Ten soon-to-be free agents Premier League clubs could move for

As the January transfer window starts to come to life, some of the game's biggest names will shortly become free agents. 

Many of football's top stars are out of contract this summer both in the Premier League and across the world, catching the attention of clubs keen to secure a bargain winter deal.  

The expiration of an agreement means clubs can sign players on a free transfer, with no fee required. Players in England coming to the end of their contracts are now allowed to negotiate a summer move with foreign clubs, and the speculation has already begun. 

Here, we pinpoint ten players clubs could move for and list those in the Premier League who are out of contract in July.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

One of the greatest players in the game’s history becomes a free agent at the end of the MLS season. 

Messi's World Cup glory

The legendary 37-year-old, who has won the Ballon d'Or a record eight times, is not expected to retire when his contract expires.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner is keen to help Argentina defend their title in 18 months time.

Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

After leaving the Premier League behind in 2020, Sane is being linked with a move back.

It’s easy to see why the Germany international is a wanted man. With three Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to his name - and having scored a goal every other game - he won’t be short of offers if he does opt for a new challenge. 

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)  

Days from his 40th birthday, the superstar has a decision to make in the months ahead. 

The Portuguese forward has defined an era in world football and says he will play and try to add to his 33-career trophies and 916 goals for as long as he continues to be motivated.

Will he keep going and going with no player ever scoring 1,000?  

Angel Gomes (Lille)

After being given a surprise England call up by caretaker manager Lee Carsley last year, the 24-year-old is very much back in the spotlight - and on clubs' radars. 

Premier League sides are reportedly keen to bring him home, having left Manchester United for France in 2020.

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

The German international midfielder has won 20 trophies in his nine years at Bayern Munich, but the love affair may be coming to an end.

Kimmich's cracker 

His honours' haul, and the fact that he is a versatile player still in his 20s, means he will be certain to attract the attention of some top clubs.  

Neymar (Al-Hilal) 

Injury has restricted the Brazilian to just seven appearances for Al-Hilal since moving from PSG in 2023.

He recently said football is “full of surprises” and hinted at a possible reunion with his former Barcelona team-mates Messi and Luis Suarez in Miami. 

Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

The left-back is one of a number of Bayern players out of contract at the end of the season. 

Five-time Bundesliga winner Davies has been linked with Real Madrid, but the German giants are said to be desperate to keep him.

Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)

After helping release the Bundesliga trophy from the firm grip of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah drew focus.

The 28-year-old has been linked with Barcelona as they look to reinforce their squad while maintaining financial stability, but Premier League clubs are also keeping tabs, reports suggest. 

Eric Dier (Bayern Munich)

The former Tottenham Hotspur defender is out of contract in the summer but could be available sooner.

The 30-year-old is on the periphery of things at Bayern Munich, playing just 141 minutes this season, and has been linked with a Premier League return with the man who took him to Germany taking over from Gareth Southgate. 

Paulo Dybala (Roma)

Dybala is soon set to decide if he will extend his stay in the Italian capital or look for a new challenge. 

Loved by the Giallorossi but with admirers across Europe, the 31-year-old forward will be on plenty of clubs’ radars before the expiry of his contract. 

Premier League players out contract in July 

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) 
Amad Diallo (Man Utd) 
Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Ola Aina (Nott’m Forest) 
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
Adama Traore (Fulham) 
Tariq Lamptey (Brighton) 
Victor Lindelof (Man Utd)
Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Ben Mee (Brentford)    
Ilkay Gundogan (Man City) 
Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton)
Jorginho (Arsenal)
Callum Wilson (Newcastle) 
Christian Norgaard (Brentford)
Kenny Tete (Fulham) 
Kieran Tierney (Arsenal)
Sergio Reguilon (Tottenham Hotspur) 
Fabian Schar (Newcastle United) 
Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton)
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace)
Mario Lemina (Wolves)