Amidst ongoing contract negotiations, prominent footballers such as Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema remain undecided on renewals; let us assess the potential pool of players who will become free agents at the conclusion of the 2022-23 football season.
Lionel Messi( Forwarder, PSG):
Lionel Messi is presently in his last year of contract with PSG, having joined the team from Barcelona in 2021. PSG holds an option to extend Messi’s tenure in France for another year should they choose to.
While Messi has left Barcelona, rumors have surfaced about a possible return to Catalonia to conclude his career.
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Joan Laporta has expressed his belief that Messi’s chapter at Barcelona has not come to an end, and it is their responsibility to ensure that it remains open.
However, there has also been talking of a potential move to Major League Soccer or a “homecoming to Argentina.” For the time being, though, Messi seems content with his current situation in France. Read about Lionel Messi is Back! Hit Goal and PSG Beats Angers 2-0 in Ligue 1
Karim Benzema( Forwarder, Real Madrid):
Karim Benzema’s impressive performance for Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid has garnered considerable attention, elevating his candidature for the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
Although he signed a contract extension in 2021, it is due to expire by the end of the 2022-23 season.
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Speculation centers around a one-year extension for the French marksman that is imminent, given their significant contributions to the team’s success.
However, an official announcement confirming this extension is still pending.
N’Golo Kante ( Mid-Fielder, Chelsea):
N’Golo Kante, the talented French international midfielder, is currently under contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2023.
Having initially joined the club from Leicester City in 2016, Kante agreed to a further five-year contract extension in 2018, which is now set to expire at the end of the current season.
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As the winds of change have swept through Stamford Bridge in recent months, Kante has been the subject of speculation, with top European clubs, including Barcelona, reportedly keen to secure his services.
It remains to be seen what Kante’s future plans will entail.
Marcus Rashford ( Forwarder, Manchester United):
The future of Marcus Rashford at Manchester United remains undecided at present. The esteemed England international forward’s contract is set to expire by summer 2023, with the 2019 agreement approaching its conclusion.
The club does, however, possess the option to prolong the contract by one year.
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It is worth noting that Rashford’s previous contract extension took place when the deal still had over a season remaining.
As the expiration date looms closer, United’s decision regarding the matter in the upcoming January window will undoubtedly attract attention. Also, read about FIFA Imposes Transfer Prohibition on Cologne for the Signing of a Youth Player
Youri Tielemans ( Mid Fielder, Leicester City):
Leicester City’s Belgian midfielder, Youri Tielemans, is approaching the conclusion of his present contract.
Prominent teams in the Premier League, including Arsenal, are reportedly showing significant interest in securing him.
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Despite the season commencing, negotiations between Tielemans and the Foxes have seemingly failed to progress.
Jorginho ( Mid-Fielder, Chelsea):
Jorginho, a notable player at Chelsea, will see his five-year tenure at the club reaching its conclusion next summer. The continuation of his tenure remains contingent upon both parties reaching an agreement on a contract extension within the ongoing season.
Jorginho joined the club in 2018 after his departure from Napoli and emerged as a key player at Stamford Bridge.
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Although there were reports of potential interest from Juventus in the summer, constructive conversations between the player and the club could take place, according to his agent. Also, know more about What Are the Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Footballers Developing Dementia?
Ilkay Gundogan ( Mid-Fielder, Manchester City):
In 2016, Ilkay Gundogan transferred from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City and has since had an impressive tenure in the Premier League.
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As a valuable asset in Pep Guardiola’s midfield, the four-time Premier League winner may face departure if City decides not to extend his current contract to expire in June of 2023.
Toni Kroos ( Mid-Fielder, Real Madrid):
Toni Kroos has proven to be a valuable asset to Real Madrid’s midfield following his transfer from Bayern Munich. However, it appears that the German midfielder’s tenure with the club is coming to an end after eight years.
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With Kroos turning 33 by the end of the current season, Madrid is already taking steps to prepare for the future with the introduction of young midfielders. Also, go through Ellyse Perry : The ex pro footballer star who became the greatest in women’s cricket
Marco Reus (Mid-Fielder, Borussia Dortmund):
Despite Marco Reus having made a commitment to conclude his career at Borussia Dortmund, his current one-year extension contract as a 33-year-old winger is slated to expire in the summer of 2023.
While his initial pledge might stand firm, given the evolving landscape of circumstances, the experienced German player may consider exploring other opportunities before he ultimately retires from football.
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There are other names of star players popping up, like Zlatan Ibrahimovic( AC Milan), Naby Keita (Liverpool), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), and others who may change their decision at any time. It will be interesting to see who will be starting a new beginning of their career with a new team this year.
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