July has begun, which means one thing in football – a number of contracts just came to an end. Paul Pogba’s second stint at Manchester United is officially over, and the likes of Paulo Dybala and Ousmane Dembele are also available to be picked up for free.
Meanwhile, several other players just entered the final year of their deals. This is an interesting position to be in: for some, next season will be their last chance to impress at their current teams. For others, it could be an audition for their next club.
Keeping a player in the last year of his contract is risky. There’s no guarantee that he’ll renew, and he may not be committed to the cause. Some clubs prefer to sell them while they still have market value.
With that in mind, here are ten players whose contracts expire next summer.
Robert Lewandowski
In the last three years, there isn’t a player in Europe who has been more prolific than Robert Lewandowski. In that time frame, the striker has made 133 appearances for Bayern Munich, and scored an unbelievable 153 goals.
Somewhere along the line, however, the relationship between the player and the club has become strained. The Poland international has stated his desire to leave, preferably this summer.
His next destination seems pretty clear right now, with Barcelona the most closely linked club to the 33-year-old. The only question is whether it happens this year or next.
It has been reported that Bayern Munich are demanding €60 million for their star man, which Barcelona are unwilling to offer. For a club in their financial state, it would make more sense to wait for a year and pick him up on a free transfer.
The return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United was one of the biggest stories in football for a while. The fans had been eagerly anticipating his homecoming for over a decade.
How did it turn out? Well, that question has been asked many times over the course of the season, with no definitive answer. As an individual, the Portuguese was often excellent, but some believe that he had a net-negative effect on the team.
Nonetheless, he remains one of the sport’s most prolific goalscorers. If he became available, there would be no lack of interest in him.
The 37-year-old’s future has been in doubt lately. New Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag seemingly has the five-time Ballon d’Or winner in his plans. However, some reports suggest that he may seek a move away if the club does not start showing a bit more ambition in the transfer market.
At the time of writing, Ronaldo looks like he’ll stay at Old Trafford for another year. However, should Utd fail to qualify for the Champions League again, it’s difficult to imagine him extending his contract. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting Lisbon have all been linked with the forward.
Ronaldo’s move to Man Utd wasn’t the only major transfer of last summer. There was also Lionel Messi’s shock departure from Barcelona and subsequent move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In truth, his debut season in France was a bit of a let down. In all competitions, the Argentine registered 11 goals and 14 assists. For any ordinary player, this is a very respectable return – but we’re not talking about any ordinary player here.
There is an option to extend Messi’s contract until 2024. Should he start performing to his best levels, he will probably stay. If he doesn’t, both parties might agree to part ways.
Karim Benzema
Going into the final year of his contract, Karim Benzema is playing the best football of his career. He hit a personal best of 44 goals last season, and is the runaway favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.
Considering this, we can’t imagine Real Madrid are too eager to let their talisman go. Should he pursue a new challenge, however, he will be able to have his pick of a number of top clubs.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is a player that divides opinion among fans. His statistics are difficult to argue with – only Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero have scored more under Pep Guardiola. Although, this hasn’t been enough to convince a section of spectators, many of whom are convinced that he is greatly aided by the team around him.
That theory could be put to the test next season, as Chelsea are heavily linked with a swoop for the England international.
Sterling unfortunately isn’t a guaranteed starter for Manchester City anymore, especially following the arrival of Erling Braut Haaland. If he’s looking for more minutes on the pitch, he’d be better off leaving the Etihad Stadium. As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sold this summer.
Riyad Mahrez
Sterling isn’t the only winger at Man City who could be on his way soon. Riyad Mahrez also has just one year left on his contract.
At 31 years of age, the Algerian’s days at the top level could be coming to an end. With the younger options of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish competing for minutes out wide, he could find himself surplus to requirements soon.
However, last season he proved just how valuable he can be to the Cityzens. He hit a career-best 24 goals, and was the club’s top goalscorer in all competitions.
Gabriel Jesus is on the verge of completing a transfer to Arsenal, and Sterling and Bernardo Silva could also leave. Consequently, it’s hard to see Man City allowing him to leave this year.
Milan Skriniar
One man who could be on the move this window is Milan Skriniar. The Inter Milan centre-back has been at the heart of plenty of speculation, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea leading the race for his signature.
The Nerazzurri have reportedly demanded €80m for the 27-year-old. This seems rather high, given that he only has a year left on his contract. The club may be forced to lower their asking price in order to avoid losing him on a free in 12 months’ time.
N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante’s last few years have been pretty mixed. He’s suffered from injury problems and dips in form which have seriously limited his game time. However, his performances in the 2021 Champions League knockout stages reminded everyone of just how good he can be.
The World Cup winner will be 32 next year. At that age, Chelsea may want to move him on. And, if he became available on a free transfer, there would surely be a queue of clubs ready to bring him in on a short-term deal.
Jan Oblak
For a long time, Jan Oblak has been considered one of the world’s finest goalkeepers. Back in 2020, he became the fastest goalkeeper to 100 La Liga clean sheets, hitting the milestone in 182 appearances.
Last season was a below-par one for the Slovenian. Nonetheless, he is still very highly regarded. Atletico Madrid will be desperate to sort out a new contract for their number 13.
Serge Gnabry
The summer transfer window of 2023 could be a bit of a nightmare for Bayern Munich, as Lewandowski may not be the only star leaving on a free transfer. Winger Serge Gnabry may also be out of contract this time next year.
The former Arsenal man was a key part of Hansi Flick’s side that won the treble in 2020. In their run to European glory, he netted five goals in the knockout stages, and he also struck in the DFB Pokal final.
It is rumoured that Gnabry has been offered an ultimatum by the Bavarians, in which he will spend the season on the sidelines if he does not renew his contract. This may force him to consider his options this summer.
Should he decide to leave, a return to the Premier League is likely. Liverpool and Arsenal have both been named as potential destinations.
