Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and three Manchester United stars make our line-up to superstars available on free transfers in summer
After transfer window with crazy amounts of money spent, next year could see several of best around move for nothing
THERE is so much quality available on a free transfer next summer, that a combined XI could even mount a title challenge in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus and Inter Milan are all at risk of losing first-team players at the end of the season.
Even the bench is packed full of talent.
While the Ballon d’Or king had not yet singed his Nou Camp deal, despite a reported agreement.
Here’s our XI of free talent available in the summer.
Iker Casillas, 36 — Porto
The most successful goalkeeper in history in terms of trophies, but he’s yet to win anything in Portugal.
Casillas is certainly not a long-term option — yet could be the ideal stop-gap as a team search for their ideal stopper.
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Juanfran, 32 — Atletico Madrid
Famous for missing the decisive penalty the 2016 Champions League final, but he’s quality player.
With full-backs now going for over £50million, Juanfran for nothing would surely represent a shrewd investment.
Giorgio Chiellini, 33 — Juventus
One of the best defenders of the last decade, who has been with the Turin giants since 2005.
There will be no shortage of takers for Chiellini, but Juventus will do everything possible to ensure he doesn’t follow Leonardo Bonucci out the door.
Miranda, 33 — Inter Milan
The Brazilian was part of Diego Simeone’s first great Atletico team.
Miranda is a diligent performer, who would bring a winning mentality and plenty of experience.
Daley Blind, 27 — Manchester United
A versatile footballer who can play in midfield, at left back or in central defence — though, he is far from elite in any position.
Blind would still make a good squad player, and would likely be welcomed back to Ajax with open arms.
Andres Iniesta, 33 — Barcelona
It would be unthinkable for the one-club man to leave the Nou Camp.
Juventus and Manchester City are waiting to pounce, while Iniesta continues to ponder his future.
Ander Herrera, 28 — Manchester United
One of the stars under Jose Mourinho last season, who can’t get into the team in this campaign — even with Paul Pogba currently out injured.
Still, it is unlikely United will allow Herrera to reach the summer without a new contract signed.
Juan Mata, 29 — Manchester United
A third Red Devils first-teamer who could leave at the end of the season.
Mata has been a regular under Mourinho, and would likely attract interest from La Liga’s top two, if he were available for nothing.
Alexis Sanchez, 28 — Arsenal
Expected to leave come the end of the season, if not in January.
Should Sanchez see out his contract, he will likely have offers from every top team in the world.
Lionel Messi, 30 — Barcelona
Incredibly, the Nou Camp hierarchy have left it this close to secure the future of the world’s best.
Should anyone want to sign Messi in January, he will be available at the now reasonable price of £300m.
Mesut Ozil, 28 — Arsenal
The Gunners’ other superstar is also available for nothing this summer.
Ozil has recently been tipped to link up with old boss Mourinho at Old Trafford.
Subs
Ross Barkley, 23 — Everton
Chelsea and Tottenham will be keeping a close eye on the wantaway midfielder.
Leon Goretzka, 22 — Schalke
Arsenal want the midfield talent, but Bayern Munich will be hoping to snap up the latest German prodigy.
Franck Ribery, 34 — Bayern Munich
It may be time for him to leave the Bavarians, and will no doubt have big-money offers from China — but does he have another big move in him?
Arjen Robben, 33 — Bayern Munich
Ribery’s team-mate may yet stay on, but will have many suitors if he chooses to leave.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 35 — Manchester United
Will likely retire, or move to the MLS in the summer.
Mario Balotelli, 27 — Nice
Appeared to have turned a corner, but is now fighting for his future with Ligue 1 side.
Emre Can, 23 — Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp is fighting to keep the Germans out of the clutches of Juventus.
Gabi, 34 — Atletico Madrid
Experienced midfielder the Rojiblancos will want to keep.