Footballers in the last year of their contract face a lot of uncertainty regarding their careers and future.
Under normal circumstances, a professional footballer should have gotten a contract extension or moved to a new club before the last year of his contract. So, when situations get to the point that a player is in the last year of his contract, it is mainly because the current club does not want to extend his contract or the player does not want to accept the club’s offer.
In such a situation, the player would be available as a free agent after the expiration of the contract. This usually spells an end to the professional career of the footballer and is not a good signal for prospects.
With the transfer window currently open, agents of players who are in the final year of their contracts are under pressure. They are under pressure to secure last-minute deals for their clients. Either by getting their current clubs to give them improved deals or good offers from prospects.
Below, we have highlighted the top 10 biggest players who are currently in the last year of their contracts.
Top 10 Most Valuable Players in the Last Year of Their Contracts
- Robert Lewandowski
The Bayern Munich forward is in the last year of his contract and has been linked with a move to Barcelona. However, considering the current financial situation of the Spanish giants, only time will tell if the free-scoring talisman will play for the La Liga outfit next season.
2. Karim Benzema
The Frenchman who has been tipped to win the next Ballon D’or is in the final year of his contract at Real Madrid. According to the body language of the Champions League winners, the Frenchman would be allowed to leave as a free agent next season like fellow teammate Marcelo.
3. Christiano Ronaldo
This week, news making the headlines indicates that the Portuguese superstar has informed his club, Manchester United, to cash in on any reasonable offers for him. This indicates that the player, who is currently in the last year of his contract, intends to close his career on a high – playing Champions League football.
4. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi signed a two-year contract with PSG, which will expire in June 2023. After enduring a difficult spell in the Spanish capital last season, all eyes will be on the player to deliver in what looks like his final season with the club.
5. Raheem Sterling
The out-of-favour English international has endured a difficult spell under coach Pep Guardiola in the last season. With reports linking him to Chelsea, only time will tell if he will follow in the footsteps of his former teammate, Gabriel Jesus, who signed for Arsenal last week.
6. Serge Gnabry
After his departure from Arsenal Football Club, Gnabry enjoyed what many pundits describe as a resurgence in his career. However, he is currently in the final year of his contract, and there are no indications that Bayern Munich is interested in renewing his contract.
7. N’Golo Kante
The World Cup and Champions League winner has enjoyed an illustrious career both for France and Chelsea. But it appears that the curtains are falling on his bright career as he enters the last season of his contract with Chelsea.
8. David de Gea
De Gea has been phenomenal for Manchester United but has endured a difficult patch with the former English champions. He is currently in his twelfth season with the club and the last year of his big-money contract.
9. Marcus Rashford
While the Englishman has gained a lot of commendation for his off-the-field activities, very little has been achieved on it. Currently one of the footballers in the last year of their contract, only time will tell what the future holds for Rashford.
10. Riyad Mahrez
The player with the magical left foot has enjoyed a good spell with Manchester United. However, there have not been talks about renewing his contract. Also, there are not many offers for the Algerian.
