It has been another enthralling year in the Bundesliga in 2021, featuring lot of highlights, thrills, magical moments and goals galore. Apart from epic matchups, the incredible exploits of superstars in the division also made headlines.
The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Marco Reus, Kareem Adeyemi and others entertained with eye-catching performances this year. Unfortunately, some of these superstars could call time on their stints in the Bundesliga in 2022.
The transfer market will reopen in January. European juggernauts are already pulling the strings to snap up the finest available players in the market. With many Bundesliga stars rumoured to be on the move, here is a look at five big names who could bid farewell to the German top flight next year:
#5 Christopher Nkunku
RB Leipzig's attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku is one of the fastest rising players in the Bundesliga at the moment. The Frenchman had a promising outing in the German top flight last season, recording six goals and seven assists in 28 games.
This season, though, Nkunku has taken his game to a different level. The 24-year-old has bagged 15 goals and ten assists in 25 appearances for RB Leipzig across competitions thus far.
As per reports, the attacking midfielder's brilliant exploits have helped earn him the attention of many big clubs across Europe. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly shown interest in his services. So it wouldn't be a surprise if the player ends up leaving the Bundesliga in 2022.
#4 Florian Wirtz
A string of sensational performances have helped put Florian Wirtz in the limelight, and several big teams are taking note of his progress. The Bayer Leverkusen star is expected to take a step forward in his career next year, and it's likely he could bid farewell to the division next year.
Wirtz's contract with Leverkusen runs till the summer of 2026. His current market value stands at €70 million, as per Transfermarkt. It remains to be seen if any club can match that figure. Chelsea, Real Madrid and a host of other European juggernuts are said to be monitoring the player, though.
#3 Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund has been linked with a return to the Premier League. Recently, he has shone for England in the European Championship this summer, and also excelled in the German top flight. A host of English clubs, including the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, are said to be keeping tabs on the player.
Bellingham is proving why he has become a hot target for many big clubs across Europe this season. The Dortmund midfielder has made 24 appearances across competitions so far, recording three goals and nine assists.
Only 18, the Englishman has already established himself among the finest midfielders in the Bundesliga at the moment. As things stand, it could cost a fortune to prise Bellingham away from Bay Arena. His current market value stands at €75 million, according to Transfermarkt.
#2 Kingsley Coman
Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is another big-name player who could leave the Bundesliga in 2022. According to reports, Barcelona are exploring the possibility of signing the 25-year-old on loan in January as they look to bolster their offensive options.
Coman joined the Bavarians from Juventus in a deal worth €21 million in the summer of 2017. He has established himself as a key figure at the Allianz Arena in the last few seasons, running riot on either flank.
Thus far, the Frenchman has bagged 42 goals and 52 assists for the Bundesliga champions in 217 appearances across competitions. Having won all there is to win in Germany, Coman could be motivated to embark on a new challenge next year.
#1 Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is on the radar of almost every big club in Europe. The Borussia Dortmund striker has become a hot target in the transfer market, thanks to his incredible performances for the Bundesliga giants in the last few seasons.
Haaland was the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League last season with ten goals. He concluded the campaign with a whopping 41 goals and 12 assists for BVB in 41 appearances across competitions.
So far this term, the Norwegian has bagged 19 goals and five assists in 16 games across competitions. According to reports, the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea are set to go all out for the the player's signature next summer.