A brilliant XI of players whose contracts expire in 2025

The January transfer window is nearly upon us and the headlines will soon turn to transfers. Upcoming free agents will be free to discuss pre-contract agreements next month and there are some huge names out of contract in 2025.

We’ve put together an all-star ensemble of the big names whose current contracts, as things stand, expire in the summer.

A brilliant XI of players whose contracts expire in 2025

Goalkeeper: Alex Meret – Napoli

The Italy international’s deal with Napoli has just over six months to run and the 27-year-old looks likely to leave in the summer. Free agent specialists Inter Milan have been heavily linked with signing Meret, who was a key part of Napoli’s drought-breaking Scudetto in 2022/23.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of three high-profile Liverpool players whose deals expire in 2025. The right-back has won it all with the Reds and now faces a decision on whether to extend his stay with his boyhood side or take on a new challenge. Real Madrid are monitoring developments closely, as the European champions seek a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal.

Centre-back: Jonathan Tah – Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen dug their heels in to keep Jonathan Tah last summer, but the centre-back is set for an exit as a free agent at the end of the campaign. Bayern Munich are set to renew their interest after a failed attempt last summer, though will face competition from Barcelona and the Premier League.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool

The Reds captain’s current deal ends next summer, though a deal is on the table for the Dutch defender. Van Dijk will turn 34 in July but remains arguably the best central defender in the game. Both player and club are keen to work out new terms.

Left-back: Alphonso Davies – Bayern Munich

Alphonso Davies is edging closer to the exit door at Bayern Munich with the German giants currently unwilling to meet the defender’s demands for a new deal. Real Madrid have held a long-standing interest in the Canadian and are keen to bring the jet-heeled star to the Bernabeu next season.

Midfield: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich are another top side sweating over several stars with Joshua Kimmich’s future also up in the air. The German general is in the midst of an excellent season for the Bavarians and it looks difficult to see how Bayern would allow him to leave for nothing. Kimmich leads Europe’s top five leagues for touches and progressive passes this season.

Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City

“I’m not involved in it,” Pep Guardiola said recently when quizzed about contract negotiations with Kevin De Bruyne.

“I would like to have him 23 years old and sign a contract for 10 years, this is what I’d like, we’ll see. There are players for whom the impact on the legacy of this club will be eternal, will be forever. Of course, it is not easy to replace [them], but as a club, we have to find in the moment, if it’s going to happen, we have to find the best way.”

De Bruyne remains a talismanic figure for the Citizens but at 33 and with injury problems plaguing the midfielder of late, a new challenge could await.

Right-wing: Mohamed Salah – Liverpool

Mohamed Salah might just be the best player in the world right now. He’s scored 13 goals and created eight more in 14 league appearances for Liverpool, who continue to stall on a new contract for the 32-year-old. A proposal has now been submitted, but will the Reds get a deal over the line?

Left-wing: Leroy Sane – Bayern Munich

The silence on Leroy Sane’s future has been deafening at Bayern Munich, despite a desire from the winger to extend his time at the Allianz Arena. A Premier League return has been mooted for the 28-year-old, who has struggled to nail down a regular role under ex-Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany this season.

Forward: Jonathan David – Lille

One of the more interesting free agents in this summer’s market, Jonathan David could have his pick of top clubs. The Canada international has scored 101 goals in 206 games for Lille, including 17 in just 23 games so far this season. Ligue 1’s leading scorer this season and yet to hit his ceiling at 24, he could be a superb snap-up for almost any side in Europe.

Forward: Neymar – Al-Hilal

Neymar’s sorry Saudi sojourn looks set to end in 2025, with his contract at Al-Hilal to expire. There has even been a suggestion the Saudi Pro League side would be prepared to terminate his deal next month, amid reports of interest from former club Santos. The €90m signing has made just seven appearances in 18 months at Al-Hilal due to injuries.

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