Ooo With football’s financial picture clouded by the coronavirus pandemic, this summer’s delayed transfer window is likely to prove difficult. The uncertainty over how much teams can afford to spend will only increase the importance of out of contract players. Officially, contracts ending this summer will expire on June 30th. Some players have opted to leave their current clubs at the end of the month, however, most will play on until the delayed season finally ends later this summer. Borussia Dortmund have sounded the starting gun in the race for free transfers by signing Thomas Meunier, here are the best 20 players still available on a Bosman:
20. Joe Hart
Hart suffered a career stall after error strewn stints at Torino, West Ham and Burnley. However, he comes with 75 England caps and a pair of Premier League winners medals seems more keen to revive his career rather than top up his pension. Dropping down to the Championship with an ambitious club would offer the kind of career restart Hart desperately needs.
Possible fit: Derby County Update 17/8: Hart has signed a 2 year deal with Tottenham
19. Tanguy Kouassi
A prospect rather than a first eleven player for next season, the 17-year old has made an impression as PSG. He won in his debut, and made a total of 13 appearances in all; gaining a Ligue 1 medal. The young defender is highly regarded having played over 40 times for France at Under 16-18 levels. Plenty of Europe’s elite have shown an interest and a deal with Bayern heavily rumoured, perhaps as the long term successor to Jerome Boateng.
Possible fit: Bayern Munich Update 1/7/30: Kouassi has signed a 4 year deal with Bayern
18. Nathaniel Clyne
Liverpool’s forgotten man may be the only man at Anfield not celebrating right now. Clyne arrived at Liverpool as England’s first choice right back but a succession of injuries and the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold means he leaves without a Premier League title medal. At 29, Clyne still has ample time to reset his career and will get plenty of offers from lower table Premier League clubs. However a move north of the border might prove attractive.
Possible fit: Rangers
17. Jose Callejon
After seven seasons and over 300 games for Napoli, 33-year old Callejon is available on a free. The former Spain international has the versatility to operate anywhere across the frontline, although his creative talents are best suited as a number ten. There have been rumors of a Premier League move, but a transfer back to his homeland seems more likely:
Possible fit: Real Betis
16. Jeff Hendrick
The Republic of Ireland international has proved a consistent performer for Burnley since arriving from Derby four years ago. Burnley would like to keep the midfielder, but Hendrick looks likely to move on. The 28-year old will provide a low risk addition to any side looking to add some steel in midfield.
Possible fit: Newcastle Update 31/8: Hendrick has signed a 4 year contract with Newcastle
15. Giacomo Bonaventura
The Rossoneri are rebuilding and the 30-year old midfielder doesn’t appear to be part of their plans. The former Italy international missed most of last season through injury, but has rebounded and still offers creativity and a fine passing range. Staying in Serie A seems the likely option for Bonaventura.
Possible fit: Fiorentina Update 10/9: Bonaventura has joined Fiorentina on a 2 year contract
14. Giorgio Chiellini
The Juventus captain has spent 15 years with the Italian champions, but his contract is up at the end of the season. Even at 35, Chiellini won’t be short of offers. As he has stated before: “You only leave Juventus if they sell you”. It seems likely Juventus will offer him an extension.
Possible fit: Stays at Juventus Update 29/6/30- Chiellini has signed a 1 year extension with Juventus
13. Malang Sarr
The France Under 21 international made his Ligue 1 debut at the age of 17 and has gone on to play over 100 times for Nice. The promising 21-year old centre back has represented France 44 times across all youth levels and is seeking a move to push his claims for a senior call-up. A host of top clubs in France and Germany are expected to be interested in signing him to a long-term contact.
Possible fit: Borussia Monchengladbach Update- Sarr has signed a long term deal with Chelsea and is expected to go out on loan
12. Artem Dzyuba
The giant striker has proven to be a late bloomer. Dzyuba followed a strong World Cup with a further nine goals in Euro qualifying for Russia. He was also on course for his best season for Zenit before the season’s suspension. The problem for Dzyuba is that Russian forwards have a mixed record when moving west. In addition, Dzyuba has never played for a foreign club. At 31, he will need to convince teams he can hit the ground running, but teams needing a focal point up front will be interested.
Possible fit: West Ham Update 26/7: Dzyuba has agreed a 2 year extension with Zenit
11. Ryan Fraser
The Scotland winger has regressed alarmingly this season at Bournemouth, but memories of his stellar 2018-19 campaign (14 assists and seven goals) make Fraser an enticing prospect. At the age of 26, Fraser’s best football should go to his next team. Despite a poor campaign, plenty of Premier League clubs will be prepared to take a chance on him.
