Some of Europe's greats could still join a club for free this summer, from Edinson Cavani to Mario Mandzukic
Signing a player on a free transfer is a cost-effective way of recruitment and there will be plenty of bargain players available for no fee in the summer of 2020.
As fans of the popular Football Manager game will know, assessing the players whose contracts are nearly expired is an essential practice ahead of the transfer window opening.
And those whose deals are running down come in all shapes and sizes – from wizened veterans to disgruntled stars entering their prime.
This year, things have been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, with FIFA exploring ways to navigate a potential legal, moral and financial quagmire of contract expiry dates.
Either way, Goal takes a look at the players who will be available to sign for free once their contracts expire.
Getty ImagesEdinson Cavani | FW | PSG
Flanked by Kylian Mbappe and Neymar on either side of him at Paris Saint-Germain, Edinson Cavani was one of the more under-rated forwards in Europe. He bagged 23 goals for the French giants in 2018-19, and was the subject of a bid from Atletico Madrid in January which was rejected by PSG.
"We hoped that he would stay at the club. Today, he asked to leave. We are studying the situation," said PSG sporting director Leonardo. "We had a proposal from Atletico Madrid. We did not have a proposal worthy of the player's worth."
AdvertisementGettyMario Gotze | MF | Borussia Dortmund
Mario Gotze's role at Borussia Dortmund diminished for a couple of years now and, with his contract having expired, he will be seeking a move elsewhere for a fresh challenge in order to reignite his career.
At just 28, the midfielder still has great potential to excel elsewhere (he did score the winning goal in a World Cup final for Germany just six years ago) as he approaches his prime.
Getty ImagesNathaniel Clyne | RB | Liverpool
The defender had a very low-key exit from Liverpool the summer of 2020 following a three-year stint at the club, not present for any of the Premier League trophy celebrations.
Nathaniel Clyne picked up an ACL injury in a 2019 pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund and subsequently made no appearances during the 2019–20 campaign due to further fitness problems.
AADaniel Sturridge | FW | Trabzonspor
The former Liverpool man was released from Trabzonspor in March after having his contract mutually terminated, the same day that he received a £75,000 for breaching FA betting rules.
He was also banned from playing football starting July 17, with four weeks of the ban suspended until the end of August 2020.