Author: Soorya G
French star Kylian Mbappe tops the list of high-profile players whose contracts with their respective clubs expire in a short space of time. The Paris Saint-Germain player is the most prominent face on a long list of potential free agents, and it is likely that many of these players could be seen wearing the colors of a different team at the start of next season, in 2024/25.
It’s almost certain that the Frenchman himself is leaving, presumably to join Spanish titans Real Madrid, admittedly Mbappe’s favorite team during his youth. The World Cup winner was keen to leave the Parisian side in 2022 as a free agent, after other offers of 200 million from Real Madrid were rejected by PSG the previous year. A surprising turn of events ended up with Mbappe signing a two-year contract with the option of a third for a salary of 93 million.
However, the journey has been tumultuous ever since, with Mbappe being at the center of a huge controversy twice for declaring his desire to leave. It was assumed that Mbappe would sign the extension clause if he wanted to leave to allow PSG to receive a transfer fee, but recent events have made that possibility unlikely.
Presnel Kimpembe, Mbappe’s teammate at PSG, is also coming to the end of his current contract with PSG. The defender has fallen out of favor at the club following the arrivals of Milan Skriniar and Theo Hernandez and is often left on the bench. Several clubs are interested in signing the player, Premier League side Liverpool being one of them.
Italian veteran Jorginho ‘s contract with Arsenal also expires at the end of the current season. After moving from Stamford Bridge in January, Jorginho has been a consistent performer for Arteta, who has assembled a team with exceptional depth. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the European Championship winner extend his stay in the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Portuguese full-back Rafa Silva ‘s contract with Benfica is also coming to an end. The 30-year-old has been in excellent form for the Portuguese giants in recent seasons. At 30, Silva is expected to be looking for a big transfer, with several English and Spanish clubs interested. Atlético Madrid are one of the interested parties, having sold Yannick Ferreira Carrasco to Al Shabab.
West Ham’s midfield duo, Tomas Soucek and Pablo Fornals, are also coming to the end of their contracts. The club is currently in the middle of a major rebuild and making some midfield signings this summer, including James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus, but nevertheless wants the duo to continue. Soucek has started every game for West Ham in the Premier League this season, while Fornals has only started once. However, Fornals’ versatility makes him a valuable asset for David Moyes. Fornals could potentially fight for a place in the starting line-up, but he’ll have to face players like Pacqueta, Bowen, Kudus and Antonio. Soucek could remain in the team, while Fornals could leave if the opportunity arises.
Meanwhile, players such as Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Barcelona’s teenage duo Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde all have contracts expiring in 2024, but will certainly remain at their respective clubs. The blue-and-white duo won a place in the first team at the start of their careers and should extend their stay at the Camp Nou.