This summer, there are 11 outstanding players up for grabs, including Messi, Benzema, Modric, and Kante…
Table of Contents
One of the many Real Madrid stars available on a free transfer this summer is a Manchester United player who has won Player of the Season on numerous occasions. Oh, and there’s also Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
That’s not to imply that everyone who is a potential free agent will stay that way; while some are expected to sign extensions with their current companies, it’s not always the case.
It only takes one interested party to offer Karim Benzema or Luka Modric a career-changing agreement in the autumn of their careers for their heads to start turning more than that of a new boy in the villa of a Love Island episode.
Some people won’t move for free this summer, but those who do should be booked as soon as possible. A 4-3-3 shape has been used to assemble our starting lineup, which might be among the best ever. In fact, there is such a wealth of talent this year that there is a bench of A-list subs itching to take the pitch.
GK: David de Gea
Even though it’s May, there’s still no word on whether De Gea will agree to new terms with United. The Spaniard, who spent years as one of the club’s top players, is now beginning to exhibit vulnerabilities under Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils work to adopt a more progressive style.
De Gea is one of the highest-paid players at the club, and rightfully so given that he won the award for Player of the Season three times in a row. However, there seems to be a disconnect between how much United loves De Gea today and how much he values himself.
RB: Hector Bellerin
Since Bellerin’s ACL injury, which essentially ended his Arsenal career, everything has gone wrong for him. He was able to demonstrate why he was once so highly regarded while on loan at Real Betis, but he was unable to do so after joining Barcelona for free this season.
In reality, his one-year contract was ended in January to allow him to join Sporting CP for nothing. He will also be out of contract there in the summer. Betis may at last secure their man on a long-term basis. Do it, Betis—we need to see him once more donning your hip, retro outfits.
CB: Mats Hummels
Milan Skriniar of Inter is out of a contract this summer, but it’s commonly accepted that he has already decided to sign with Paris Saint-Germain. Hummels consequently replaces him.
After rejoining Borussia Dortmund, the seasoned German found his footing once more, but if a new contract is not quickly reached, he might be taken away from them for nothing once more this summer.
CB: Sergio Ramos
Ramos had a miserable first year in Paris but had a much better second year with PSG after overcoming injury concerns. He played considerably more frequently this time around.
However, the 37-year-old has failed to assist them in winning a Champions League during his two years with the team, and the club now appears likely to end that experiment, leaving him looking for a new challenge. There are significant indications that Thiago Silva will join Chelsea.
LB: Raphael Guerrero
Guerreiro, a full-back who is also a member of the Dortmund defence, is in the peak of his career and has a wealth of experience.
Given how crucial full-backs are to top sides these days, don’t be surprised if a large side tries to slink in with an approach to pry him away. He has essentially become part of the furniture in Germany and may likely stay there.
DM: N’Golo Kante
Kante has endured a terrible season for Chelsea as a result of his ongoing injury woes. He has been sidelined for the majority of a genuinely awful campaign.
A very excellent football player with a long list of skills and experience, he has finally regained fitness at the conclusion of the season and will continue to be so if he can stay in shape.
CM: Adrien Rabiot
Toni Kroos had a seat available, but it seems like he’s already signed a new deal with Real Madrid, and the only thing left to wait is an announcement.
Last summer, Manchester United expressed interest in signing Rabiot. However, the deal fell through due to disagreements over personal matters, so Rabiot has spent the season trying to make a good impression before this summer.
And he has already completed it. The France international, who will be available for free in a few weeks, currently appears to be among Europe’s top all-action, box-to-box midfielders. Last summer, United declined, but they could be persuaded to reconsider.
CM: Luka Modric
As ludicrous as it may sound, Modric’s days as a starter may be numbered now that Real Madrid appears to be winning the battle to sign Jude Bellingham.
Despite being 37 years old, the player still manages to maintain a youthful appearance as he flies around the pitch. There is an exceptional, all-around midfielder available for a steal if someone can make a good offer and move quickly. However, as he did the year before, he will almost certainly sign a one-year extension at the Bernabeu.
RW: Lionel Messi
This summer, the greatest athlete in sports history will be available for free transfer.
The truth is, though, that when you’re that outstanding, you’re never really offered for nothing. Although a deal appears to be far from being finalised, it is widely believed that Messi will leave PSG and return to Barcelona.
If someone swooped in and took him from under their noses the following season, football would become much more enjoyable.
ST: Karim Benzema
Benzema seems to have finally reached his limit and has slowed down this season after putting together a really legendary 2021–22 campaign that earned him a career–first Ballon d’Or.
His club won’t be eager to let him go just yet, but given the high cost of elite strikers and the fact that Erling Haaland is currently unavailable to Los Blancos, the Frenchman presents a problem for them.
It might be necessary to let Benzema go for nothing and let his contract expire if they decide to rekindle their interest in Kylian Mbappe this summer.
LW: Marco Asensio
Honourable mentions go to Wilfried Zaha and Roberto Firmino, who both appear to be leaving the Premier League this summer on a free transfer and could’ve been essential members of such an XI.
But because so many top athletes are now better evaluating their options and not tying themselves down to large contracts as easily, players like Marco Asensio may be able to move for nothing in the future. Exactly nothing, which is absurd.
Asensio, who is still 27 and just entering his prime, may be the last missing piece for a club that will require that extra edge for years to come.
