Skip to main content
🎉 Join The Club
- Join our community
17
Member Features
24/7
Access Available
5K+
Active Members
🎯
Live Q&A Sessions
Weekly interactive sessions
🏆
Member Competitions
Win exclusive prizes
📚
Exclusive Content
Premium articles & videos
⚡
Early Access
First to see new features
💬
Private Forums
Connect with members
🎁
Monthly Rewards
Surprise gifts & perks
GET CLUB ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your football news.
By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions . Geographical rules apply.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more

Get Club Access Quick

Join The Club for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation plus sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

FourFourTwo FourFourTwo FOOTBALL NEWS, FEATURES, QUIZZES
UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia US EditionUS CA EditionCanada KR Edition대한민국 TR EditionTürkiye
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Soccer Cleat Buying Guides
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Video
  • Features
  • Quizzes
  • Clubs
  • Membership
  • More
    • Interviews
    • The Magazine Archive
    • Subscribe
    • Lists
    • How to Watch
    • About
FourFourTwo Magazine
FourFourTwo Magazine
Why subscribe?
  • Fascinating feature articles, covering everything from grass-roots football to the international scene
  • 'ACCESS ALL AREAS' pass to exclusive interviews with the biggest and best names in the game!
From$29.99
Subscribe now
Don't miss these
The Best Players In The World Right Now
Player Ranked! The 100 best players in the world, 2025
Ranked! The best strikers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best strikers in the world
Ranked! The best centre midfielders in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best central midfielders in the world
Ranked! The best centre-backs in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best centre-backs in the world
Ranked! The best left-backs in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best left-backs in the world
Ranked! The best right-backs in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best right-backs in the world
Ranked! The best goalkeepers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best goalkeepers in the world
Tom Cairney
Person In ten years at Fulham, he has enjoyed three promotions, suffered two relegations and experienced plenty of highs and lows along the way... proof that there ain't nobody like Tom Cairney
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring for Barcelona against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals in May 2015.
Quiz Quiz! Can you name the players with the most goals and assists across the 2010s?
Ranked! The best defensive midfielders in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best defensive midfielders in the world
Ranked! The best right-wingers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best right-wingers in the world
Ranked! The best attacking midfielders in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best attacking midfielders in the world
Ranked! The best left-wingers in the world
Player Ranked! The 20 best left-wingers in the world
Football facts
Lists 200 niche, surprising and mind-blowing football facts to help you ace pub quizzes
England World Cup 2026 squad: Thomas Tuchel
Player England World Cup 2026 squad: Thomas Tuchel's latest squad ahead of the World Cup draw
Trending
  • Watch AFCON 2025
  • Transfers
  • Interviews
  • Messi
  • Ronaldo
  • EPL
  1. Person
  2. Player

25 high-profile players who are out of contract this summer

Features
By FourFourTwo Staff published 3 June 2020

The campaign might not have ended by June 30 - but these stars' contracts will all be up by then

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

All for nothing
(Image credit: PA)

All for nothing

Bargain deals could be more important than ever for clubs in a post-COVID world.

The following 25 players have what it takes to perform at the top level, and will be available for free this summer. Let the bidding commence...

Page 1 of 26
Page 1 of 26
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
(Image credit: PA)

Dries Mertens (Napoli)

Mertens almost left Napoli for the Premier League in January - if rumours are to believed. Chelsea and Inter Milan were jostling at the front of the queue for the Belgian, but in recent weeks he appears to have taken a U-turn.

The 32-year-old now appears set to stay put in the southern Italian city after reports that he has agreed a new two-year deal, but nothing has been confirmed quite yet.

Page 2 of 26
Page 2 of 26
Edinson Cavani (PSG)
(Image credit: PA)

Edinson Cavani (PSG)

Forced to play second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the early years of his PSG career, Cavani eventually took centre stage in 2016. He responded in spectacular fashion, scoring 49 goals in 50 games followed by 40 in 47 the following campaign.

The Uruguayan was then shunted out of the limelight once more when Kylian Mbappe and Neymar arrived in the French capital in 2017. Now 33 and out of contract in June, Cavani looks set to seek pastures new ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Page 3 of 26
Page 3 of 26
Artem Dzyuba (Zenit)
(Image credit: PA)

Artem Dzyuba (Zenit)

The Russian’s boisterous displays leading the line for the hosts at the 2018 World Cup are still fresh in the memory, and may help him land his first move outside of his home country this summer.

Spurs and Inter are among the clubs who have been linked with the 31-year-old, who has an impressive 13 goals and 10 assists to his name in 21 league games this season for Zenit.  