Possible fit: Crystal Palace Update 7/9: Fraser has signed a 5 year contract with Newcastle
10. Layvin Kurzawa
The left back has proved a useful squad player at PSG, but with Juan Bernat increasingly the preferred choice, Kurzawa could be moving on at the end of his contract. Kurzawa brings experience and a truckload of medals, and at the age of 27, he is within his prime. Barcelona have cooled their interest, but several Premier League clubs are thought to be keen.
Possible fit: Arsenal Update 29/6/30- Kurzawa has signed a 4 year contract with PSG
9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The short-term contract of Ibrahimovic at AC Milan includes an automatic one-year extension if Milan qualify for next season’s Champions League. However, the Rossoneri are unlikely to get in Serie A’s top four; theoretically meaning the 38-year old could walk away. Paolo Maldini has indicated Milan want to keep Ibrahimovic regardless, which makes sense given they sold Krzysztof Piatek to make room for him. It seems unlikely Zlatan leaves the San Siro just yet.
Possible fit: Stays with AC Milan Update 1/9: Ibrahimovic has signed a one year extension at AC Milan
8. Pedro
The diminutive winger has won every major honor in both club and international football in his career with Spain, Barcelona and Chelsea. However, this season he has been increasingly confined to the bench and will leave West London when his contract runs down. Pedro, 32, can still unlock defenses and produce moments of magic at the highest level. AS Roma have announced a deal in principle for Pedro, but he’s still a Chelsea player until the end of the season and after the Malcom fiasco Roma fans won’t be celebrating just yet.
Possible fit: Roma Update 18/8: Pedro has signed a 3 year deal with Roma
7. Jan Vertonghen
The Belgium international has achieved everything other than winning a trophy in his eight-year tenure at Tottenham. The left-sided centre back is still a class act at the age of 33, and should offer a few more productive seasons to prospective clubs. His wage demands will be high, but that shouldn’t be an issue to the clubs at the sharp end of Serie A expected to compete for his signature.
Possible fit: Inter Update 13/8 Vertonghen has signed a 3 year deal with Benfica
6. Adam Lallana
Lallana has collected plenty of medals in his final year at Liverpool, but he’s increasingly a bit part player. Lallana has never fully re-established himself at Anfield since suffering a long-term injury in the summer of 2017. At the age of 32, he still has plenty to offer and can provide a creative spark with his give-and-goes around the box, but he needs a club that can offer a more regular start.
Possible fit: Leicester Update 27/7: Lallana has signed a 3 year contract with Brighton
5. Thiago Silva
PSG have confirmed that after winning a record-equaling seventh league title with the club, Silva will leave this summer. Even at the age of 35, the Brazil international is still a formidable presence at the heart of defense and will provide a natural leader to the team that secures his services. A reunion with one of his former managers has been widely rumored.
Possible Fit: Everton Update 1/9- Silva has signed a one year deal with Chelsea
4. Mario Gotze
Dortmund have confirmed Gotze will be leaving for the second time this summer. He has struggled since suffering from myopathy back in 2016. Gotze needs a regular start if he’s to reach the extraordinary levels he reached earlier in his career after he managed just five starts this season. A move to an ambitious club where he can be a regular starter and key creative player would be ideal.
Possible fit: Hertha Berlin
3. David Silva
The World Cup winner has been the most consistent midfielder in the Premier League for a decade, but Silva is finally set to end his amazing stint at Manchester City. Silva, 34, remains a world class creative player and although he’s received offers from Qatar, MLS and J-League, he is still capable of producing in a top five league.
Possible fit: AC Milan Udpdate 18/8: Silva has signed a 3 year deal with Real Sociedad
2. Willian
The live-wire winger is set to leave Chelsea and still has plenty of years to give a new club. Rumors of a move to Barcelona circulated in January, but the Brazilian stayed in London. With his salary demands high, expect some of Europe’s elite clubs to compete for his signature this summer.
Possible fit: Juventus Update 14/8 Willian has signed a 3 year deal with Arsenal
1. Edinson Cavani
Cavani has been one of the world’s premier marksmen for a decade between his time at Napoli and PSG. However, he is set to depart from Paris this summer. The Uruguayan offers goals, creativity and tactical versatility. Despite being sidelined this season, there is little doubt he remains an elite talent at the age of 33. He will have his pick of clubs, but Atletico need a replacement for Diego Costa and Cavani fits the bill.
Possible fit: Atletico Madrid
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