CONTRACT THRILLERS
Incredible XI of out-of-contract stars including Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk as January transfer window looms
Start of 2025 also marks major moment in each player's future
CLUBS are sure to be lining up for an incredible XI of stars whose contracts are expiring next summer.
2024 is drawing to a close and with the New Year comes the January transfer window.
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Teams from across the globe are able to buy and sell as they please.
But it also marks the start of another crunch period.
With just six months remaining on their contracts, stars whose deals expire in the summer can truly begin assessing their options.
In the Premier League, footballers can begin talking to foreign sides over pre-contract agreements.
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While those in other countries are welcome to hold talks with any club, both at home or overseas.
There are some amazing names set to be up for grabs in 2025.
And an XI featuring the best players looks good enough to win the Champions League.
In goal, Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer is the pick of the bunch.
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Despite turning 39 in March, the stopper remains one of the best in his position.
Yet Bayern could yet attempt to sway Neuer into staying for a 15th season.
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At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold is up for grabs after spending his entire career at Liverpool.
Aged just 26, his best years are still ahead.
And Real Madrid are favourites to snap him up for nothing.
Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only Liverpool star out of contract.
Defensive team-mate Virgil van Dijk is another Anfield ace whose deal is nearing its end.
But the Dutchman has shown he still performing at the highest level and would be a no-brainer for any elite side.
Jonathan Tah is another elite centre-back who still has plenty to give.
He led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season.
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Yet it’s Barcelona who are supposedly in pole position despite Tah almost joining Bayern Munich last summer.
The fallen Bavarians need reinforcements as they are also likely to lose left-back Alphonso Davies.
The Canadian has only just turned 24 but has endured several injury-blighted seasons.
Real are also thought to be leading the hunt, although Davies is likely to have suitors in England too.
Further forward, Thomas Partey could be in the final months of his Arsenal career.
He’s steadily grown into his role as a midfield controller.
And with Jorginho already likely to leave, the Gunners could decide to tie Partey down to a new deal.
Another midfielder out of contract is Joshua Kimmich – yet another Bayern ace with a question mark over his future.
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The German is regarded as one of the finest in his position.
But his wage demands could dictate where he ends up next year.
Further forward, a FOURTH Bayern player makes the XI in the shape of Leroy Sane.
The winger has lost his place in Vincent Kompany’s side to Michael Olise.
And it’s believed Arsenal fancy bringing him back to England after a spell at Man City.
On the other flank, none other than Egyptian king Mo Salah is set to be available.
The Premier League’s top scorer looks to be guiding Liverpool to their second Premier League title.
And despite his advanced years, 32-year-old Salah is proving he can continue at the highest level for at least a few more seasons.
The final attacking midfield spot goes to Kevin De Bruyne, who is enduring a disappointing season at Man City.
The Belgian can’t seem to nail down a spot in Pep Guardiola’s XI.
But most people remember his bountiful years as City’s No10, leading them to six titles and a Champions League.
Finally, Son Heung-Min is the pick of the strikers set to enter the final months of their deal.
The experienced South Korean has repeatedly shown he is one of the deadliest finishes around.
And after failing to land a single trophy during his time at Tottenham, Son could be tempted to head elsewhere for a crack at silverware.
There are plenty of other players available too from next month, with Premier League stars like Kieran Tierney, Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo’s contracts all up.
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Punters could get their hands on a new England international in Angel Gomes.
While those pining for a return to European football’s glory days will be amazed to see names like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo available.
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