Free Agents XI: Pogba, Dybala set to leave for nothing

These exceptional players are available on a free transfer this summer.

The upcoming transfer window will see plenty of deals by football teams looking to prepare for the next season. It allows the club to let go off the players that are not part of the plans or recruit players to strengthen the squad. Every year, the summer transfer window sees a huge number of moves, which also involves a big transfer fee for players and free agents.

Another major aspect of the transfer window are free transfer deals. There is a growing trend of players that run down their contracts and become free agents. In such a scenario, a football club can straightaway negotiate with the player’s camp to strike a deal. This does not involve any transfer fee.

There will be a lot of players available in the summer window who are free agents. These individuals will be out of contract beyond June and some are already confirmed to leave their respective teams for greener pastures. To that end, here is a look at Khel Now’s ‘Free Agents XI’:

GK - Sam Johnstone

Sam Johnstone is set to be a free agent with his contract at West Bromwich Albion ending. The English custodian is a former Manchester United player and will attract interest from multiple Premier League clubs. There is a belief that MUFC could make a move for the player since Lee Grant has left the club.

LB - Marcelo

Marcelo bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid after many years of success at the club. He finished the season with his fifth UEFA Champions League title with the Spanish giants.

Despite his age, Marcelo is still an exceptional defender and can play at the top level. Fenerbache are one of the clubs who are showing a keen interest in bringing the player to the club. 

CB - Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen will be a free agent after he leaves Chelsea at the end of his deal. The centre-back had a very successful time at the Premier League outfit. As reports suggest, FC Barcelona are the front-runners in the race to sign the player on a free transfer. 

CB - Alessio Romagnoli

Alessio Romagnoli will be leaving AC Milan at the end of his contract. He will be available on a free transfer during the summer transfer window.

A lot of clubs will be lining up for the defender who is desperate to regain his form. The 27-year-old is still a top player and made 26 appearances across all competitions last season.

RB- Serge Aurier

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Serge Aurier will be available on a free transfer. He was playing for Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.

The defender’s contract is to run out at the end of June and there is no indication of a renewal. In a scenario that negotiations fail between both parties, then several clubs will look to bring in Aurier on a free transfer.

CM - Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba also will be a free agent in the summer transfer window after his contract ran out with Manchester United. He leaves the Red Devils for free for the second time in his career.

Teams like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be interested in the Frenchman, who won two trophies with MUFC in his second stint.

CM - Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen made a memorable return to football by signing for Brentford on a short-term contract. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder looked in exceptional condition after suffering a cardiac arrest at UEFA Euro 2020.

He looks in prime condition to play in the Premier League and several clubs including Manchester United are said to be interested in a free transfer for him.

LW - Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard is one of the many players who are leaving Manchester United. The English international leaves the club after 22 years, coming through the youth ranks and winning multiple trophies with the senior team. Plenty of English clubs, including West Ham United will aim to sign the 29-year-old. 

RW - Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele’s contract at FC Barcelona is coming to an end and there is no sign of a renewal. The winger had a torrid time with injuries and was on his way out, with the club licking its wounds after paying €140m for him in 2017.

However, Dembele turned his fortunes around by delivering a sensational performance after Xavi’s appointment and the club are now desperate for him to stay. 

ST - Paulo Dybala

Juventus and Paulo Dybala are set to part ways after the Argentine’s contract ran down. The forward is valued at €40 and signing him on a free transfer will be smart business.

Teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and more will be contesting his signature in the summer transfer window. Dybala played 293 matches for the Old Lady, scoring 115 goals and making 48 assists. 

ST - Alexander Lacazette

Arsenal are set to lose their skipper Alexander Lacazette as his contract runs out at the end of June. The club are looking to rebuild the team and the Frenchman is hoping for a fresh challenge.

Contract renewal is unlikely at this point and the striker has suitors in France and other European leagues. In his five years with the Gunners, the striker has 71 goals in 206 appearances.

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