Pogba, Rudiger and the best out of contract XI in 2022

Robin Bairner

31 May 2022 04:00 BST
5 min read

Paul Pogba, Manchester United, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Football will see a collection of stars out of contract in 2022 that the game has arguably never seen before.

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While 2021 saw Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and XXX all move under the freedom of contract rules, the depth in quality of player set to leave 12 months on is perhaps even greater.

With the financial ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic still being felt, this is a particularly attractive way for players to guarantee large signing-on bonuses plus healthy wages during a period of economic uncertainty.

Here is FootballTransfers’ leading XI of players who will be out of contract on 30 June, 2202.

Andre Onana (Ajax)

It’s been a difficult 18 months or so for Andre Onana, who has had to contend with a drugs related ban, a spell on the bench and, when he finally broke back into the team, injury. This summer will give the highly rated 26-year-old the opportunity to open a new chapter in his career elsewhere.

Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana is wanted by Arsenal, Inter and Lyon — © ProShots

Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

Seemingly bound for Real Madrid, the Germany international has been instrumental in the change of fortunes that Thomas Tuchel has brought to Chelsea. Had been a replacement up until the former PSG boss arrived but became a leader of the team. Was a victim of the club’s takeover as he wanted his future more quickly resolved.

Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich)

The Germany international defender has already confirmed that he will be joining Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of July, so he is effectively off the market. Picking up such a solid player for no transfer fee is a great way for BVB to begin an important summer.

Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)

Another defender on his way out of Chelsea, he will go to Barcelona and might even be joined by club-mate Cesar Azpilicueta. It will hurt the Blues to see such a promising player depart for nothing, though he started fewer than half of their Premier League matches this season.

Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)

Has long been in contract talks with Barcelona, and while it appeared that a deal might be resolved at some point, it has simply never happened. Sergi Roberto remains a wonderfully versatile player, capable of operating in midfield or at right-back, and is likely to get picked up by another strong side.

Paul Pogba (Man Utd)

Seemingly bound for Juventus, the France international star retains an enormous profile in the game that has not been matched by his below-par performance for Manchester United, who signed him for a world-record fee from the Italian club. Will hope to rediscover his best back in Serie A.

Franck Kessie (Milan)

Barcelona have made a habit of picking up top talent on free transfers over the last 12 months, and central midfielder Kessie is set to continue that trend. He will bring some muscle to an area that is short in dynamism, although his technical qualities should mean he fits in capably beside the likes of Pedri and Gavi.

Angel Di Maria (PSG)

The signs are that Di Maria is past his best now, but playing a bit-part role at PSG doubtless did not help his fitness or confidence. Get him back playing regularly, and the Argentine still have much to give. Indeed, for much of his six-year stay at PSG, he was their most consistent performer.

Christian Eriksen (Brentford)

Has almost literally come back from the dead to return to the top level of football, Eriksen’s sparkling form for Brentford in the Premier League has been one of the stories of the season following the trauma of the heart issues he suffered a year ago. Big clubs will be studying him with interest.

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)

It’s difficult to know what to make of Gareth Bale right now given his lack of minutes for Real Madrid, but there has been nothing wrong with his form when he has played for Wales. A multiple European Cup winner and a proven big-game performer, there is surely mileage left in his career – if he wants there to be.

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

One of the most coveted players heading for free agency this summer, Juventus made a mess of his contract negotiations and face the embarrassing prospect of losing him. Although Premier League clubs want him, FootballTransfers revealed that he favours a stay in Serie A, which could mean a move to rivals Inter.

Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

Finished as La Liga’s top assist maker this season, despite playing on 21 matches. While there are no doubts about the 25-year-old’s capabilities when he is fit, there are concerns that his big wages simply do not justify the gamble of his frail body. Nevertheless, there is world-class potential waiting to be unlocked.