Some of Europe’s best players are approaching the end of their current contracts with huge names preparing to leave their respective clubs on free this summer transfer window. We at Man’s Life will take you through five of the best free agents available this summer.
View this post on Instagram
One of Manchester United’s most expensive football transfers – Paul Pogba is currently a free agent with his contract at Old Trafford coming to an end this summer transfer window, after agreeing to a one-year extension ahead of the 2021-22 season. The World Cup winning midfielder has endured a mixed bag of success at the Red end of Manchester due to several injuries and inconsistent form. In one of his recent interviews, he spoke about his poor run of form and said, “it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else”.
Likely Destination: Juventus
Pogba has been regularly linked with a return to his former side Juventus which now looks the most likely destination for the French midfielder who left Turin for a world record transfer fee six years ago.
View this post on Instagram
After switching to Atletico Madrid from Barcelona in 2020 on a two-year deal, the Uruguayan striker was reportedly keen on renewing his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano but it was announced earlier this summer that Luis Suarez will be leaving Atletico on a free transfer in the coming month. At the age of 35, Suarez is still going, his goal contribution since his exit from Barcelona has been really impressive and don’t forget the fact that he helped Atletico with the La Liga title glory during his debut campaign in the Spanish capital.
Likely Destination: PSG/Inter Miami
While nothing has been decided by the striker as his next club, the thought of linking up again with Messi is always something Suarez would be looking for. At the moment PSG seem like an impossible option but still there is hope. It’s either that or the striker could move to the States and join David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
View this post on Instagram
Paulo Dybala arrived from Palermo in the summer of 2015 and since then the Argentine has been a pivotal part of the Juventus team. The Italian giants won six back-to-back Serie A titles from the 2015-16 season to 19-20 and Dybala played a very crucial role in most of them. After seven years at the club, Dybala is finally set to move on from the Old Lady to take on a new adventure. With his contract coming to an end, many clubs are interested in signing the attacking midfielder on a free transfer.
Likely Destination: Premier League
In previous interviews, Dybala has hinted that he could be looking for a move to the Premier League to get out of his comfort zone in Serie A. Arsenal is one possible destination for the 28-year-old but clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have also shown interest in signing him for free.
View this post on Instagram
After winning the 2021-22 Champions League Final, Gareth Bale confirmed that he will leave Real Madrid once his contract expires next month and thanked the club for giving him a chance to play for them. The Welsh star arrived at the Bernabeu in the summer of 2013 for a record transfer fee, making over 250 appearances and contributing to 173 goals. Although the Welshman endured a sensational start to his life in the Spanish capital and played a key role in the club winning three consecutive UCL’s, his time at the Bernabeu splits opinions. Injuries and managerial fallouts has seen Bale struggle for game-time over the last few years which made him want to leave the club after his contract expires.
Likely Destination: Tottenham/Cardiff or retirement
A good option for Bale is to return to Tottenham where he spent a loan spell in the 2020-21 season or a move to his hometown boyhood club Cardiff City. In recent months, Bale has also hinted an interest towards retirement from football. Anything is possible here.
View this post on Instagram
The Argentine winger is one of the most decorated players in football and for PSG, winning 18 domestic trophies that include five league titles. The 34-year-old bagged at total of 93 goals and 119 assists in 295 appearances for the side which speaks volumes about his mastery. Di Maria enjoyed the perfect send-off from PSG as he scored in his final match against Metz before being withdrawn to a standing ovation from the Parc des Princes crowd for his immense contribution to PSG.
Likely Destination: Barcelona/Juventus
Juventus’ first bid to sign the Argentine winger was rejected within days, but the Old Lady is planning on launching a second bid that could lure Di Maria to Italy. Despite the second offer from Juventus, Di Maria still looks more likely to join Barcelona which would mean a controversial return to Spain.
Shashank Iyer