Free Agent XI: Top players out of contracts this summer

It's that time of the year when players try to negotiate with their clubs and agents to seek assurances about their future. For those players whose contracts are running down, it is an absolute nightmare.

They are often left in limbo regarding a possible extension while other clubs also target these players who can be bought for free. It is a period of uncertainty no player wants but often has to live through.

So, we have compiled the best starting XI comprising players who will be free agents this summer. Some surprising names make the cut and we have quite a formidable team at our disposal!

Formation: 4-3-3

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Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Is this the end?

Our goalkeeper is none other than the legendary Gianluigi Buffon. Regarded by many as the best goalkeeper of our generation, there have been rumours that this may well be the final season of his illustrious career.

He has made almost 1050 appearances for club and country and only the UEFA Champions League title has eluded him in his 23-year career. That, however, will, in no way, tarnish the legacy of this man.

In 27 appearances, he has kept 14 clean sheets, proving that he still has got something to offer.He has hinted that he may continue playing next season but the fact remains that he could decide to call it a day sooner than we expect.

Centre Back: Stefan de Vrij (Lazio)

Hot property

Lazio center-back Stefan de Vrij has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Lazio and has been central in their highly successful league campaign. They are third at the moment and are aiming for Champions League qualification.

The Dutch international has made 39 appearances for the Italian club this season and has also pitched in with 6 goals. He has brought a sense of authority to their backline and has helped to keep 8 clean sheets in the league.

He has rejected a new contract at Lazio and is almost certain to make a move away. Many clubs have been linked with the 26-year-old and Inter Milan is believed to be ahead in the race to sign him.

Centre Back: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

A surprise name!

A surprise name makes the cut as Juventus' Chiellini finds himself out of contract this summer. The club is yet to offer the veteran defender an extension.

Even at 33 years of age, Chiellini continues to perform at the highest level. He is nearing 700 appearances for club and country and has been a mainstay at Juventus since 2005. A classic no-nonsense defender and one of the finest of our generation.

He has been the mainstay in the Juventus defense this season which has conceded just 18 times in the league.He still has enough capacity to play for a couple of seasons and it is likely that Juventus will offer him an extension before the year which he will be happy to sign.

Right Back: Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid)

Madrid better tie him up!

At right-back is Real madrid youngster Achraf Hakimi who has shot into stardom this season. He enjoyed a string of games for Madrid as Dani Carvajal was kept out of the game in the beginning of the season.

Despite playing only 15 games, the 19-year-old has been impressive and has a goal and an assist to his name. He is a crowd favourite and a product from their own academy.

Madrid will almost definitely offer him a new contract otherwise, Europe's biggest clubs will try to rope him in.

Left Back: Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus)

Asamoah in action

Another Juventus player on the list and this time it is left-back Kwadwo Asamoah. The defender is yet to be offered a new contract at the club.

Asamoah was signed by Juventus in 2012 and he was seen as a long-term prospect. However, his career was derailed in 2014 as he suffered a knee injury and was out for six-months. In the mean-time his understudy Alex Sandro has cemented his place in the line-up.

He has made 22 appearances this season and has performed very well. Sandro is attracting interest from other clubs and Juventus is likely to offer Asamoah a new contract before the season ends else, they risk losing both left-backs.

Right Central Midfielder: Marouanne Fellaini (Manchester United)

Time to leave?

There were question marks over Fellaini when he was signed by David Moyes in 2013, with many doubting his quality. And, despite being a favourite of Jose Mourinho, Fellaini has not managed to put all those doubts to rest.

He has scored crucial goals and has been a great target man in the centre of the park, but also has been susceptible to very erratic mistakes and inconsistent performances. He has managed to find the back of the net 4 times this season. The Belgian has made almost 500 appearances for club and country and looks to be heading out of Old Trafford this summer .

He has reportedly demanded a significant increment and United are unlikely to accept it. Many clubs are after him and he looks destined to leave United.

Central Midfielder: Emre Can (Liverpool)

Can Liverpool keep Can?

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is selected in the middle of the park. He has reportedly demanded a big pay-rise and Liverpool are unlikely to accept it.

Since his move to Liverpool in 2014 he has worked hard, improved well and has cemented his place in Liverpool's line-up. He has made 162 appearances for the club and is a key member of the Germany national team as well. This season, he has made 3 appearances for the club, scoring 6 goals and making 5 assists.

Liverpool are unwilling to succumb to his demands and it is extremely likely that Can will leave the club. Juventus appears to be the likeliest destination.

Left Central Midfielder: Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Wilshere to leave?

Jack Wilshere was dubbed by many to be England's future when he shot onto the scene in 2010. But 8 years later, he is still to fulfil his promise.

Many injuries have derailed his career and now it appears that it is the end of the road for him at Arsenal after a 15 year association with the club. He has played 36 games this season and finally looks to have put his injury troubles behind him as he has bagged 2 goals and has 5 assists to his name.

Arsene Wenger, himself, is likely to leave the club this summer and there will be no surprise if the Englishman follows suit.

Wingers: Franck Ribery and Ajen Robben (Bayern Munich)

Two of the best

One of the greatest duos of our generation, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben have been ruling the Bayern Munich flanks, making opponent defenders dance to their rhythm. Two supremely talented players, who, sadly are in the twilight years of their careers.

With more than 1300 appearances and a plethora of trophies between them, they have carved their names into the history books. Ribery has 6 goals and 5 assists in 28 games this season while Robben has 7 goals and 10 assists in 30 games. They helped Bayern to a 6th consecutive league title this week and they are in the running for a treble this season. Wouldn't be a bad way to sign-off, after all.

However, there are reports that Bayern are willing to offer them contract extensions before the end of the season and perhaps, we will witness one final bow from the veterans.

Striker: Mario Balotelli (Nice)

Any takers for Mario?

Our striker is none other than Mario Balotelli. Balotelli was bought by Nice in 2016 and is out of contract this summer.

A controversial character who can't keep himself off the news, he has a reputation for his weird off-field activities. But, he remains a force to be reckoned with on his day and can give nightmares to defenders. This season, he has been in incredible form and has scored 22 goals in 32 games for Nice.

Nice are yet to offer him a new contract after a move to France seems to have resurrected his career and perhaps the top-guns would make an attempt to sign the Italian this summer.