For some footballers, the summer is already in sight.
Specifically for those with just a few months remaining on their current contracts, the decision between staying put or moving on is becoming more urgent by the second.
There are a number of reasons the players in question have run down their deals. Some are approaching retirement age and will likely hang up their boots at the end of the season; others are simply ready to move clubs and many have simply failed to agree – or even be offered – new terms by their current clubs.
Below, we’ve put together the ultimate combined XI of footballers who are out of contract this summer.
We have decided to leave out those who could retire at the end of the season – the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Alves, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are among the most high-profile players set for exits, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see any of the names mentioned below call it a day in the coming months.
Still, there are plenty of players who will be greatly sought after this summer when their contracts expire.
Goalkeeper: Michel Vorm
Club: Tottenham
Likelihood of renewal: 2/10
Michel Vorm turned 35 last October, so the Dutchman isn’t getting any younger. But goalkeepers are generally able to play on for longer than outfield players, meaning Vorm may have two or three seasons left in him as a player.
The former Swansea City star has lost his place as Hugo Lloris’ deputy at Tottenham this season as a result of Paulo Gazzaniga’s impressive displays between the sticks. Vorm won’t accept being third place next term, so an exit is very likely. Whether he will return to his native Holland or stay in one of Europe’s top five leagues is up for debate.
Centre-back: Diego Godin
Club: Atletico Madrid
Likelihood of renewal: 5/10
Diego Godin has played a central role in Atletico Madrid’s rise into the upper echelon of European clubs over the last few years. He scored the goal against Barcelona that sealed the club’s famous La Liga title victory in 2014.
However, the 32-year-old could part ways with Atletico this summer. He has been heavily linked with Inter Milan in recent weeks, while Juventus have also been mooted as potential suitors. Diego Simeone has admitted Godin could leave on a free transfer, but there is no guarantee yet.
Centre-back: Vincent Kompany
Club: Manchester City
Likelihood of renewal: 6/10
Much like Godin at Atletico, Kompany has been central to Manchester City’s emergence as a European superpower in recent times. The popular captain has struggled with injuries but continues to be an important part of the squad.
At 32, he could still be playing regularly somewhere, and Pep Guardiola may not be able to make any promises going into next season. A move to Italy may be on the cards, but City would be wise to keep Kompany on because of his influence and leadership.
Centre-back: David Luiz
Club: Chelsea
Likelihood of renewal: 4/10
David Luiz has cut a divisive figure over the years, but there’s no questioning his ability when he’s in the mood. The Brazilian is a powerful defender who can also pick a pass better than many midfielders, and he’s been an important part of the Chelsea team since returning Stamford Bridge.
But Luiz’s ability doesn’t count for much if reports about Chelsea’s contract policy are to be believed. According to the Guardian, Chelsea are unwilling to offer anything other than one-year contract extensions to players in their 30s. Luiz turns 32 in April, meaning his time in England could be up, unless it’s extended by a year.
Right wing-back: Antonio Valencia
Club: Manchester United
Likelihood of renewal: 3/10
According to the Manchester Evening News, Antonio Valencia has accepted he may have to leave Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left the right-back out of his squad in eight of the last nine matches.
Knee injuries have contributed towards Valencia’s demise, but his future may depend on United’s managerial decision in the summer. If Solskjaer is appointed permanently, Valencia will probably be on his way out, but a different coach could have an opposing view.
Central midfield: James Milner
Club: Liverpool
Likelihood of renewal: 6/10
Very little has been said about whether James Milner will extend his stay at Liverpool. The midfielder isn’t getting any younger, but his versatility makes him a crucial member of the squad who can fill a number of positions when needed.
Presumably the 32-year-old won’t want to drop down a level, although there will be Premier League clubs outside of the top six – and perhaps a couple in the top six – lining up to sign the former England international on a free transfer.
Central midfield: Adrien Rabiot
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Likelihood of renewal: 1/10
Rabiot is certain to be one of the most sought after players among Europe’s top clubs this summer. The midfielder has turned down a new contract at PSG and has since been effectively ousted from the squad, making a summer exit inevitable.
Barcelona, the club who were expected to seal a deal for Rabiot, have now signed Frenkie de Jong from Ajax, leaving Rabiot’s future uncertain. Tottenham and Liverpool have also been heavily linked with the 23-year-old.
Left wing-back: Nacho Monreal
Club: Arsenal
Likelihood of renewal: 5/10
Back in September, Sky Sports claimed Arsenal had entered talks with Nacho Monreal over a new contract, yet there have been no developments or updates since. That suggests there is a chance those negotiations didn’t go well and Monreal could leave the Emirates.
Arsenal are likely to pursue a new left-back next summer, so a return to Spain may be Monreal’s best course of action if he can’t agree new terms in north London.
Attacking midfielder: Juan Mata
Club: Manchester United
Likelihood of renewal: 4/10
An immensely popular figure in English football, the Premier League could be waving goodbye to Juan Mata this summer. The Spaniard has been linked with a return to Valencia, and other Spanish clubs are certain to be interested.
However, perhaps Mata will have an option to stay in England if Arsenal’s reported interest is genuine. Mata has worked with Gunners boss Unai Emery before, and the 30-year-old would be a handy squad addition for the north Londoners.
Attacking midfielder: Aaron Ramsey
Club: Arsenal
Likelihood of renewal: 1/10
Aaron Ramsey is the most certain departee on our list. Sky Sports have strongly suggested that the midfielder has signed a pre-contract agreement with Italian champions Juventus, who he is set to join up with for the 2019/20 season.
Unai Emery continues to use Ramsey intermittently, but the only way he could possibly stay at Arsenal is if reports of a move to Juventus are incorrect and the Welshman suddenly agrees fresh terms at the Emirates. It’s highly unlikely.
Striker: Olivier Giroud
Club: Chelsea
Likelihood of renewal: 3/10
Olivier Giroud seems destined to be a reserve striker rather than the main man at Chelsea. He struggled to cement a place in the team when Alvaro Morata was considered the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge. Now Morata is gone, Gonzalo Higuain appears to be Maurizio Sarri’s man.
With that in mind, there is little reason Giroud will be eager to stay on at Chelsea unless he is happy to sit on the bench. What’s more, Chelsea’s contract policy – as mentioned above in regards to Luiz – may prevent an extension going through.
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