Euro 2020 might have everyone’s attention; however, the summer transfer window is heating up simultaneously across Europe’s top leagues. Unlike the previous years, many high-profile players are available for free this summer, with their contracts expiring at their respective clubs. Here we have compiled a best playing 11 of free agents.
Lionel Messi (Forward)
Lionel Messi’s contract officially expired on June 30, and the Social Media are making a meal out of it as they did last summer when the Argentine sent a burofax to express his desire to leave the club. The clubs who are interested in signing him for free – a utopian dream for many – would be left disappointed as the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly closing in on a two-year extension.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Goalkeeper)
Gianluigi Donnarumma, one of the highly talented goalkeepers in the World, has decided not to extend his deal with his long-time club AC Milan. PSG are understood to be in pole position to sign him on a free deal this summer.
Sergio Ramos (centre-back)
It has been long speculated that Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos would call it a time at the Spanish Capital club this summer. As everyone feared, the 35-year-old confirmed his departure recently, and the reports are stating that he has agreed to join Ligue 1 giants PSG on a free transfer.
Jerome Boateng (centre-back)
Bayern Munich recently bid farewell to the German defender Jerome Boateng, who plied his trade at Allianz Arena for around a decade. The former Manchester City defender’s future is up in the air, with Tottenham, Monaco and AS Roma keeping tabs on him.
David Luiz (centre-back)
Mikel Arteta had earlier confirmed that David Luiz would leave Arsenal this summer. The Brazilian defender had some defining moments in his debut season at the Gunners Stadium but got deprived of playing time in the 2020/21 season under Arteta. Though there are links that Luiz could return to his homeland, he is eager to stay in Europe.
Elseid Hysaj (Right-back)
The Albanian opted against signing a contract extension at Napoli, where he has been plying his trade for around six years. He had been linked with a move to the Premier League for the last two seasons.
Ezgjan Alioski (Left-back)
Alioski has been instrumental to Leeds United over the last two seasons but has decided against penning a new deal. The North Macedonian left-back has been linked with Super Lig clubs Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor
Paulinho (Central midfielder)
The Brazilian midfielder is known for his impressive stint at Barcelona, but he has been off the radar after moving to the Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande. With his contract being terminated recently, the Brazilian faces an uncertain future, though he has expressed his interest in returning to Barca.
Ramires (Central midfielder)
The former Chelsea midfielder has been at liberty since November 2020 after Brazilain club Palmeiras decided to part ways with him by mutual consent.
Juan Mata (Attacking midfielder)
Juan Mata, one of the fan favourites of Manchester United, has reached the end of his contract. Joining from Chelsea in 2014, the Spaniard has made more than 250 appearances at Old Trafford. However, in recent years under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Valencia man failed to nail down a starting place as the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba and the recent sensation Bruno Fernandes have been way ahead in the pecking order.
Franck Ribery (Forward)
Franck Ribery made a huge impression in Serie A for Fiorentina after leaving Bayern Munich in the summer of 2019. La Viola hasn’t offered the 38-year-old a new deal, and there are reports regarding his possible return to Bundesliga.
Diego Costa (Forward)
Diego Costa left Atletico Madrid on a mutual constant in December 2020 and has since been pondering his next move. Wolves and Turkish outfit Besiktas have been linked with him.
Joshua King (Forward)
Everton decided to part ways with Joshua King at the end of his six-month loan spell. The former Bournemouth star joined the Toffees in the winter transfer window but failed to make any impact. It remains to be seen how the future holds for the Norwegian striker, who failed to score a single goal at Goodison Park.
