January means the start of a new year to most but to football clubs it is time for the winter transfer window with some looking to add players to freshen things up while others are keen to sell unused players.
It is also important for players who have entered the final year of their contracts meaning they can start to open talks with other clubs with a view to moving on for free in the summer.
In light of that, TIBS News have highlighted some of the biggest stars who are in the final six months of their contract.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Mesut Ozil (32-years-old) – Attacking midfielder, Arsenal
After being left out of Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League squads the German international will hope his time at Arsenal is going to end sooner rather than later.
Since signing from Real Madrid for £42.5million in September 2013, he has played 175 games and scored 33 times in the Premier League but last featured for the Gunners last March in their 1-0 win against West Ham.
Georginio Wijnaldum (30) – Midfielder, Liverpool
Liverpool have reportedly offered Wijnaldum a new deal, but the midfielder is taking his time when making a decision. A reunion with his former Holland manager Ronald Koeman at Barcelona could be on the cards.
Wijnaldum had a season with Newcastle after leaving his homeland before joining Liverpool in July 2016. He has gone on to start 181 times and was part of their 2018-19 Champions League and 2019-20 Premier League-winning squads.
Sergio Aguero (32) – Striker, Manchester City
City’s all-time record goalscorer has openly admitted his desire to return to Argentina before he hangs up his boots and, with him struggling with injuries in recent seasons, we could see him leave this summer.
During his time in England, he has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups.
Oliver Giroud (34) – Striker, Chelsea
He has always made it clear he needs to be playing games ahead of the European Championship which have been moved to this summer due to Covid-19.
While he has played a bigger part for Chelsea recently there are rumours that he could move to Italy during this transfer window.
A selection of other players whose contracts expire in June 2021:
- Eric Garcia – Manchester City
- Edison Cavani – Manchester United
- Shkodran Mustafi- Arsenal
- Demarai Gray – Leicester City
- Juan Mata – Manchester United
- David Luiz – Arsenal
- Danny Rose – Tottenham
- Romain Saiss – Wolves
- Andros Townsend – Crystal Palace
- Christian Benteke – Crystal Palace
- Danny Welbeck – Brighton & Hove Albion
LALIGA
Lionel Messi (33) – Forward, Barcelona
This could be the biggest transfer in the history of LaLiga if it happens. Messi’s saga ran through most of the summer transfer window before he agreed to stay for another year.
Messi has stated he won’t make his decision until June, but it is understood Manchester City or MLS would appeal to him.
Having joined the club at 13-years-old, and making his debut at 17, some felt he would never leave the club. Barcelona is his ‘home’ and it’s where he recently scored his 644th goal which meant he overtook Pele to become the player to score the most goals for one club.
Sergio Ramos (34) – Centre back, Real Madrid
Madrid’s captain has yet to agree an extension to his current deal despite Real still relying on his leadership and experience.
While there are rumours that he could move to Manchester City it is expected that 13-time Champions League winners will come in with an offer before June.
Since joining from Seville in 2005 Ramos has gone on to score an impressive 72 times in his 467 games in LaLiga.
Luka Modric (35) – Midfielder, Real Madrid
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has been key to Madrid’s midfield this season despite his age.
He joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham and has gone on to win LaLiga twice and the Champions League four times. He also helped his country reach the 2018 World Cup final.
A selection of other players whose contracts expire in June 2021:
- Lucas Vazquez – Real Madrid
- Kevin Gameiro – Valencia
- Eliaquim Mangala – Valencia
- Jesus Navas – Sevilla
- Raul Garcia – Athletic Bilbao
SERIE A
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (39) – Forward, AC Milan
At the tender age of 39, Ibrhamivoc does not look like easing up and has helped reinvigorate AC Milan as title challengers. The Italian club would be keen to extend his stay in Italy and the Swede looks very happy where he is.
Ibrahimovic has scored 10 times in six games this season but has been out injured since his teams 3-1 victory over Napoli in November.
He has scored 471 career goals having played for Milan three times as well as for Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, PSG, Manchester United and LA Galaxy.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (21) – Goalkeeper, AC Milan
Considered to be one of best keepers in Italy, Donnarumma has become very experienced despite his young age. He has already played an incredible 220 times for his club and 22 competitive games for Italy.
Milan might have a battle on their hands with a host of European clubs after his signature but if they can win the league, he could be encouraged to sign a new contract.
Gianluigi Buffon (42) – Goalkeeper, Juventus
A 2006 World Cup winner, Buffon returned to Juventus for a brief spell after a season in France with PSG. At the age of 42 will he get one more move before he retires? Or will the Old Lady keep him for one more season?
A selection of other players whose contracts expire in June 2021:
- Hakan Calhanoglu – AC Milan
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Roma
- Arkadiusz Milik – Napoli
- Fernando Llorente – Napoli
- Maya Yoshida – Sampdoria
- Elseid Hysaj – Napoli
- Gaston Ramirez – Sampdoria
BUNDESLIGA
David Alaba (28) – Defender, Bayern Munich
The versatile player has been open about wanting a new challenge in his career. At only 28-years-old he still has a lot to offer. A handful of clubs are interested in signing him with Real Madrid being the favourites.
Jerome Boating (32) – Defender, Bayern Munich
Boating could end his 10-year spell at Bayern which has been full of success, in order to make way for the new generation.
It is still surprising how he failed to settle in England with Manchester City as he has gone on to have an incredible career with Bayern.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – Forward, Bayern Munich
After playing in the Champions League final for PSG Choupo-Moting signed a short-term deal with the Bundesliga champions but, having only featured six-times in the league, is likely to move on soon.
A selection of other players whose contracts expire in June 2021:
- Javi Martinez – Bayern Munich
- Jetro Willems – Frankfurt
- Nabil Bentaleb – Schalke
- Jeffrey Bruma – Wolfsburg
- Marcel Schmelzer – Dortmund
LIGUE 1
Memphis Depay (26) – Forward, Lyon
Depay has turned his career around since joining Lyon from Manchester United and major clubs in Europe, including Barcelona, are on alert.
He has helped Lyon make strides in the league this season – they are currently joint top with Lille and a point ahead of PSG.
His seemed to struggle with the £25m that United paid for him – starting only 16 times in two seasons. Since his £15m move to the French team, he has gone on to score 51 goals in 95 games.
Angel di Maria (32) – Attacking Midfielder, PSG
With the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino in the French capital it will be interesting to see if Di Maria will be part of his plans going forward.
He has had a lot of success since joining PSG in 2015, where he has won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France four times.
While at Real Madrid he also won the Champions League and LaLiga.
A selection of other players whose contracts expire in June 2021:
- Jose Fonte – Lille
- Mathieu Debuchy – Saint Etienne
- Hatem Ben Arfa – Bordeaux
- Steven Jovetic – Monaco
- Florian Thauvin – Marseille
- Julian Draxler – PSG
- Juan Bernat – PSG
By Chris Boxx
