As the 2022 summer transfer window approaches, we can expect a lot of high profile departures from top players who are available for free as their current contracts run out at the end of the season.
Various reasons are behind a player leaving a club for free, with contract disagreements and a search for a new adventure topping the list of why players leave.
There are a host of players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the season and may be looking to further their careers elsewhere. Amongst these are:
Kylian Mbappe
The PSG forward is perhaps the highest profile player available on a free transfer in 2022 as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
The Frenchman has admitted to being undecided about his future with numerous reports linking him with a contract extension and others to a move to Real Madrid.
Whether he decides to stay and renew his contract at the Parc des Princes, or move to his childhood dream club Real Madrid, we will get to know this summer.
Paul Pogba
Another French star available on a free transfer this summer is Manchester United’s Paul Pogba. The midfielder is reportedly on his way out of Old Trafford after turning down several contract extension offers by the club.
Pogba is not short of choices as many of Europe’s elite clubs like Juventus, PSG and Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring his situation and would like to secure his services.
Paulo Dybala
Many were perhaps surprised when Juventus announced that there would be no contract extension for their star midfielder as he was seen as surplus to requirements at the club.
The Argentine will now be in search of a new club but will no doubt have a lot of admirers.
Antonio Rudiger
The Chelsea defender is on his way out of the club as his contract expires at the end of the season. According to reports, the German international would be joining Real Madrid for free where he is assured of earning higher wages than what was offered to him by the Blues for a contract extension.
Gareth Bale
As confirmed by his agent, Bale will leave Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Welsh forward has endured a difficult couple of years largely down to injury and loss of form which has hampered his continuation at the club.
A move back to former club Tottenham, where he spent last season on loan, may be likely with his agent admitting the forward would be open to a move abroad.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proven time and time again that age is just a number. The 40-year-old made an emotional return to AC Milan from the MLS, subjecting himself once again to the rigours and demands of European football.
With his side at the cusp of winning the title and his contract set to expire, it remains to be seen what his decision going forward would be.
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Ousmane Dembele
A resurgent Ousmane Dembele has Barcelona sweating over losing him for free at the end of the season. Much has been said about the forward refusing to sign a contract extension at the club despite several offers.
PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring his situation and would be open to securing his services.
Isco
Isco would see an illustrious stint with Los Blancos come to an end with the club increasingly unwilling to renew his contract. A move to another Spanish team may be on the cards for the talented midfielder.
Ivan Perisic
The Croatian is having a solid 2021/2022 campaign with Inter but the Serie A club are yet to offer him a contract extension despite his current deal expiring at the end of the season which means he might be one of the players leaving for free.
Chelsea and Juventus are amongst the clubs interested in the midfielder if he decides to move elsewhere.
Angel Di Maria
The Argentine is bringing his adventure at PSG to a close after the club made it clear they were not interested in extending his contract.
A move abroad is now likely for the midfielder with Juventus reportedly his most preferred choice.
Andre Onana
After his doping scandal and subsequent ban, Onana is looking to rejuvenate his career away from Ajax.
The Cameroonian has reportedly agreed a permanent move to Serie A giants Inter Milan and will join them when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette is reportedly weighing up a move to France as his Arsenal future remains uncertain.
Lacazette may well get a contract extension but the final decision is up to the player.
Divock Origi
Origi is reportedly set to leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season. The forward is said to have reached an agreement with AC Milan over a move.
Franck Kessie
The AC Milan midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of the season with Barcelona having reportedly reached an agreement with him.
Edinson Cavani
Cavani is going to be one of the top players available for free in 2022 as he is set to move on from Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer. The 35-year-old would like to continue in Europe next season.
Other notable mentions are Andreas Christensen, Eddie Nketiah, Fernandinho, Christian Eriksen, James Tarkowski, Serge Aurier, Radamel Falcao, Marcelo, Henrik Mkhitaryan, Dries Mertens, Cesc Fabregas, and Hatem Ben Arfa.
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