Page 4 of 26
Page 4 of 26
Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)
(Image credit: PA)

Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth)

Fraser was heavily linked with Arsenal in the summer, but no move came about and he began the campaign a Bournemouth player. The Cherries are reportedly keen to offer him a new deal in order to prevent him leaving for nothing at the end of the campaign, but Fraser’s admission that he is frustrated makes an exit more likely.

The winger scored seven goals and provided 14 assists in the Premier League last term, and will be an attractive proposition to clubs higher up the division given he’s still only 25.

Page 5 of 26
Page 5 of 26
Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)
(Image credit: PA)

Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)

It can take a few seconds for the mind to process the fact that Gotze is still just 28 years old. The German has had an eventful career since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, controversially swapping Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich in 2013, before returning to Signal Iduna Park three years later. And that’s not to mention scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final.

A metabolic illness threatened to derail the attacking midfielder’s career at one point, but he’s now healthy again and will be desperate to fulfil his early promise. If Dortmund decide against offering him fresh terms, a move to the Premier League or Spain could be an option.

Page 6 of 26
Page 6 of 26
Jeff Hendrick (Burnley)
(Image credit: PA)

Jeff Hendrick (Burnley)

The path from Burnley to  Milan isn’t exactly well worn, but it could be the one that Ireland international Hendrick is taking this summer if reports are to be believed.

Hendrick is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to agree new terms with the Clarets – will a call from San Siro be too much to resist?

Page 7 of 26
Page 7 of 26
Layvin Kurzawa (PSG)
(Image credit: PA)

Layvin Kurzawa (PSG)

Kurzawa has now been at PSG for more than four years, but he’s never nailed down a regular starting spot in that time. Injuries haven’t helped, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that the left-back has failed to live up to expectations at the Parc des Princes.

Currently playing second fiddle to Juan Bernat, Kurzawa will almost certainly depart PSG this summer. An excellent attacking full-back who’s still just 27, the Frenchman will attract plenty of interest from England and beyond.

Page 8 of 26
Page 8 of 26
Adam Lallana (Liverpool)
(Image credit: PA)

Adam Lallana (Liverpool)

While Lallana has tasted great success under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, he has often been on the outside looking in, and has only made three league starts this season.

The 32-year-old is now set to depart in search of more regular game time. A reunion with former boss Brendan Rodgers at Leicester is one possibility, but Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham and clubs in Italy and Spain have also been linked with a move for the midfielder.

Page 9 of 26
Page 9 of 26
David Luiz (Arsenal)
(Image credit: PA)

David Luiz (Arsenal)

The big-haired Brazilian’s future remains up in the air. The 33-year-old only joined the Gunners last summer, but has been linked with a return to Benfica as his one-year deal nears an end.

However, there has been speculation of a two-year extension being agreed on reduced terms. The Premier League might not be saying goodbye to Sideshow Bob just yet.

Page 10 of 26
Page 10 of 26
John Lundstram (Sheffield United)
(Image credit: PA)

John Lundstram (Sheffield United)

Lundstram has been key to the Blades’ superb return to the Premier League, missing just one game in his debut top-flight campaign.

Sheffield United are understandably eager to keep him at Bramall Lane, but Lundstram’s impressive form will have earned him admirers across the league.

Page 11 of 26
Page 11 of 26
Thomas Meunier (PSG)
(Image credit: PA)

Thomas Meunier (PSG)

Meunier gave an interview in which he professed his desire to sign a new contract at PSG, but negotiations have yet to start – which suggests the French giants have a different view.

An attack-minded right-back who loves to get forward at every opportunity – he has also played as a wing-back and even further forward – Meunier would improve a number of Premier League squads. Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked in the past, and could join the race for the Belgian’s signature in the summer.

Page 12 of 26
Page 12 of 26
Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea)
(Image credit: PA)

Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea)

Should Pedro leave Chelsea shortly before his 33rd birthday this summer, a return to Spain would be the most logical next step. The forward’s experience – he’s won six league titles, three Champions Leagues, a Europa League and four domestic cups across his time with Barcelona and the Blues – would make him a fine asset for most teams in La Liga.

Pedro has already said that he will be leaving London and while he may no longer be capable of starting week in, week out at the highest level, but the Spain international is exactly the type of player every manager would love to have in his ranks.

Page 13 of 26
Page 13 of 26
Jose Callejon (Napoli)
(Image credit: PA)

Jose Callejon (Napoli)

Callejon left Real Madrid in 2013 in search of more game time, and his wish has certainly been granted at Napoli: in his six full seasons at the club, the Spaniard missed only six Serie A encounters.

His time at the Stadio San Paolo could be nearing the end, however, with Callejon out of contract this summer. Now 33, he’s still a key cog in the Napoli machine but may nevertheless seek pastures new in 2020.

