Let the meddling begin!
January 1 not only marks the start of the winter transfer window (and your keto diet), but is also the starting point for future free transfers in the summer.
From this moment on, players who have entered the last six months of their contracts can formally discuss and negotiate future moves with foreign clubs.
And boy, will there be people snooping around. The current potential free agent talent is absurd.
Here are ten of the biggest names who are free to talk to clubs ahead of a potential transfer in 2025.
Liverpool already is refused the approach of Real Madrid to sign their breakthrough academy graduate in January, and we’ll be subject to incessant Trent Alexander-Arnold talk until his future is finally resolved.
The Reds have a triumvirate of superstars whose contracts are expiring, with Alexander-Arnold looking the most likely to leave, despite his Scouse roots.
Liverpool remain hopeful of keeping hold of their full-back, but the lure of Madrid and the potential to team up with top-flight Jude Bellingham may be too difficult for Alexander-Arnold to ignore.
While Alexander-Arnold has generally kept quiet about his future, Mohamed Salah has much more open.
The 32-year-old Egyptian king remains open to extending his stay at Anfield, but he said at the end of 2024 that the agreement is currently still “far” from being concluded.
Salah is the club’s highest paid, but the winger proves once again this season that he is worth every penny.
The hype around Alphonse Davies has died down since its peak in 2020, but there’s no denying that the electric Canadian international remains one of Europe’s best left-backs.
While he may not be as physically dominant as he once was, Davies boasts skills that few in his position possess.
Bayern had previously unsuccessfully tried to tie down the Canadian on a long-term basis. But Davies was tempted by interest from Real Madrid.
Several Premier League clubs are also believed to be monitoring the situation, with Madrid remaining a priority for the left-back if he does not extend in Bavaria.
Finals Liverpool the musketeer is the leading player of the Reds. The Dutchman laughed in the face of those who suggested he was in decline following his return from an ACL tear, with Virgil van Dijk re-establishing himself as the world’s best defender over the past 18 months.
Liverpool, the second highest earners, have decided against Salah’s pressing route and it seems that Premier League the leaders favor the extension of Van Dijk.
Of the three at Anfield, this seems the most likely.
Joshua Kimmich once seemed destined to play out his best and final years at Bayern Munich, but the midfielder’s indifference over the past few seasons has seemingly convinced the German that a new challenge may be needed.
However, Kimmich has produced some outstanding performances this term, and Bayern would be wise to return to the negotiating table. The 29-year-old has another big contract in him.
If he decides to move on, Kimmich will have his fair share of fans.
Leroy Sane described his game-breaking talent during the end of the 2023/24 season. after proving to be a model of consistency during the opening act of the campaign.
However, the German can blow hot and cold, with injury setbacks refusing to help his cause in 2024. Bayern are blessed with a number of stellar wide options and Sane has featured sporadically under Vincent Kompany.
However, it appears as if Bayern want to tie down the 29-year-old before summer.
Kevin De Bruyne flirted with the possibility of leaving Manchester City for Saudi Arabia last summer, and 2024/25 may have been one season too many for the aging Belgian at the highest level.
De Bruyne has struggled for fitness and consistent form this term and City have suffered as a result.
With the Cityzens demanding a major overhaul in 2025, it seems more likely than ever that the 33-year-old, who turns 34 in June, will leave the Etihad Stadium after an incredible decade-long Premier League career.
It was once thought inevitable that Son Heung-min would extend his stay in north London, but the South Korean’s form to close 2024 has certainly given Tottenham food for thought.
The 32-year-old has shown clear signs of physical decline over the past two seasons and has suffered amid a difficult campaign for Spurs this term.
But chairman Daniel Levy will certainly not let Son walk for nothing this summer, with the Lilywhites having the option to activate a one-year extension to his current deal.
Jonathan David has been a consistent goalscorer since joining Lille in 2020, but the Canadian has made a significant step up in recent years.
The forward scored 24 goals in Ligue 1 in the 2022/23 season. and 19 in the following campaign. It is on track to produce similar figures in this period as well.
David has long been admired by Europe’s elite and it finally looks like the out-of-contract striker will make up his mind in 2025.
Neymar is one of three generation-defining players whose contracts expire in 2025. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could also be on the move again, but the biggest question mark surrounds the Brazilian.
After an unforgettable – but insanely well paid – In Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the 32-year-old is certainly at the highest level, especially considering the injuries he had to suffer in recent years.
Rumor has it that a potential reunion with Messi in Miami is not impossible.
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