11 Big Names Whose Contracts Ran Out After 2022/23 Season Including Lionel Messi

The UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan will close the curtains on the 2022/23 European football season.

It has been nothing short of drama, with titles decided on the final day and teams winning trophies after long years. Further drama awaits when the transfer market opens.

Some players will be free agents from June 30 as clubs jostle to recruit and strengthen their squads before next season. Sports Brief looks at nine big names that will leave on Bosnian transfer.

1. Lionel Messi

The biggest of them all. Lionel Messi’s contract at Paris Saint-Germain is up, and he has played his final game. According to Inside Sport, he is yet to decide on his next destination, with Barcelona, Inter Miami and Al-Hilal all interested.

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2. Angel Di Maria

The World Cup winner joined Juventus on a one-year deal after leaving PSG last summer. The contract will not be extended; he is now a free agent. He has offers from top European clubs, MLS and the Saudi league but is yet to decide on his future.

3. Karim Benzema

The Real Madrid legend scored in his final game on Sunday. The club respected his decision not to extend his contract, claiming he had earned the right. Arab News confirmed he would join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, a contract worth €200m annually.

4. N’golo Kante

The France international’s contract at Chelsea is up this summer. Contract talks were held throughout the season, but his injury did not help. He has offers from Saudi Arabia but still prefers an extension at Stamford Bridge.

5. Ilkay Gundogan

The Manchester City captain is in his last days at the club, bar any last-minute miracle in contract talks. Barcelona are top of the list of clubs that want the services of the German, with former club Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal also interested.

6. Toni Kroos

Another German veteran midfielder will see his current contract at Real Madrid end this summer. Reports from the Spanish media suggest he will accept a one-year extension subject to signing and announcement.

7. Luka Modric

The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, similar to his midfield partner Kroos will be out of contract at Madrid this month. He has also accepted a one-year extension.

8. Sergio Busquets

The ace midfielder will leave Barcelona after 17 years. He decided not to extend his contract and saved the club some money on wages. His next destination remains unknown.

9. Sergio Ramos

The veteran Spanish defender has played his last game for PSG in the 3-2 loss to Clermont Foot. He signed a two-year contract when he joined from Real Madrid in 2021, which expires this month. He reportedly has offers from Saudi Arabia.

10. David De Gea

The Spanish goalkeeper will be out of contract at Manchester United this summer. He is willing to take a pay cut to extend, but the two parties are far apart in terms of the first offer.

11. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The Swede superman and AC Milan forward announced days ago that he would leave after yesterday’s final game. Unknown to the club and his family, he announced his professional retirement.

Players wanted by Saudi Arabia

Sports Brief reported seven free agents who could move to Saudi Arabia after their contract expires at their various European clubs this summer.

Lionel Messi leads them all, having received a mouthwatering offer of €400m to join Al-Hilal. Kante, Busquets and Hugo Lloris are also among those the Saudis want.