Footballers who are out of contract in the summer are allowed to sign pre-contract agreements with clubs in another league in January and this year the list of players is as star-studded as ever.talkSPORT.com has explored some of the most high-profile players who can be snapped for free over the coming weeks.
Mario Balotelli (Nice)
The misbehaving Italian enjoyed a resurgence to his career when joining Nice last season.He was the fourth top scorer in Ligue 1 with 18 goals but is yet to rediscover the same form this term.Everyone knows the 28-year-old has bags of talent but he is a risk with his bad attitude.
12Munir El Haddadi (Barcelona)
Has been sent on loan to Valencia and Alaves in the last two seasons and has impressed there.The 23-year-old is to be given a chance in the Blaugrana shirt but has a difficult job breaking into the first team with Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi as their front three.He may wish to look elsewhere to gain regular first team action with Crystal Palace reportedly keen to sign him.
12Yacine Brahimi (Porto)
The Algerian has been a crucial player for Porto in the last five seasons.At just 28, the attacking midfielder still has a lot to offer and has previously been linked with a move to Everton, Wolves and West Ham.He has scored 35 goals in 132 league appearances in the Primeira Liga.
12Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
Has not cemented a starting place in Maurizio Sarri’s team, with Eden Hazard preferred in the centre-forward role.As he reaches the tail end of his career he will want to have as much first team action as possible.The most likely destination for the 32-year-old is back to his homeland in Ligue 1, but he will attract clubs from all over Europe.
12Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Made his name as one of the best defenders in Europe under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid but is yet to agree a new deal with the Spanish club.Manchester United and AC Milan are reportedly front-runners for his signature.But it would not be a suprise if the Uruguayan signed an extension with club as he is nowhere near past his best and is a club legend.
12Phil Jones (Manchester United)
United have the option to extend the Englishman’s deal if they want but as they search for new permanent manager, a long-term future is not realistic for the centre-back.Jones signed for Manchester United in 2011 but his time with the Red Devils will likely come to an end in the summer.The 26-year-old could be a good signing for a mid-table Premier League team.
12Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
The Manchester City skipper is out of contract in the summer and has not been offered an extended deal.He can now talk to potential suitors but could retire or even be offered a coaching role by the club.Although he is still a great defender he is very injury prone and would be a risk to sign.
getty12Juan Mata (Manchetser United)
The Spaniard could move on from Manchester United after almost five years with the club.He is now 30 years old and does not seem to be in Ole Gunner Solskjaer’s plans.Although he is not the player he was in his prime he is still immensely talented and will be wanted by many clubs in Europe.He has scored 32 goals in 153 league appearances for the Red Devils.
12David Luiz (Chelsea)
Found his feet in a Chelsea shirt again this season under Maurizio Sarri but is yet to be offered a new deal.Due to being so crucial to Sarri this season there is a likelihood he could sign an extension.But Chelsea do not offer new deals for longer than 12 months to players over 30 and he may look to find another suitor this month.
12James Milner (Liverpool)
The midfielder has become an indispensible member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad in the last two seasons.He helped the Reds on their way to the Champions League final last season but is a free-agent in the summer.His versatility is so valued by his manager that he will likely be offered an extension, but the midfielder may choose to retire even though his form shows no sign of worsening.
12Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
The Spanish midfielder is into his fifth season at Old Trafford but has never cemented a solid place in the starting line-up.However, talkSPORT report the club have offered him a new deal after being convinced by Solskjaer he is in his plans.
12Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
At one point this season the striker looked as though he was hitting some form.But his performances have tailed off again and he looks to have past his prime at a top Premier League club.The former Chelsea marksman will have offers but is also a risk due to his injury troubles.
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