How many of these footballers out of contract in 2025 will be on the move in January when they can talk to foreign clubs?
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) Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton)
He has more than served his dues and a whole host of mid-table Premier League sides should be interested after he exits the club following a second inevitable relegation.
19) Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
Understandably reluctant to commit himself to the unstable Toffees and will likely have his pick of mid-table Premier League clubs on a free transfer.
18) Amad Diall0 (Manchester United)
The Ivory Coast winger is finally an established first-team player, and the club has a one-year option they will surely trigger.
17) Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Surely retirement will beckon at 38. Unless he thinks he has another World Cup in him…
16) Sean Longstaff (Newcastle United)
Still awaiting a contract offer from his boyhood club; he must be fearing a January PSR sale like his friend Elliot Anderson.
15) Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
Palace are reportedly keen to open contract talks with Oliver Glasner’s first-choice left-back. He will expect an increase on his reported £40,00-a-week wages.
14) Olivier Boscagli (PSV)
Brighton were linked with a move for defender Boscagli this summer, while Inter have busied themselves laying down foundations for their approach once his PSV contract expires next summer.
13) Frank Anguissa (Napoli)
Having been a regular for Napoli in the two seasons since he joined, Anguissa might expect his terms to be extended. But it also might depend on the mood of Antonio Conte on any given day.
12) Angel Gomes (Lille)
The new England call-up has been linked with a free transfer move back to England and specifically Tottenham.
11) 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.
10) 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. They are at least talking now.
9) Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Did appear to be bound for Bayern Munich until Bayer Leverkusen insisted they wanted over £35m for the German international. Barcelona are among those linked.
8) 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.
7) Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
There’s something a little odd happening with De Bruyne at Manchester City; the smart money is on an MLS move.
6) Jonathan David (Lille)
Would have been an excellent signing for Manchester United but somehow remains at Lille despite being one of the top scorers of 2024.
5) 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 Manchester City or Barcelona.
4) 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 (and inevitably Manchester United) are sniffing.
3) Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
A ridiculously good player and favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year award for the third time, Salah has been outspoken about being “more out than in” of Liverpool.
2) Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)
The latest talk from Munich is that Bayern will not make Sane a new contract offer until March/April because his performances have lacked consistency. He has started only two Bundesliga games this season so any new deal will have heavily reduced terms with the emphasis on performance-related bonuses. Manchester United are among those clubs interested if he turns them down.
1) Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
All three of Liverpool’s highest earners are out of contract this summer. Trent is undoubtedly and understandably being lured by Real Madrid.
