensive partner Toby Alderweireld is at loggerheads with Tottenham, Jan Vertonghen appears to be happy to remain at the club. However, like his compatriot, Vertonghen's contract is nearing expiry. PSG are among the clubs said to be keen on the 31-year-old.

Danny Welbeck | FW | Arsenal

Danny Welbeck has won silverware at both Manchester United and Arsenal, maturing into a reliable international performer for England as well, but his career is heading towards a cross-roads as his contract with the Gunners expires in 2019. It remains to be seen if he can convince Unai Emery of his worth, but his experience means that he will have no trouble finding a new club if necessary. Everton were linked during the transfer window, as were Galatasaray. 

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