Real Madrid draw up 'galactico' summer shopping list for 2022

The January transfer window will be an unusually busy one for Real Madrid. The club's main objective is to complete negotiations with Kylian Mbappé's proposed transfer, the major details of that operation could even be ironed out before the window opens. But the French striker isn't the only player who could arrive on a free transfer next year. Several players will be out of contract next summer, offering opportunities to reinforce the squad with big name stars.

Mbappé (age: 22)

The main objective and a priority for Madrid. After the  melodrama of last summer, it's likely that the player's situation will be resolved well before the summer transfer market opens. The French striker's contract with PSG will expire in June and Madrid could have an agreement in place with the player as early as 1 January. Kylian could commit to Madrid hours after the New Year is seen in.

Haaland (age: 21)

The gentlemens' agreement which the Norwegian has with Borussia Dortmund for the club to liste to any offers that come in for him from 2022 mean that Europe's top clubs will be queuing up for Haaland's signature. Mino Raiola, the striker's agent, together with the Norwegian's father embarked on a mini-tour of Europe in the spring, paying visits to Real Madrid, Barcelona and several top Premier League clubs. In January, Manchester City have arranged a meeting with Raiola.

Lewandowski (age: 33)

The Polish forward cannot stop scoring goals. He has reached 40 in each of the last six seasons. He'll be out of contract in 2023 and his future at Bayern has been put into question on numerous occasions. The latest word coming out of Germany is that he isn't too happy about Bayern's interest in signing Haaland. The Norwegian's arrival could push Lewy out, possibly to Madrid and at a reasonable price seeing as he is entering the final part of his contract.

Pogba (age: 28)

The French midfielder could end up at the Bernabéu at the third attempt. Madrid wanted to sign him in 2016 and 2019 but a deal never materialised. His contract with Manchester United comes to an end in June 2022, which makes him another attractive proposition for next summer. Securing Mbappé could help Madrid entice Pogba to join him in the Spanish capital.

Rüdiger (age: 28)

Another player who clubs will be clamouring to sign next summer. The German centre-back's  contract with Chelsea runs out at the end of this season. He would be a great reinforcement for a position which Madrid didn't strengthen adequately when Ramos and Varane both left last summer. The Modus Operandi to get him on board would be the same as it was with Alaba - wait until his contract runs down to offer him an attractive contract - 12 million euros per season, the same as the Austrian earns.

Kessié (age: 24)

The midfielder will be a free agent once his contract with AC Milan reaches its conclusion and that has sparked interest from Real Madrid, and Barça. But there is a third club who are keeping tabs on the player - PSG are hoping to repeat the operation they did a few months ago with Donnarumma and get the player on a free when his contract ends.

Sterling (age: 26)

The player effectively put himself on the market with his declarations in an interview for the Business of Sport US Summit: "If there was an opportunity to go somewhere else, I’d be open to it at this moment in time. As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I have always thought one day I would love to play abroad and come up against that challenge. I actually should be learning a few different languages. I quite like the French accent and Spanish". It could not be a more opportune moment for him to move on - his contract runs out in 2023 while City have been steadily renewing terms with their core players; they could opt to sell Sterling next year to make some money on him before he has the chance to walk free. Another option for Madrid next summer.