In recent years, and especially now, as clubs continue to suffer financially, the appeal of free agents has skyrocketed. With three of the top five transfers taking place this summer, some of Europe’s best players are also some of the most valuable free agents in history.
Many clubs have used this strategy to sign high-profile targets such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Some of Europe’s best players are nearing the end of their contracts, and some big names could depart next summer.
On that topic, let’s take a look at the top ten most valuable players who will be free agents in 2022.
1. Kylian Mbappe, 22, Paris Saint-Germain & France
Kylian Mbappe is arguably the world’s most valued footballer. If you wanted to sign him while he was still under contract, you’d have to pay more than £200 million.
Unfortunately for PSG, Mbappe has made it obvious that he is not interested in returning to France, having turned down many contract offers.
PSG haven’t given up hope, but Mbappe revealed that he wanted to join Real Madrid last summer, which was the Parisians’ last chance to get a fee for him.
Real Madrid now appears to be a shoe-in to acquire Mbappe, with the La Liga club priced at just 1/7 to do so.
2. Paul Pogba, 28, Manchester Unites & France.
After agreeing to a one-year extension until 2022, Paul Pogba’s contract at Old Trafford expires next summer.
Due to various injury issues and poor play, the French international had a mixed bag of success at Manchester United, admitting in the summer of 2019 that “it could be a good moment to have a new challenge someplace else.”
However, he has put up promising performances with January’s addition Bruno Fernandes, despite being linked with a return to former club Juventus.
3. Franck Kessie, 24, AC Milan & Ivory Coast
Franck Kessie, another outstanding performer with a market value to match, has been connected with a number of clubs in the last 18 months.
However, it is becoming increasingly likely that he will travel to England.
The AC Milan midfielder is seen as an ideal Premier League acquisition, so it’s no surprise that English clubs dominate the betting.
4. Ousmane Dembele, 24, Barcelona & France
One of the most valuable players ever to become available on a free transfer through the Bosman system. In 2017, Barcelona paid more than £100 million for French forward Ousmane Dembele to replace Neymar.
Barca wants him to continue at the Camp Nou, but their off-field problems make a new contract improbable.
Jurgen Klopp has always been a big fan of Dembele, and the chance to get him for free – Betfair puts Liverpool as odds-on to sign him – could be too tempting.
Newcastle are 5/2 to sign one of the big free agents and could use their newfound financial muscle to do so.
5. Paulo Dybala, 27, Juventus & Argentina
In 2022, the Argentine striker might be one of the greatest players available on a free transfer.
Juventus wants to keep him, but with the New Year approaching, they risk losing him for nothing.
Inter Milan are the clear favorites to sign him away from their Serie A opponents, with odds of 3/1 on Betfair.
Dybala has long been linked with a move to England, and Manchester City are 4/1 to sign him, with Tottenham at 6/1.
Paris Saint-Germain are clearly seeking a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, and Dybala may be an option, but they are 10/1 outsiders to sign him.
6. Lorenzo Insigne, 30, Napoli & Italy.
Lorenzo Insigne Cavaliere (OMRI) is an Italian professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Serie A club Napoli and the Italy national team.
In the summer of 2022, Lorenzo Insigne’s contract with Napoli will expire. He’s been with the club since 2010, but it was after three loan periods in 2012 that he really started to make an impact. Fabrizio Romano, on the other hand, believes that his contract renewal is not guaranteed.
Napoli is currently proposing Insigne a wage that is 50% lower than his current salary. Vicenzo Piascante, Insigne’s representative, said they were shocked by the offer and that “they’ll see” what happens next. With that stated, Piascant also put any rumors about Major League Soccer to bed.
7. Marcelo Brozović, 28, Inter Milan & Croatia
Since joining Inter Milan in the summer of 2014, Marcelo Brozovic has been a crucial player for the club.
Last season, the defensive midfielder was instrumental in the Nerazzurri’s first Serie A title in 11 years. Brozovic was a standout defensive midfielder who also contributed two goals and six assists.
With his contract set to expire at the conclusion of the season, both parties have been at odds about whether or not to extend it. Brozovic’s condition has been brought to the attention of clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur.
8. Andreas Christensen, 25, Chelsea & Denmark
Andreas Christensen has mostly been a peripheral figure at Chelsea, having appeared in only 140 games across all competitions since joining the club seven years ago.
Despite this, he was a member of the Blues’ Champions League-winning squad last season. This season, the Dane has made 13 appearances in all competitions, indicating that he may still have a role to play under Thomas Tuchel.
For the time being, Christensen is one of the most valuable free agents who could be available next summer.
9. Niklas Sule, 26, Bayern Munich & Germany
Chelsea may be losing a core member of their defense, so it’s not surprising that they’re looking for a central defender or two.
Bayern Munich’s German defender Niklas Sule is one of the favorites to join Stamford Bridge. He has been connected with the club for well over a year.
It’s possible that if Bayern manages to entice Rudiger to Munich, Sule will follow suit in the opposite direction.
Chelsea are 7/2 favorites to sign Sule, with Betfair predicting that Sule’s next destination will be England.
At 9/2, Liverpool is a strong contender, while Manchester United is 11/2. Manchester City and Arsenal are 6/1 to win the Premier League.
10. Andrea Belotti, 27, Torino & Italy
Andrea Belotti, the Euro 2020 winner, is expected to leave Torino at the end of his seven-year contract next summer.
The striker will not sign a contract extension with the Turin-based club, according to manager Ivan Juric. Belotti will remain at Torino until the conclusion of the season before pursuing new opportunities.
The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer for Torino over the years, scoring over 100 goals in 236 appearances in all competitions. In eight games this season, he has two goals.