Page 14 of 26
Page 14 of 26
Giacomo Bonaventura (AC Milan)
(Image credit: PA)

Giacomo Bonaventura (AC Milan)

Bonaventura returned from a lengthy injury lay-off this season, but has struggled to nail down a regular place in the Milan midfield and looks set for pastures new in the summer.

Roma are favourites for his signature, but Torino and Atalanta have also been linked. The Italy international is still just 30 and is blessed with enormous talent – whoever convinces him could be landing one of the deals of the window.

Page 15 of 26
Page 15 of 26
Malang Sarr (Nice)
(Image credit: PA)

Malang Sarr (Nice)

Sarr is likely to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this summer. At the age of 21, the centre-back already has more than a century of Ligue 1 appearances to his name, as well as six France Under-21 caps.

Newcastle, Eintracht Frankfurt and Lazio are among the clubs across Europe that are said to be considering a swoop for Sarr, who has no intention of penning a new deal in the south of France.

Page 16 of 26
Page 16 of 26
David Silva (Manchester City)
(Image credit: PA)

David Silva (Manchester City)

Silva’s impact at the Etihad has been so spectacular that a book, ‘El Mago – A Decade of Magic’, has been written all about it ahead of his imminent departure.

One of the club’s greatest players of all time, Silva is now 34 years old and ready for a new challenge – which could be a return to Valencia.

Page 17 of 26
Page 17 of 26
Cedric Soares (Southampton)
(Image credit: PA)

Cedric Soares (Southampton)

Soares’ career has stalled somewhat in recent years, with the Portugal international failing to impress on loan at Inter and then suffering an injury before he could play his first game as an Arsenal loanee in February.

The right-back boasts great experience at club and international level and is a proven Premier League operator, but whether that will be enough to convince the Gunners to offer him a permanent contract at the end of the season remains to be seen.

Page 18 of 26
Page 18 of 26
Benjamin Stambouli (Schalke 04)
(Image credit: PA)

Benjamin Stambouli (Schalke 04)

The former Spurs and PSG defender is set to end his four-year spell with Schalke after his season was ruined by an injury that has sidelined the 29-year-old since October.

Reports suggest that the Bundesliga side aren’t interested in offering the Frenchman a new deal, making him one of the most experienced free agents on the market, having enjoyed spells in three of Europe’s top five leagues.

Page 19 of 26
Page 19 of 26
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)
(Image credit: PA)

Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)

Vertonghen has played a huge part in Tottenham’s growth since his arrival in 2012, but his lengthy spell in north London looks set to end this summer.

The 33-year-old is understood to be weighing up his options, which may include a move to Serie A. No matter where he ends up, the Belgian will be a bargain and is far from finished – he’s featured in 19 Premier League games this season.

Page 20 of 26
Page 20 of 26
Willian (Chelsea)
(Image credit: PA)

Willian (Chelsea)

It’s hard to imagine Willian pulling on the colours of another Premier League club given his lengthy association with Chelsea, but the same could have been said for David Luiz – one of the winger’s best friends in football – before he joined Arsenal last summer.

Willian has made it clear that he would love to stay at Stamford Bridge, but that decision might be taken out of his hands – particularly as Frank Lampard continues to promote young players. Perhaps a reunion with Luiz in north London isn’t entirely out of the question.

Page 21 of 26
Page 21 of 26
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)
(Image credit: PA)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)

The Swede’s return to Milan in January was going very smoothly before football ground to a halt. With four goals in 10 games, the 38-year-old continued to prove that age is just a state of mind.

But an extension with the Serie A giants is yet to be agreed, and rumours of a return home have become louder since he started training with Swedish side Hammarby while competitive football was on ice.  

Page 22 of 26
Page 22 of 26
Thiago Silva (PSG)
(Image credit: PA)

Thiago Silva (PSG)

Silva has proven himself as one of European football’s finest centre-backs over the last decade or so, but at the age of 35, his future at PSG is now in doubt.

The Brazil international is still a regular in Paris, making 21 Ligue 1 appearances this season, and his wife recently said he would like to stay in the French capital. But with no new contract on the horizon, we may yet see him grace the Premier League,  as rumours of a move to Everton won’t go away.

Page 23 of 26
Page 23 of 26
Lucas Biglia (AC Milan)
(Image credit: PA)

Lucas Biglia (AC Milan)

Biglia has an impressive CV to send to potential employers, containing four Belgian titles with Anderlecht, 160 Serie A appearances for Lazio and Milan, and 58 Argentina caps that included a run to the World Cup final in 2014.

