In 1995, the Bosman ruling came into effect in football. Furthermore, this allowed players with an expiring contract to move for free, within the last 6 months of the contract. Now it is that time of year again with the season ending, and eyes turn to the summer window. With this, an abundance of players will find themselves without a club come July 1st, due to the end of their contracts. Here are some of the best of these players and also the clubs they could head to for the coming season.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is no doubt one of the best free agents of all time. After announcing he would leave PSG 2 weeks ago, the French attacker is nailed onto a sign for the Spanish giants Real Madrid. Linked with Madrid for a large amount of time, it looks like Mbappe will finally get his move.
Florentino Perez has even been in contact with the Frenchman and Mbappe has also previously pushed for a move. Mbappe is surely going to receive a lucrative contract when he inevitably is playing at the Bernabeu this coming season.
New Club Prediction: Real Madrid
Adrien Rabiot
French legend David Trezeguet has described Rabiot as ‘world-class,’ and he will be available for nothing come July 1. The Frenchman will not have a lack of suitors either. The midfielder will set to decide his future after the conclusion of Euro 2024.
With Juventus needing funds, they could let Rabiot and his 190k p/w contract go. Manchester United, previously put off by his mother, could definitely re-enter this summer for the Juventus midfielder.
New Club Prediction: Manchester United
Mario Hermoso
Mario Hermoso’s time at Atletico Madrid looks to be over this summer. After failing to negotiate a new contract for the Spaniard, it seems Atletico are willing to let him leave for free. Despite his hit-and-miss performances during his 5-year tenure, Hermoso should still be able to find himself a top club. I can see the defender heading to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa this summer, especially as it results in him playing Champions League football next season.
New Club Prediction: Aston Villa
Piotr Zielinski
After helping guide Napoli to their first scudetto in 33 years, it certainly looks like Zielinski will be leaving Naples this summer. Although not announced, another Italian club is heavily rumoured to have already signed a contract with Zielinski. That club is current Serie A champions Inter Milan. Napoli’s loss will surely be Inter’s gain, with the champions strengthening.
New Club Prediction: Inter Milan
Raphael Varane
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Raphael Varane would leave Manchester United on a free this summer. With the Frenchman having years and years of experience at the highest level, there is no doubt he will have many suitors.
With Saudi Arabia heavily rumoured, I can see Varane returning to a previous club. This club is Lens in Ligue 1. After graduating from the Lens Academy and moving to Madrid, Varane could make a sensational return. With an expiring contract, this gives Lens the best opportunity to re-sign one of their best graduates ever finally.
New Club Prediction: Lens
Guido Rodriguez
After signing for Real Betis in 2020, the World Cup winner will leave the Verdiblancos this summer. Guido, an extremely experienced defensive midfielder with over 130 La Liga appearances, could see that number improve with his next club. Barcelona will likely make a move for Guido. Despite signing Oriol Romeu last summer, the club heavily links him away, opening the door for a new signing. As a result, rumours heavily suggest that Guido has signed a 2-year contract with Barcelona, starting in the summer.
New Club Prediction: Barcelona
Rafa Silva
Rafa Silva has been a criminally underrated player from Liga Portugal in the past few years. Recently, an announcement was made that he would be leaving Benfica this summer on a free transfer. With great knowledge of the game paired with his technique, I can see Rafa signing with a club such as Galatasaray. If he were to sign for Galatasaray, he would immediately become one of the best players in the Super Lig.
New Club Prediction: Galatasaray
Tosin Adarabioyo
After coming through the Man City academy, Tosin signed for Fulham in 2020. Since then, he has made a seamless transition to Premier League football, becoming a very underrated centre-back. Tosin will be a big loss for Fulham this summer, however, I can see the defender staying in the Premier League. Tosin would be a great fit for Newcastle United and his athleticism would be greatly valued in Eddie Howe’s side.
New Club Prediction: Newcastle United
Lloyd Kelly
Similar to Tosin, Lloyd Kelly translated his game to Premier League football extremely well. Signed by Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2019, Kelly has matured as a footballer very well. It looks certain that Kelly will leave the Cherries this summer with manager Iraola saying ‘he will probably play somewhere else.
I don’t think it would be a surprise to many to see Kelly reunite with the man who brought him to Bournemouth, Eddie Howe. With Newcastle also potentially signing another defender in Tosin Adarabioyo, these two players could be shrewd signings on a free transfer due to expiring contracts.
“It looks like this [is this end], I think he will probably play somewhere else,”
Andoni Iraola – Bournemouth Echo
New Club Prediction: Newcastle United
Wilfred Ndidi
Although Leicester have just been promoted to the Premier League, the expectation that Ndidi will stay is low. However, he will likely be a Premier League footballer next season. Besides not being the player he once was, Ndidi will not be shy of offers from top-tier English clubs. Wilfred Ndidi would be a perfect fit for Ange Postecoglu at Spurs. With players in the defensive midfield position at Spurs linked with moves away, they could do a lot worse than Ndidi. Regardless, Ndidi would be a great pick-up for Spurs and this move would benefit Ndidi more, rather than staying at Leicester.
Next Club Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur
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