Free-agent best XI for contracts expiring at the end of this season

With the final stretch of European domestic season rattling towards us at speed, it’s the perfect time to take a look at the players who have deals expiring at the end of the season.

I’ve gone for something of a 4-3-3 with a very interesting hybrid press and buildup structure, and I’ve cheated a little bit, but it’s all fun and games.

Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier (Leeds United)

The Leeds United goalkeeper might not be the most high-profile player on the list, but he may still have the brightest future. Meslier was signed by Leeds as a young prospect and immediately stood out, excelling upon promotion to the Premier League. However, performances dipped and he is yet to regain his confidence and level he has shown previously.

Right-back: Óscar Mingueza (Celta de Vigo)

To say that it was something of surprise Mingueza did not get into the Spain squad this week says it all: nobody expected the player to shine in the way he has done at Celta, becoming a key piece in the buildup as well as a formidable defender. Links with Juventus have emerged, with Celta also keen to keep him.

Centre-back: Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth)

The Bournemouth transfer strategy usually sees top talent leave at a high price, so seeing Senesi slip through the net is a shock. Other Premier League sides such as Newcastle and Aston Villa are already keeping tabs on the player who has impressed and improved under Andoni Iraola.

Centre-back: Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool)

The Liverpool full-back’s future has been up in the air for a while, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping tabs on the player. While his form this season for a wobbly Liverpool side has been up and down, there is no doubting the talent the player has with the ball at his feet or fighting for it against top-level strikers.

Left-back: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

I know, it’s cheating, but if Pep can play Bernardo here, so can I. The Manchester City everything-man seems set for a departure after many years in England’s northwest. With the absolute trust of Pep Guardiola instilled in him, he has played in almost every position on the field in the Premier League. Bernardo Silva will be a huge loss for City, and a move to Barcelona or Juventus has been widely reported.

Centre-midfielder: Leon Goretzka (FC Bayern)

Signed on a free from Schalke in 2018, Goretzka has gone on to play over 300 times for Bayern Münich, winning 6 league titles and a Champions League. Contracts talks stalled and the two are set to part ways amicably this summer, with AC Milan and Atlético Madrid reportedly interested.

Centre-midfielder: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)

Should Spurs go down, Bissouma won’t be the only major figure leaving the club, but he will go for free. The midfielder moved to London after impressing at Brighton, and while Spurs’ constant carnage hasn’t helped his performances, links to Manchester United have never really gone away.

Centre-midfielder: Marcelo Brozovic (Al-Nassr)

Admit it, you forgot about Brozovic. While he’s been away in Saudi sweeping up money from behind the sofa, the 33-year-old is still running games like he’s 20 and would easily make the step back into Europe to continue playing at the highest level. That’s if he can deal with the life-altering consequences of a pay cut.

Left-wing: Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)

World Cup hopeful Diego Luna is a two-time MLS All-Star and the face of Real Salt Lake, but he could be on his way after the season is over. 10 goals and 3 assists last season put him in the spotlight and into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the World Cup.

And we’ve got an lovely chat with him, so he’s in.

Striker: Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona)

Barcelona have had trouble scoring goals all season, but Robert Lewandowski has proven his worth since moving to Spain. Perhaps the all-action pressing machine that Hansi Flick has put in place at Camp Noun isn’t for him, but passing up on his instincts in front of goal would be a mistake for most teams.

Right-wing: Harry Wilson (Fulham)

The Fulham winger was linked with a move away from London last summer, but held firm. And that’s good news for Fulham fans, who saved themselves from the relegation dogfight early on in the season, largely thanks to Wilson’s goals. He has 10 so far in the Premier League, including some typical world-class strikes from range.

Substitutes:

Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion), Vlahovic (Juventus), Danilo Doekhi (Union Berlin), Marcelo Brozovic (Al-Nassr)

Related stories

Champions League

The only player to stop Lamine Yamal this season

Real Madrid

Arbeloa and the Bellingham puzzle

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.