This summer, some of Europe’s biggest names will be available as free agents after their contracts with their current clubs expire.
Uzalendo News Sport looks at a few of the household names who are looking for new clubs for the upcoming season.
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has left Real Madrid after nine years in the Spanish capital, where he won five Champions League titles and three La Liga titles.
The Wales’ 32-year-old forward joined the Spanish champions in September 2013 for a then-world record fee of more than £80 million.
He has already stated that his family and World Cup fitness will be his top priorities when deciding where to play next season.
He is currently linked with DC United, Cardiff City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is leaving Manchester United this summer after six years in his second spell at the club.
Within a year of joining United in a then-world record £89 million transfer from Juventus in 2016, the midfielder won the EFL Cup and Europa League.
While he helped France win the World Cup in 2018, the 29-year-old has only shown flashes of his superb range of passing and powerful forward running at United, where he has frequently proven to be a defensive liability and irritated fans with a perceived lack of effort.
Pogba reportedly claimed in a documentary about his personal life that United’s offer of an improved £300,00 per week contract was “nothing,” implying that whoever does sign him will need to have a lot of money.
He has been linked with Juventus, Real Madrid, PSG, and Manchester City.
Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen should be halfway through his four-and-a-half-year deal at Inter Milan.
However, the 30-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020 last June, altering his career trajectory, with his return to football coming after being fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).
Eriksen was released by Inter because the ICD device is not permitted in Serie A, and he signed a six-month contract with Brentford, where his quality shone through as he helped the team secure their Premier League status.
The Bees want to keep the former Ajax playmaker, but will he stay in London or go elsewhere, with Manchester United and Tottenham interested?
Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard has left Manchester United after two decades with the club, having progressed through the academy ranks.
After United unexpectedly decided to keep the England midfielder last summer, the 29-year-old endured a difficult 2021-22 season and was used sparingly.
Earlier, a successful loan switch to West Ham in early 2021 served as a reminder of his qualities, and he may consider finding a new club where he is guaranteed playing time during a World Cup year.
West Ham United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, and AC Milan are all interested in signing him.
Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele has struggled since joining Barcelona in one of the most expensive deals in history from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
Still only 25, injuries have hampered the France forward’s development, resulting in only fleeting glimpses of his immense talent. When he’s on form, his pace, trickery, and ability to run opposition defenses ragged can bring the Nou Camp fans to their feet.
While he has been linked with a move away on numerous occasions, both club president Joan Laporta and head coach Xavi are hopeful he can be persuaded to stay.
The France international has been linked with Chelsea and PSG.
Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani had a mixed two years at Manchester United.
The 35-year-old Uruguay forward, who joined on a free transfer from PSG in October 2020, made an immediate impact with 17 goals in all competitions in his debut season.
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival and a seemingly endless list of injuries caused him to struggle last season. His personality and experience may still be valuable assets to potential suitors.
Real Madrid, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are both eying for the striker.
Fernandinho
Fernandinho, 37, appeared in 19 Premier League games as Manchester City won their fourth title in five seasons.
The Brazil international has already expressed a desire to return to his homeland after leaving City, where he won five Premier League titles, six EFL Cups, and the FA Cup.
He is currently linked with Botafogo, Flamengo, Corinthians and Athletico Paranaense.
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez, 35, is another veteran who is set to leave Atletico Madrid after a season in which he scored 13 goals in all competitions.
The Uruguay international may not be as dynamic as he once was, but his skill and movement around goal could entice several clubs to make him a short-term offer.
Juventus, Aston Villa, Sevilla and Inter Miami are both interested in his signature.
Isco
This summer, Isco will leave the Bernabeu as a five-time Champions League winner and three-time La Liga champion.
Still in his prime, the 30-year-old playmaker will look to rediscover his form after falling out of favor at Real Madrid and losing his place in Spain’s squad.
He could end up joining Sevilla, Arsenal or Tottenham.
Angel di Maria
Angel di Maria, the Argentina forward, received the perfect send-off from PSG, scoring in the 5-0 win over Metz in his final game and being withdrawn to a standing ovation from the Parc des Princes crowd.
The 34-year-old scored 93 goals in 295 appearances for PSG, where he won five league titles and nine domestic cups.
Juventus and Barcelona are reportedly competing for the winger’s signature.
