As the curtain has been drawn on the 2024/25 domestic season, attention quickly shifts to the transfer market, where teams will be aiming to bolster their squads ahead of the new campaign.
With player contracts set to expire at the end of this month, clubs have a prime opportunity to secure top-tier signings without paying a free transfer, leaving the market brimming with potential bargains.
Here, we highlight the standout players whose contracts are set to expire in the coming weeks and unveil the best Free Agent XI:
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GK – Alex Meret
The Italian goalkeeper has been a part of the Napoli side that lifted the Serie A title in both the 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons. Despite often being labelled as a weak link in the team, Meret has consistently proven his worth, registering 16 clean sheets in each of those triumphant campaigns – a sign of a quality goalkeeper that could be a fantastic free-signing this summer.
RB – Kyle Walker-Peters
Walker-Peters has long been linked to a move away from Southampton, and it appears as though his time has finally come to part the south coast side. Recent reports have suggested the likes of Everton and West Ham United are interested in acquiring the full-back, with the versatility of being able to play either side of a back four certainly of interest at the highest level.
CB – Victor Lindelof
Lindelof’s nine-year stay at Manchester United is set to come to an end this summer, with the central defender becoming an increasingly peripheral figure at Old Trafford in recent seasons. The Swede has had his struggles but was a key member of Man Utd’s defence at times during his career with the Red Devils, and with plenty of experience at the highest level, Lindelof could be a superb signing for several European teams.
CB – Olivier Boscagli
Boscagli has been a key member of PSV Eindhoven’s team since joining the club in the summer of 2019, but the defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, and reports are suggesting that a move to Brighton & Hove Albion is all but confirmed to happen.
LB – Tyrick Mitchell
Mitchell is another English full-back that has long been touted for a move away from his club, and with this Crystal Palace contract set to expire, a move away from his boyhood club appears likely this month. With years of Premier League experience under his belt, Mitchell could prove to be a shrewd signing for one of Europe’s elite clubs.
CM – Christian Eriksen
Eriksen’s time at Man Utd is coming to an end, and the veteran playmaker is reportedly eyeing a move to Spain, and with his quality still clear to see during his limited minutes for the Red Devils this season, the Dane clearly has plenty to give at the highest level of club football.
CM – Luka Modric
Another veteran midfielder, Modric’s time at Real Madrid is set to end when his contract expires at the end of the month. Modric, labelled as one of Los Blancos’ worst signings upon his arrival in 2012, won the hearts of Real Madrid fans with his midfield magic during his 13 seasons at the club. Several Italian clubs are said to be eyeing the midfielder, with AC Milan reportedly the front-runners.
CM – Josh Brownhill
Brownhill had an exceptional campaign as the midfielder helped lead Burnley to promotion to the English Premier League, scoring 18 goals and assisting six in 44 appearances across all competitions. The midfielder’s contract is now set to expire at the end of June, leaving room for a club to acquire the box-to-box midfielder’s services on a free transfer, and this could be a brilliant signing for a whole host of clubs.
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ST – Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia may be coming to an end with his Al Nassr contract expiring later this month, and with his goalscoring ability still undeniable, countless clubs from around the globe are still aiming to acquire the legendary striker. Al Hilal are aiming to keep the striker in Saudi Arabia, while Sporting are reportedly looking at securing a sensational return to the club for their once academy graduate.
ST – Jonathan David
David has been linked with some of Europe’s very best clubs over the past years, and with his contract now set to expire, there are certain to be a handful of elite teams battling for the striker’s signature. The Canadian has scored at least 25 goals in each of the last three seasons, and with plenty of clubs aiming for a striker this summer, David could prove to be a brilliant piece of business.
ST – Lionel Messi
Alongside Ronaldo, Messi’s contract is also set to expire this month, meaning arguably the world’s two best ever players will be available on a free transfer this summer. Messi has had limited minutes in Major League Soccer due to injuries and various other problems, but the forward is still undoubtedly capable of playing at the elite level of club football, and a move back to Europe may well be on the cards for the Argentine, while a move to his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys is also a potential move.
Who will end up where this summer? Bet on the latest transfers right here at Bet9ja!
