Big clubs on alert: The top footballers whose contracts expire in 2025

In the world of football, where prices are increasingly inflated by the arrival of sheikhs and tycoons, more and more clubs are looking to reduce costs by signing players whose contracts are about to expire. Among these bargains are some well-known names who will be free agents from June 2025.

One of Real Madrid’s key targets for the next season, Liverpool and England’s right-back is, at just 26 years old, one of the great gems (and bargains) on the market. And it seems the club have made significant progress in securing his signing.

Another name strongly linked to strengthening Real Madrid is left-back Alphonso Davies. After seven seasons at Bayern Munich (two more with their second team), the Canadian seems determined to seek a change of scenery and has already rejected a renewal offer from the Bavarians.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

The starting centre-back for Germany, alongside Antonio Rüdiger, and a key player for Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, has also confirmed that, at 28, he will not renew his contract and is looking for a new adventure away from the German club. His name has already come up in discussions at clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Undoubtedly one of the top centre-backs of the last decade, it seems Dutchman Virgil van Dijk will end his long spell at Liverpool, where he has been the leader of their defence for eight years, to join another team at the age of 33.

Also at the Anfield club, their star forward, the Egyptian Mohamed Salah, is about to see his contract expire, too. At 32, he continues to shine in the Premier League. His likely departure, given that he doesn’t seem inclined to renew, will be a significant loss for the Reds.

Like Salah, South Korean forward Son Heung-min has defined an era with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. He has spent ten seasons with the London club and, at 32, could move to another team as a free agent in the summer of 2025.

At 31, Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala is enduring a difficult year at Roma. In his third season, he hasn’t managed to secure a regular starting place, which, combined with his expiring contract, may prompt him to seek a new destination.

The other big Canadian star alongside Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David will also see his contract—with French club Lille—expire at the end of the season. David would become one of the most sought-after players on the market due to his quality and youth (24 years old). A few weeks ago, he admitted that he dreams of playing for FC Barcelona.

Joshua Kimmich, one of Germany’s most talented midfielders and a versatile player who has also excelled as a right-back, will see his contract with Bayern Munich end in 2025. He remains a key player for the club but has already attracted interest from numerous teams.

Bayern Munich might also lose forward Leroy Sané in the summer. After showcasing his talent during four seasons with Manchester City and the past five with the Bavarian giants, the 28-year-old could be a valuable asset for many clubs, especially as a free agent.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

The talented Belgian midfielder was linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League last summer, but Manchester City managed to persuade him to stay. However, his contract will expire next summer when he turns 34. It remains to be seen if he stays or moves on after making history with the Blues.

Last season’s standout player for FC Barcelona returned to Manchester City for this campaign, but only on a one-year deal. As a result, in 2025, at 34 years old, he will be free to join any team.

Harry Maguire became the most expensive defender in Premier League history in 2019 when Manchester United signed him for €87 million. Six seasons later, his contract is set to expire. His performance levels have declined recently, and it seems likely that he will part ways with the Red Devils.

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey joined Arsenal in the summer of 2020 after shining for several years at Atlético Madrid. Five years on, his contract with the Gunners will expire, and with him turning 32 in June 2025, it could be time for him to find a new team.

It seems unlikely that Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Al-Nassr, where he has been a key figure in the Saudi league for three years. At 39, he recently revealed his intention to retire in two years. His contract is renewed annually, giving him the flexibility to leave each summer.

Neymar’s impact in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal has been far less than expected, mainly due to injuries. He signed a two-year deal in 2023, so he will be free to leave in the summer of 2025. Botafogo and Palmeiras have been mentioned as possible destinations, but both have ruled out signing him.

Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilón has spent recent years on loan at Atlético Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford while remaining a Tottenham Hotspur player. His contract expires in June 2025 when he will be 28, allowing him to seek a permanent move elsewhere.

Another defender set to be a free agent in 2025 is Sweden’s Victor Lindelöf, whose contract with Manchester United will end after eight seasons. At 31, he could be an interesting addition for many teams seeking to strengthen their defensive ranks.

Also a defender, Dutchman Denzel Dumfries will see his contract with Inter Milan expire in the summer of 2025 after four years with the Italian club. It remains to be seen whether he agrees to a renewal or takes up an offer to leave.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

At 33, Koke Resurrección’s long career with Atlético Madrid may finally be coming to an end. The Spanish midfielder rose through the youth ranks to become an undisputed starter for 16 years with the first team. Will he retire as a one-club man, or seek one last challenge away from the Metropolitano?