Top 5 defenders out of contracts next summer
Summer windows are always synonymous with big money signings, but there are players who could prove to be a handful of a bargain when their contract runs out next summer. Andrea Pirlo, Gary McAllister, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski, Paul Pogba and Esteban Cambiasso are some of the names which reverberate when the word "free transfer" is heard in football.
Over 30 defenders will be without their contracts in the top 5 leagues in Europe- Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A upon the expiry of their contracts. Landing these players will always be tricky because many clubs battle it out for the players' signatures.
Let's look at the top 5 defenders who will be available for free next summer:
#5 Jose Gimenez - centre-back (Atletico Madrid)
Contracted until: 30/06/2018
The Uruguayan defender is a prominent star for Atletico Madrid starring as a regular under Simeone over the last 3 years. Ever since his departure from his hometown club Danubio, Gimenez has turned the heads of some of the heavyweights including Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Gimenez was deemed as a successor to his compatriot Diego Godin among the fans, but he has decided against signing a new contract at Wanda Metropolitano.
Jose Gimenez is strong in the air and has the capability to bully any striker in this world with his muscular strength. He has appeared 106 times for Atletico Madrid scoring 5 times in the process.
At only 22 years of age, the Atletico Madrid centre-back is yet to enter his prime. The defender has a bright future ahead of himself, and will be in huge demand as his contract expires at the end of the season.