Free Agents on the Move: Nine Players Poised for Summer Transfer Window Switch

• The 2022-23 football year is fast winding down and a few high-profile players’ contracts are set to expire
• There is less than a week to go until all players with expiring contracts in Europe become free agents
• Many clubs are on the lookout to poach top-quality players who are out of contract

In a few days, players throughout the world of football will leave their clubs officially, with the 30th June contract expiry date leaving many of them as free agents.

Some will retire and the rest will look to find new clubs to play for in the 2023/24 season, with a free transfer an appealing option in an increasingly competitive market.

Clubs around the globe will be looking to offer the best deals to these free agents with the hope of eventually getting their signatures on the dotted lines of the contract papers.

Transfer Update: What Is Real Madrid’s Stance on Kylian Mbappe’s Situation at PSG?

Football

There will be some big names available, with World Cup and Champions League winners all in the market for a new club ahead of what will be an exciting summer of transfer activity.

Sports Brief takes a look at some of the likely big names who could be arriving at your club this summer.

Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan)

The Slovakian almost left for PSG on deadline day after Inter Milan reportedly accepted their offer, but in the end, Skriniar will have to make do with joining in the summer on a free transfer after a serious back injury curtailed his season.

Marcus Thuram (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

French forward, Marcus Thuram appeared to be headed to AC Milan, according to reports from Football Italia. But in what is certainly one of the unlikeliest of twists this transfer window, the 25-year-old is joining city rivals Inter Milan. This transfer has been dubbed the ultimate insult by many football supporters.

Mbappe reacts angrily to Real Madrid links amid uncertainty over his PSG future

Football

Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

Upon failing to reach a contract agreement with Real Madrid, Marco Asensio is set to exit the Spanish capital, with a move to French champions PSG on the cards, as reported by Goal.

The Spain international was linked with Arsenal and Aston Villa, but seems destined for PSG.

Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

The former Manchester United forward's future remains clouded with uncertainty. But drawing upon his numerous options, it appears that either a move to PSG or Saudi Arabia is the surest for the forward. On the flip side, there is a new Palace deal option on the table too.

Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City)

Soyuncu is one of seven players leaving the Championship-bound Foxes as a free agent. It’s been reported by BBC that the Turk has a pre-contract agreement with Spanish side Atletico Madrid.

Moussa Dembele (Lyon)

After failing to find his feet since his return to French giants Lyon, Moussa Dembele is now set to exit the French club.

Three potential moves for Kylian Mbappe after informing PSG of his decision

Football

The forward has been linked with half of the Premier League, though his stock might not be quite as high as it once was, after only three league goals last term during a campaign spent mostly on the bench. Everton and Fenerbahce remain keen on signing the former Atletico Madrid forward.

David De Gea (Manchester United)

There is still no clarity over the Spanish stopper’s future, with the feeling being that United are sussing out how much it will cost them to replace him with a keeper more suited to Erik ten Hag. The answer is likely to be a fortune, and the chances of De Gea extending his stay at Old Trafford have not been ruled out either.

Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)

The young forward has been linked with a move away from the Emirates after making some notable cameos and crowning them with important goals during Arsenal’s chase for the Premier League last season.

Nicolas Pepe: Mikel Arteta makes final decision on winger after loan spell in France

Football

Though he has been reported to be on the verge of signing a new contract for some weeks, a move away from the Gunners remains an option.

Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)

According to reports from Sport, the Athletic Club defender is set to sign for Spanish Champions Barcelona, after it was reported that he had agreed to a pre-contract with the Catalan side.

Gundogan could leave Barcelona already

Sports Brief earlier reported that Ilkay Gundogan could be on his way out of Barcelona even though he only just joined the La Liga champions.

Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer after capturing a European treble in his final year at the Etihad Stadium.

The midfielder will not take a risk and has a special clause inserted in his contract that could see him depart Barcelona if the club is not able to register him due to any financial problems.