Free agent extravaganza: Out-of-contract XI on offer

With a little over seven months left on certain players’ contracts, we have a look at a potential starting XI available for free in the summer of 2020. Goalkeeper: Alexander Nubel – Schalke
Former Germany Under-21 international Nubel is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in his home country and there are huge reports linking the keeper with a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the summer.
The 23-year-old has spent his entire senior career at Schalke, making 30 league appearances to date, but he looks set to reject the club’s offer of a new contract and leave VELTINS-Arena on a free transfer.
Left-back: Layvin Kurzawa – Paris Saint-Germain
It has not quite happened for France international Kurzawa since he arrived at PSG from Monaco in August 2015. During his first few seasons at the Parc des Princes, the 27-year-old was forced to share the left-back responsibilities and he is now second-choice behind Juan Bernat.
The defender has been linked with a January exit from the club, either permanently or on loan, but his time in the capital looks to be coming to an end and there will be no shortage of suitors interested in his services this summer.
Centre-back: Toby Alderweireld – Tottenham Hotspur
Belgium international Alderweireld has been linked with an exit from Spurs for the past couple of seasons and it would be a surprise if he decides to sign a new contract with the Premier League outfit.
The 30-year-old is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the league and 20-time English champions Manchester United, who were interested in a deal in the summer, are keen to partner him alongside Harry Maguire.
Centre-back: Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs could find themselves in need of huge defensive investment this summer with Vertonghen also coming towards the end of his deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 32-year-old made be getting towards the latter stages of his career but he is still a reliable performer in the Premier League, making him an attractive proposition for any of the league’s big boys.
Right-back: Thomas Meunier – Paris Saint-Germain
Belgium international Meunier looks like he will follow fellow full-back Kurzawa out of the Parc des Princes as his contract comes to an end. The right-back has been in-and-out of the starting line-up since arriving from Club Brugge in July 2016.
The 28-year-old, who has made just four Ligue 1 starts this season, has been a long-term target for the Red Devils for some time now and he is another that looks worth a punt due to his availability on a free transfer.
Midfield: Blaise Matuidi – Juventus
France international Matuidi joined the Italian champions in August 2017 from PSG and he has been an integral part of the first team since, making 73 Serie A appearances and scoring six goals in the process.
It would be a surprise to see the 32-year-old depart Turin on a free transfer but, if that were to happen, there would be a host of top-level clubs itching to acquire his services.
Midfield: Fernandinho – Manchester City
Brazilian star Fernandinho has been a star man for City since his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk in June 2013 and there are not many in the world better in the defensive midfield position.
The Citizens appeared to sign the 34-year-old’s successor in the last window, bringing in Rodri from Atletico Madrid, although reports suggest a one-year extension could be offered.
Whether Fernandinho will accept this remains to be seen, but there is no doubt he can still do a job at the highest level for the next couple of seasons at least.
 
Right Forward: Jose Callejon – Napoli
Spain international Callejon has been at Napoli since 2013, arriving from Real Madrid, and he has been a firm first-team fixture, making well over 250 appearances in all competitions.
The 32-year-old is a huge fans’ favourite at the San Paolo Stadium but there are still doubts over whether he will sign an extension. A trip to the Premier League in the latter stages of his career could appeal, with clubs ready to take a chance on him for free.
Left Forward: Dries Mertens- Napoli
Another Napoli player coming to the end of their contract is Belgium international Mertens. Like Callejon, the 32-year-old joined in 2013 from PSV and he has scored 88 Serie A goals during his time at the club.
The Leuven-born star has been linked with a switch to England’s top flight in recent years and there are suggestions he could be tempted into a switch, with both United and Chelsea keeping tabs on his situation.
Number 10: Christian Eriksen – Tottenham Hotspur
Denmark international Eriksen looks ready for a new challenge and the surprise was that he failed to secure an exit in the summer after making it clear he would like to leave.
Spurs’ efforts to persuade the midfielder to extend his stay have been fruitless so far and they are in danger of losing him for free, making the chance of a January exit more likely.
Real Madrid are said to be very keen on signing the 27-year-old and will look to wrap up a deal in the New Year, taking away the possibility of a contract war in the summer of 2020.
Striker: Edinson Cavani – Paris Saint-Germain
Another PSG player that could be on the way out is Uruguay international Cavani. The 32-year-old remains one of the best marksmen in the world and there would be a rush for his signature if available on a free.
Cavani has scored 136 Ligue 1 goals since joining Les Parisiens in July 2013 and he still has plenty of years left in the tank at the highest level.