The likes of Juventus have proven in the past few years that a team doesn’t always need to spend to improve the squad, instead of showing that a free transfer can be just as influential as an expensive transfer. Signing a player as a free agent is a cost-effective way of recruitment and there are plenty of top players still in their peak, available for free in the transfer window of 2020. Many top clubs are facing huge financial losses due to the COVID-19 crisis and for them, free agents could come handy.
Several top players will be available for free in the upcoming transfer window, and we have ranked the top 10:
10. Ryan Fraser – Bournemouth
The Cherries’ winger Ryan Fraser’s contract runs out in the summer and he’s very likely to leave the Vitality Stadium for free. His performances in the past have to lead to a host of clubs showing interest in signing him including the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal. He’s not a world-beater, but he’s still young and has been consistently playing in the Premier League for a while now. Here are his stats for Bournemouth this season so far:
Matches – 28
Goals – 1
Assists – 4
Key Passes – 45
Chances created – 49
9. Pedro – Chelsea
The Blues winger Pedro’s contract runs out this season and he will be available for free this window. With Lampard keen on focusing on youngsters and giving them opportunities, there’s a low chance of the Spaniard extending his contract. He has been linked with a move back to Barcelona, while other La Liga clubs and MLS club Inter Miami are also linked. Here are his stats for Chelsea this season so far:
Matches – 9
Goals – 1
Assists – 1
Key Passes – 17
Chances created – 18
Dribbles – 12
8. Thiago Silva – Paris Saint-Germain
The Brazilian defender is running out of contract this summer and is still bossing the role as a defender. The 35-year-old defender remains one of the best defenders in Ligue 1 and he still has two more years of top football. He has been consistent for PSG and he could be available for no transfer fee this summer. However, he wants to finish his career at PSG.
“I would like to finish my career in Paris, but it will depend on how this season ends,” he said.
Here are his stats for PSG this season so far:
Matches – 21
Tackles – 16 (57%)
Clearances – 53
Headed clearance – 33
Interceptions – 26
7. Willian – Chelsea
The Blues winger Willian is set to leave Stamford Bridge after seven seasons since signing from Anzhi. In February, he reportedly rejected a two-year contract and was demanding to add one more year. But nothing has been agreed between him and the club so far. Liverpool and Tottenham are linked with him and the Gunners are also showing interest. The 31-year-old winger still has a lot to offer and he will surely be a valuable addition to any club. Here are his stats for Chelsea this season so far:
Matches – 28
Goals – 5
Assists – 5
Key Passes – 51
Chances created – 56
Dribbles – 52 (71% success)
6. Jan Vertonghen – Tottenham Hotspur
The Belgian defender is running out of contract this summer. Vertonghen form has been consistent during his time in London, showing no signs of slowing down. He was injured in the start of the season but under Mourinho, he has started regularly. His agent hinted that the door is still open for him to extend the contract. Here are his stats for Tottenham this season so far:
Matches – 19
Goals – 1
Assists – 1
Tackles – 23
Clearances – 55
Headed clearances – 27
Interceptions – 31
5. Mario Gotze – Borussia Dortmund
The scorer of the World Cup-winning goals for Germany, Mario Gotze is set to leave Dortmund at the end of this season. His role at Dortmund declined slowly over the years. However, still 27, Gotze has a lot to offer and he can be a great addition for teams looking a quality player. A gifted playmaker capable of playing all over the attacking third, any team looking for a number 10, Gotze is your answer. Here are his stats for Dortmund this season so far:
Matches – 13
Goals – 3
Key Passes – 11
Chances created – 11
4. Thomas Meunier - Paris Saint-Germain
The Belgian full-back is set to leave PSG as Ligue 1 ended. Many top clubs will be fighting to sign Meunier, who is still in his peak. Tottenham are reportedly the front-runners to bring the Belgian to solve their right-back issues. Thomas Meunier is an experienced full-back and is still in his peak years. The 28-year-old full-back will bring experience to any squad and is also a regular starter for the Belgium National Team. However, his wage demands will be an issue for interested parties as Meunier is aware that he is a hot property and many top clubs are trying to sign him. Here are his stats for PSG this season so far:
Matches – 16
Tackles – 21 (78% success)
Clearances – 15
Interceptions – 18
Key Passes – 19
Chances created – 20
3. David Silva – Manchester City
The Spaniard is set to leave Manchester City after this season after 10 years at Etihad. His departure shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone, as Silva announced his decision to leave City well before the start of the 2019-20 season. MLS side Inter Miami are interested in his services, with offers from Japan and Qatar as well. He can still come handy for top sides but it’s up to Silva to decide his future. Here are his stats for Manchester City this season so far:
Matches – 19
Goals – 3
Assists – 7
Key Passes – 34
Chances created – 41
Dribbles – 21 (84% success)
Passing accuracy – 87%
2. Edinson Cavani - Paris Saint-Germain
The Uruguayan striker is still one of the best strikers in Europe. He scored 23 goals for the French champions last season and was subject to Atletico’s bid in the winter, which was rejected by PSG. He decided to not sign a contract extension at the Parc des Princes and will be a free agent next transfer window. Inter, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United are some of the top clubs linked with him. Here are his stats for PSG this season so far:
Matches – 14 (7 starts)
Goals – 4
Key Passes – 10
Chances created – 11
1. Dries Mertens – Napoli
The Belgian striker is in red hot form and he’s set to leave Napoli for free this season. last October Mertens alerted a lot of clubs with his statement:
“Here at Napoli, I still have seven months left on my contract. I don't know where I'll be playing next season. At the end of this year, I'll assess whether to renew my contract or not, but it's still too early. I'm not in a position to rule anything out.”
He recently became the club’s all-time highest goalscorer and is available for grabs the upcoming transfer window. He can play both as a winger as well as a striker. Chelsea have been interested in signing him but recently Inter are in the market for him as Lautaro is close to joining Barcelona. We expect him to be one of the biggest names available on a free once the upcoming transfer market opens. Here are his stats for Napoli this season so far:
Matches – 21
Goals – 6
Assists -5
Key Passes – 37
Chances created – 41
Dribbles – 15
