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Not every footballer is built equal, and only the best of the best can dominate the pitch and remain remembered by the fans for long. But football is not only about sporting accolades, as modern-day club football has also grown into big business. So no matter how big a footballer is at a particular club, seeking career growth, new challenges or just better pay can cause them to switch.
The past two years have seen a lot of players switch clubs despite the financial stress on clubs due to Covid-19. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo made moves last summer, joining Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively.
This year as well, there are several superstars who could switch clubs. Let's take a look at 10 such superstars.
#10 Harry Kane
The summer of 2021 saw heavy rumors of Harry Kane wanting to switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Manchester City. Although the England captain later apologized, things turned ugly when Kane reportedly missed a training session in the pre-season.
In the end, Kane decided to stay at Tottenham as Manchester City turned their attention elsewhere. This was primarily due to Daniel Levy's opposition to any kind of transfer, irrespective of the money involved.
Kane's current campaign has been one of his worst in Tottenham colors. His 12 goals in 28 appearances may seem alright, but he has managed just four goals in 17 appearances in the Premier League.
Kane has two more years left on his contract in the summer. But it seems more likely that Tottenham will look to cash in on him if a suitable offer appears.
#9 Antonio Rudiger
Since Thomas Tuchel took over at Chelsea in 2021, Antonio Rudiger has been one of the most important members of the squad. Playing as part of three centre-back defense, the German has been exemplary since the turn of last year.
Rudiger made a number of contributions for the Blues to help bring the Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge last year.
As Rudiger entered the last year of his contract in the summer of 2021, many Chelsea fans hoped to see a swift solution. However, that hasn't been the case as Rudiger and Chelsea haven't been able to come to the middle ground in relation to wages.
Talks are still ongoing, but there has been interest from other clubs. Unless the issues are settled quickly, this will be Rudiger's last season at Chelsea.
#8 Jude Bellingham
When Jude Bellingham broke into the Birmingham City first team, he had barely entered his teens. But age is never an issue when there's talent, and that was the case with Bellingham.
Manchester United were rumored to be admirers, and there were reported bids as well. But the English midfielder was looking for guaranteed minutes which led to him switching to Borussia Dortmund. In Germany, he has quickly moved up the pecking order to become one of the world's hottest young talents.
Although he still has some time left on his contract, Bellingham has grabbed several headlines over the last year. He has been solid this season with 10 assists and four goals from 26 appearances.
However, many European giants have no shortage of money, and irrespective of what he may cost, Bellingham could be off to different shores later this year.
#7 Franck Kessie
Franck Kessie has been one of the most tenacious and hardworking midfielders in recent times. The Ivorian has climbed to fame with AC Milan, and several clubs have taken notice of his performances in Milan.
Aside from his performances, clubs have also taken notice of his expiring contract. Despite several talks throughout last year, there hasn't been a solution yet.
But the contract situation has not diverted Kessie's attention as he has been his usual high self. His minutes have been a bit limited, which could have to do with his contract situation as well. Nevertheless, Kessie has scored five goals and one assist in the 21 appearances he has made so far.
#6 Declan Rice
Declan Rice is one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Following a stellar performance at the Euros in 2021, Rice's suitors have been many.
Reports linked him with a return to his childhood club, Chelsea, while he has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford. West Ham's demands were quite high and it helped the London club keep hold of their player so far.
But it's highly expected that demand for Rice will be no less in the coming summer. He has been one of the star performers for West Ham this season, which has helped the Hammers perform more than expected. They currently sit in fourth position in the league and are in the knockout stages of the Europa League as well.
Moreover, the 23-year-old will have two years remaining on his contract and has already indicated his wish to move. So a transfer in the coming months of August seems highly likely.
#5 Luis Suarez
Former Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman's biggest blunder could have been the underestimation he made of Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez. Suarez was deemed a surplus and was sold to Atletico Madrid in 2020, which turned out to be the Catalan club shooting its own feet.
Suarez went on to inspire Atletico to a La Liga title in his first season back and was one of the best players in the league.
Despite being 34-years-old, Suarez has looked sharp in the current season. His pace may have slowed down, but his finishing remains impeccable.
He has already played 27 matches and has scored nine goals and notched up two assists. With his contract up in the summer, the Uruguayan could be at a new club.
#4 Paul Pogba
The Frenchman's tumultuous second campaign at Manchester United seems to be ending. Paul Pogba was acquired for a significant transfer fee (£75 million) from Juventus and has at times been the world-class player he is.
But his stay at Old Trafford has been marred by injuries and controversies. Pogba has often received flak due to his agent openly courting other football clubs, including rivals Manchester City.
Pogba's 2021-22 season started brightly against Leeds United, where he brought up a hat-trick of assists. But with poor performances came a major injury to make matters worse.
Manchester United have reportedly put a record-breaking deal on the table, but the chances are that Pogba could be leaving for new pastures.
#3 Dusan Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic can certainly claim a spot at the top among several upcoming superstars in Serie A. Like Kane, Vlahovic was also tipped to switch to Manchester City for a larger part of last summer's transfer window.
Lately, he has been tipped with a move to Arsenal, where he will potentially take up the role of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The only reason Vlahovic's moves didn't materialize was the excessive demands by Fiorentina. However, Vlahovic will have only one year left on his contract in 2022. Hence, Fiorentina will look to cash in as much money as they can for him.
He has been in sublime form in the current campaign, where Vlahovic has perfectly shown the world his abilities. He has made 23 appearances across all major competitions, in which the Serbian has scored 19 goals and made three assists as well.
However, with several clubs seeking a new striker in the summer window, Vlahovic could find himself in a new jersey.
#2 Erling Haaland
One of the biggest transfers that didn't happen last summer would have been Erling Haaland's switch to Chelsea. The London-based club courted the Norwegian footballer all season, but it was not to be. They ended up signing Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan.
But that doesn't mean Haaland will not be potentially moving this season. Based on the player's recent admissions, even a move in this winter window can't be ruled out yet. Haaland reportedly has a release clause of around €80 million that will become active in the upcoming summer window. But with several interested clubs, whichever team gets him will have to pay a fortune.
It's quite natural considering Haaland's impact in recent years. His goal-scoring antics have had no stopping, first at RB Salzburg and now at Borussia Dortmund.
Unfortunately, Haaland endured an injury this season, but that hasn't affected his goal-scoring prowess. In the 18 appearances he has made, Haaland has scored 21 goals and assisted six other goals.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
If Kylian Mbappe moves in the summer, it could be the greatest free-agent signing. The superstar has been a serial winner since bursting onto the scene with Monaco at a tender age. He has gone from strength to strength and has even won the World Cup for France in 2018.
Mbappe can play at any position in the attack with brilliance. He uses his sheer pace and skills to become a nightmare for even the best defenders of the opposition.
Mbappe has less than six months left on his current contract with PSG. He has been linked with Real Madrid for a long time, but several other clubs are also reportedly in the fray.
It's unclear yet if Mbappe will renew his contract or not. But the financial situation has not affected his on-field displays. Mbappe has already played 27 times for the Parisian club this season. In those appearances, the Frenchman has scored 19 goals himself and helped set up 15 goals for his teammates.
