De Gea, Firmino, Skriniar - World class XI available for free TOMORROW as clubs set to swoop
Contracts around the world of football are set to expire on Saturday - with June 30th the typical expiry date of footballers' deals, leaving may free to negotiate a move to a new club
The world of football sees the transfer merry-go-round sparked into life in summer, with players making moves to join new clubs ahead of the new season.
Since January, clubs have been free to negotiate with those whose contracts are up for expiry, but many are still left plotting their next move as they become officially unemployed on Saturday. There are plenty of well-known players who will be sought after this summer and it will be fascinating to see where many end up.
Those who play the Football Manager video game series will be familiar with the excitement of seeing that a talented player's contract has expired, meaning that they can bring in quality players without denting their transfer budget.
This excitement will be matched by plenty of real-life managers around the world in the coming weeks, with potentially exciting additions to be made.
Many have already been snapped up, but plenty are still up for grabs - here is our look at the best XI of players available for free this summer:
GK - David de Gea
After 12-years in Manchester, De Gea is finally set to leave United, with the club's offer of a contract extension reportedly having been withdrawn.
The 32-year-old was on £375,000 per week at Old Trafford, but now looks likely to leave as Erik ten Hag sets his sights on a 'keeper who is more comfortable with the ball at their feet.
There will still be plenty of options for De Gea, with a club more inclined to play long-ball football a potentially smart destination for the former Atletico Madrid man. Having won the Premier League's Golden Glove last season, he remains a fantastic shot-stopper, but any suitors will need to consider his weaknesses before making a move.
RB - Matt Doherty
Having spent the past six months on loan at Atletico Madrid from Spurs, Doherty is now set for his next move having failed to make an impact in Spain with just two appearances.
At 31, the Irish international likely has one big move left in his career, but there may not be the same calibre of clubs eyeing his signature. However, he would still be a good signing for a Premier League club, with one of the league's bottom half sides in the hunt for experience an option.
CB - Milan Skriniar
Probably the captain of this team, Skriniar, 28, had a tough season at Inter Milan through injury, but remains one of the elite centre-backs in Europe at his best.
A move to PSG has been hinted at, but nothing has been confirmed, and this could lead to a Premier League club swooping for a bargain this summer, with Man United reported to have been in contact. His injury record is a concern, but with a free transfer it would probably be a gamble worth taking for the Slovakian international.
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Having looked to have been a potentially world class centre-back during his first season at Leicester, the Turkish international's career has mirrored the Foxes' decline in recent years.
Unlikely to make a move to another Premier League club given his form this season, but he could yet be targeted by a club abroad who may be willing to take a risk on a player who is entering his prime as a centre-back at the age of 27, with Atletico Madrid closely linked with a move.
LB - Daley Blind
Having spent an inauspicious season at Bayern Munich this season, Blind is now set to be in the hunt for a new club this summer at the age of 33.
Physicality will always be a concern for the Dutchman, a weakness which is made up for by his tactical versatility and range of technical skills. He revealed that he reached out to his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag earlier this season for a return to Manchester United and he could yet be targeted by his compatriot as a player who knows his style and the club well.
CM - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Another player leaving Merseyside this summer, 'The Ox' leaves Liverpool having suffered injury setbacks in recent years.
The England international has been lined up for a move to Saudi Arabia but the 29-year-old told Mirror Football last month that his sights are still set on achieving the same levels of success he enjoyed at Liverpool with a new club.
CM - Angel Di Maria
Having joined Juventus last summer, it was widely believed that the move was to put him in the best place to perform at the World Cup. His performance in the final for Argentina justified this, with a goal scored to complete a remarkable trophy cabinet.
Problems on his last spell in England with Man United mean that a Premier League transfer is unlikely, but an extremely talented player could yet make one more big move at the age of 35.
CAM - Daichi Kamada
Making his name at Eintracht Frankfurt as a Europa League winner in 2022, the Japanese international is free to leave Germany this summer and has attracted interest from around Europe.
The 26-year-old is a technical talent, with an ability to play a role either in midfield or as a forward. Jose Mourinho's Roma are thought to be leading the way for his signature, but Premier League clubs would be wise to consider a move for a player who scored nine Bundesliga goals last season.
RW - Marco Asensio
A world-class player at his best, the three-time Champions League winner is leaving Real Madrid following a glittering career with the La Liga giants.
A left-footed winger, capable of playing in a deeper role, he is likely to be subject to plenty of interest and a move to join PSG could work well as the French champions face the unenviable task of replacing Lionel Messi. A Premier League move could also materialise, with Chelsea and Aston Villa both an option for the Spain international.
CF - Roberto Firmino
One of Liverpool's best players of recent years, Firmino has left Anfield this summer and is set to have no shortage of suitors as he looks for a new home this summer.
At 31, he could bring experience to any side and would likely suit a move away from the Premier League. Bayern Munich could provide a good option for the Brazilian, with his previous experience in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim and Thomas Tuchel's pursuit of a striker this summer, but the riches of Saudi Arabia could prove tempting.
LW - Wilfried Zaha
Another top-level talent who is set to leave their current club this summer. Crystal Palace are believed to have made an offer of a new deal, but nothing has yet been announced.
A move to Saudi Arabia has also been reported, however, his recent acquisition of AFC Croydon could signal his intent to stay in England. However, the chances of a move to a Champions League club looks unlikely due to his slipping out of favour at Palace this season amid the emergence of Ebere Eze and Michael Olise.
