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Letting go of players on free transfers is almost never good for a club's business in the summer and winter windows.
This season has seen a number of high-profile superstars join clubs on free transfers. Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos are some of the players who have left familiar places and faces to move to another big club.
Next summer could see another such exodus. Lots of big names are out of contract at the end of the 2021-22 season. Given that some of their clubs have invested a lot financially in recent times, it will be intriguing to see how they deal with this potential situation.
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Here's a look at the five best players whose contracts are set to end in 2022.
#5 Paulo Dybala | Juventus
Paulo Dybala is regarded as a world-class player by many, but his fluctuating form for Juventus has raised questions.
Dybala's talent is unquestionable. La Joya joined Juventus from Parma for £36 million in 2015, and has often impressed with his excellent creative play and goalscoring ability. The Argentina international was named Serie A's Most Valuable Player for the 2019-20 season and has won five league titles with the club. Overall, Dybala has 101 goals and 42 assists in 255 matches for the Bianconeri.
However, Dybala has been linked with a move away from Juventus for some time now. He was heavily linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, and there were reports that Juventus were happy to let him go then. The 27-year old stayed in Turin, however, but only had a limited impact last season due to various injury issues.
#4 Pedri | Barcelona
One of the best young players in the world, it is hard to imagine Pedri leaving Barcelona on a free transfer next season.
Admittedly, Barcelona are in poor financial condition, having let go of Lionel Messi under controversial circumstances earlier this month. Pedri, though, is one of Barcelona's most important and most valuable assets and the club will surely do all they can to ensure he stays.
The 18-year old was everpresent for Barcelona last season, impressing with his world-class technical ability, passing and intelligence. Pedri made 52 appearances for Barcelona last season and was one of Spain's best players at Euro 2020. The Spanish international went on to win silver at the Tokyo Olympics as well. Letting go of the young midfielder on a free transfer would create huge problems for Barcelona.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Arsenal transfer news, Update on Harry Kane's future and more
#3 Paul Pogba | Manchester United
Paul Pogba looks likely to stay at Manchester United this season, with the club apparently willing to let him leave on a free transfer once again next summer.
The Frenchman, on his day, is one of the best midfielders in the world. Pogba is physically and technically gifted, with excellent passing ability and vision. However, his second spell with Manchester United has failed to convince a lot of fans as well as critics due to his inconsistency.
The former Juventus man seems to have recovered his touch of late and is playing his best football for Manchester United under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Pogba has begun the new season well, with five assists in just two league games. Manchester United are reportedly confident that the 28-year old will sign a new deal, but it remains to be seen if the extension goes through.
#2 Kylian Mbappe | Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid next summer in a transfer that could steal all the headlines.
Los Blancos have always been touted as a potential destination for Mbappe, especially after the 2016-17 season. Mbappe flourished back then with AS Monaco, winning the league title and enjoying an extended run in the Champions League.
The forward subsequently moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, where he has established himself as one of the biggest superstars in the game.
The arrival of Lionel Messi has reportedly not been received well by Mbappe. The 22-year old seems intent on joining Real Madrid, with some rumors even suggesting that the forward could try to join Los Blancos this summer. It remains to be seen what the Ligue 1 giants will do to hold on to their prized asset.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo | Juventus
It seems unlikely that Cristiano Ronaldo will be a Juventus player next summer, as rumors continue to swirl around the player.
Ronaldo joined Juventus amidst much fanfare in 2018 and has done very well individually. However, his arrival has coincided with a dip in Juventus' form both domestically and in Europe. The Serie A giants could now seek to start afresh without the Portugal international.
The 36-year old will not be short of suitors if he does decide to leave. He was recently linked with Paris Saint-Germain as a potential Mbappe replacement, while an emotional return to Manchester United can never be ruled out. Manchester City, who are desperately in need of a goalscorer, could also be a potential destination for the Portuguese international.
Also Read: 5 best full-backs in the world right now
