6 big name players who will be out of contract this summer
In the days of 11 digit transfer fees, it is easy to forget how many of the biggest transfers in recent times haven't involved even one cent. Robert Lewandowski to Bayern, Sami Khedira to Juventus and James Milner to Liverpool are premium examples, and this summer, there are more premier talents who are out of contract.
Already, Diego Godin, certainly a contender for the finest defender in world football, has a pre-contract arrangement with Inter Milan, who he will join in June. Here are the 6 finest players who, as things stand, will be available for nothing as well.
#6 Adrien Rabiot (PSG)
At this point, the most unlikely midfield for Adrien Rabiot to be running next year is PSG's. His refusal to sign a new contract has seen him fail to play for the runaway French champions since the start of December, and has been excluded from training sessions.
Leonardo Paredes has already been drafted in during the transfer window, a player of a similar age in the same position; a ready-made replacement. Whilst it is commendable that club's hierarchy is standing so firm, the truth is that they will be probably be losing out on a transfer fee that could easily be more than $50 million USD.
Rabiot is a central midfield player who is equally adept at spraying passes as he is bursting forward into more advanced roles, and at a powerful 6'2'' he is also an imposing defensive presence. Despite having played in PSG's first team for several seasons, Rabiot is also just 23 years old.
Barcelona were reported to have already secured his signature, but the deal is said to have faltered; Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich's interest is said to be serious as well. It remains to be seen where Rabiot will end up, but his signing would be an enormous boost no matter which club he joins.