Football Transfer Season: Out of Contract XI

With this being a World Cup year, plenty of players will be eager to impress over the coming few months, to ensure that they get into the national side and are on their way to Brazil. And with the January transfer window finally open, there are a set of players, who will be even keener to do well, as they will be out of a contract in the summer. They will be hoping impress potential onlookers to ensure that either they sign a pre-contract agreement for the summer, or move this window for peanuts. So, here is my Out of Contract XI who will be looking for clubs this summer.

GK Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

Arguably one of the finest keepers in Spain, Valdes is out of contract with Barcelona over the summer and there are already rumors of him of wanting out of Barcelona. Quite why he would want to leave is beyond me, but if he does, then there will be no shortage of suitors for the Spanish shot-stopper whose stock has considerably risen over the past few years.

RB Martin Montoya (Barcelona)

The 22-year-old Spaniard has made quite an impression in La Liga this season and is more than handy going forward. His passing is his most potent asset and that coupled with his ability to hold on to the ball and dribble out of danger means that he will certainly have more than a few curious onlookers in case, he doesn’t sign a contract with Barcelona.

CB Marc Batra (Barcelona)

Completing a trio of Barcelona players on this list is Marc Batra, a prodigiously talented center half, who is growing in stature with every passing game. “Marc Bartra will become a lot better than me, because he’s faster, braver and smarter.” Were the words of Gerard Pique, which certainly speaks volumes coming from the mouth of one of the best center backs at the moment.

CB Younes Kaboul (Tottenham)

The Tottenham center back is another player whose contract is up in the summer, and with Dawson and Chiriches developing a good understanding between then and with Vertonghen waiting in the wings, the Frenchman might just be forced to look elsewhere if he is keen on a World Cup place.

LB Patrice Evra (Manchester United)

Another Frenchman who might very well be looking for pastures anew might be the former Les Bleus skipper Patrice Evra. The Manchester United left back, remains reluctant to sign a new contract citing “personal reasons” and is looking for a fresh start elsewhere in the summer.

RM Alen Halilovi? (Dinamo Zagreb)

The youngest scorer for both club and country, 17-year-old attacking midfielder Alen Halilovi? might just be on his way out of Croatia with both Arsenal and Tottenham vying for his signature. If rumors are to be believed, the Gunners are in pole position to land the talented Croat as early as January.

CM Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

The Italian Playmaker is slowly inching towards the twilight of his career but is still pulling the strings at Juventus, but might not do so, for much longer. Because, if reports are to be believed, Juventus aren’t too keen on renewing his contract that expires this summer. And there are surely plenty of clubs who will be queuing up for the World Cup winner, if he decides to leave Turin.

CM Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)

Another World Cup winner, who might also be available in the summer, is Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard is out of contract this summer and thus far is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal. And whilst Ancelotti insists that that will be done by the end of the season, it would be no surprise if he would up back in England next summer.

LM Urby Emaluenson (AC Milan)

The 27-year-old Dutchman is equally adept at playing as both a full back or a winger on the left side, but has so underused thus far by AC Milan, sparking rumors that he might well be on his way out of the club, when his contract expires. His versatility is sure to be a valuable asset for any club interested in a left-sided player.

CF Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham)

The former Manchester United hit-man is reportedly unhappy at the Cottage and is considering his options at the moment. The Bulgarian isn’t short of admirers, with Arsenal reportedly leading the queue of clubs waiting for his signature. If he does move, it might very well be this month and not in the summer, when his contract is up.

CF Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon)

The forward was reportedly on his way to Newcastle last summer before negotiations broke down last summer and is keen on making his way out of Lyon. With his contract up this summer, he might very well get his wish, with a few English clubs looking keen on his signature in January.