At the age of 34, the playmaker is in the twilight of his career but could offer valuable experience to clubs across Europe if he opts against returning to Argentina.

Page 24 of 26
Page 24 of 26
Tanguy Kouassi (PSG)
(Image credit: PA)

Tanguy Kouassi (PSG)

Kouassi is not a household name… yet. But the 17-year-old defender could be one of the bargains of the free agent market this summer, as his deal in Paris comes to an end.

Despite his tender years, the centre-back already has six Ligue 1 appearances and, remarkably, two goals to his name this season. Although he’s been offered a deal by PSG, Kouassi is also considering options in Germany and Italy.

Page 25 of 26
Page 25 of 26
Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)
(Image credit: PA)

Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)

Previously in competition with Kyle Walker for England’s right-back spot, Clyne has become the forgotten man for both club and country. The former Southampton man has played just seven Premier League games for Liverpool since 2016/17, with injury problems and the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold pushing him closer to the Anfield exit.

Clyne recently turned 29, and as long as he can prove his fitness, the defender still has plenty to offer mid-table Premier League clubs - especially if they can sign him for the last nine games of the season.

Page 26 of 26
Page 26 of 26
TOPICS
Premier League Serie A Bundesliga Ligue 1 La Liga Russian Premier League
FourFourTwo Staff
FourFourTwo Staff

FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadn’t even qualified for. It was an act of madness… but it somehow worked out. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the game’s biggest names, insightful analysis... and a bit of a giggle. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that.

Read more
The Best Players In The World Right Now
Ranked! The 100 best players in the world, 2025
 
 
Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund celebrates his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Holstein Kiel at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, on May 17, 2025.
Five players who could have release clauses triggered in the January transfer window
 
 
Ranked! The best left-wingers in the world
Ranked! The 20 best left-wingers in the world
 
 
Ranked! The best left-backs in the world
Ranked! The 20 best left-backs in the world
 
 
Ranked! The best right-backs in the world
Ranked! The 20 best right-backs in the world
 
 
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal with teammate Oscar Bobb during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
RANKED! Every player to have scored 100 goals in the Premier League
 
 
Latest in Player
The Boy's A Bit Special, Geovany Quenda
'The Boy's A Bit Special' Why Chelsea's answer to Bukayo Saka is arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer
 
 
The Boy's A Bit Special, Eli Junior Kroupi
'The Boy's A Bit Special' Bournemouth breakout puts elite clubs on red alert for France international of the future
 
 
The Boy's A Bit Special, Can Uzun
'The Boy's A Bit Special' Bundesliga's Dimitar Berbatov regen Can Uzun coming to a league near you
 
 
The Boy's A Bit Special, Jorthy Mokio
'The Boy's A Bit Special' Ajax teenager with shades of Liverpool star already in World Cup reckoning
 
 
Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes aka Manchester United's 'Class of '92'
‘Two rough lads like us becoming Manchester United legends? I’d have said, “No chance, you’re taking the piss.” We got lucky’ Paul Scholes on becoming an Old Trafford great with Nicky Butt
 
 
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 20: A flag featuring Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United pictured in the Gallowgate End during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James' Park on December 20, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
‘I was the bad guy' Newcastle United man cites abnormal help as key reason for Chelsea bounceback
 
 
Latest in Features
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez
How to watch Man Utd vs Wolves: Live stream and TV info as Ruben Amorim's side host winless Wanderers
 
 
Martin Odegaard and Ian Maatsen face off in the reverse fixture just a few weeks ago
How to watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Live streams, TV channel for huge Premier League contest at the top of the table
 
 
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta
How to watch West Ham vs Brighton online, on TV and from anywhere today
 
 
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Everton: Live streams, TV coverage for Sean Dyche reunion
 
 
Chelsea striker Joao Pedro
Is Chelsea vs Bournemouth on TV? Live streams and how to watch Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge
 
 
Burnley boss Scott Parker
How to watch Burnley vs Newcastle: TV and streaming information for Turf Moor showdown
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Martin Odegaard and Ian Maatsen face off in the reverse fixture just a few weeks ago
    1
    How to watch Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Live streams, TV channel for huge Premier League contest at the top of the table
  2. 2
    How to watch Man Utd vs Wolves: Live stream and TV info as Ruben Amorim's side host winless Wanderers
  3. 3
    'The Boy's A Bit Special' Why Chelsea's answer to Bukayo Saka is arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer
  4. 4
    Is Chelsea vs Bournemouth on TV? Live streams and how to watch Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge
  5. 5
    How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Everton: Live streams, TV coverage for Sean Dyche reunion

FourFourTwo is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About FourFourTwo
  • Advertise with us
  • Worldwide
  • How to pitch to FourFourTwo

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...