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With the 2018 summer transfer window being shut, football fans have already started looking forward to next year's transfer prospects.
Keeping in line, I have unearthed a host of names from Europe's top teams, who are in the last year of their contract and, as things stand, would be available for free next summer.
Several big stars have made it to the list, which includes World Cup winners, Euro winners, and league champions as well. Now, let's take a look at "Next summer's Out-of-contract XI".
GK: De Gea
First up is the goalkeeper, and there are not many better alternatives than David De Gea of Spain and Manchester United, who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He is the kind of player that any coach would love to have him in his team.
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Despite the fact that De Gea has not been at his best since the World Cup and has also endured a tough start to the league campaign, his class is still unquestionable.
United Manager Jose Mourinho is confident of tying the Spaniard down to a 4-year deal but, at the moment, he has still not signed a new contract and would be one of the hottest free agents next summer if things remain this way.
Left Centre-back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
The former Ajax captain and current Tottenham defence mainstay is out of contact in 2019. If he doesn't sign an extension soon, many big clubs in Europe will compete for his signature with PSG leading the way as per rumours.
Centre-back: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Godin is an absolute leader at the back and has kicked off the new season in a brilliant fashion by winning the UEFA Super Cup against city rivals, Real Madrid.
The Uruguay Captain is one of the several defenders who got away from Mourinho's grasp this summer, however, he may finally get him next summer if he doesn't renew with Los Rojiblancos.
Right Centre-back: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
Alderweireld was subject to a large amount of speculation throughout the summer. He was heavily linked to Man United till the deadline day but nothing came of that. Because of a lack of success in negotiations, he will remain at Tottenham until, at least, January.
The Belgian has started the season in a solid manner as he looks to retain his first-team status. As per his current contract, the Spurs man will be free to leave next summer.
Left Wing-back: Angel Di Maria (Paris Saint-Germain)
Angel Di Maria was the heartbeat of Real Madrid's 'La Decima' winning squad four years ago. Since then, the Argentine has suffered a miserable Old Trafford spell, eventually going on to stabilise his career at his present club, PSG.
Coming off a decent World Cup display for Argentina, it is a mystery why the Parisian club has not yet taken any action about Di Maria's contract situation.
Right Wing-back: Dani Alves (Paris Saint-Germain)
Dani Alves has been one of the best right-backs in the world for a long time. He has shown his ability to win silverware at Barcelona, Juventus and PSG.
After an amazing first-half last season, he suffered an unfortunate injury in May and has since been on the sidelines. The flying Brazilian would be looking to get back on track as soon as possible as he plays out, possibly, his last year in Paris.
Defensive Midfielder: Sami Khedira (Juventus)
Khedira is a veteran player, who has an impressive trophy cabinet which includes LaLiga, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, among other achievements.
The energetic and effective midfielder is the perfect pivot at the base of the midfield. The German is currently plying his trade in Italy, but, thus far, there seems to be no arrangement in place to keep him at Juventus beyond this season.
Left Central Midfielder: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Cesc Fabregas is a winner; he has won the World Cup, Euros, Premier League and La Liga. But, the talented Spaniard's accolades don't seem to bother Sarri as, under his regime, he has barely played.
With the severe lack of playing time, it is only a matter of time before he decides to further his career elsewhere. To add to Chelsea's problems, his contract expires in about a year.
Right Central Midfielder: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Ramsey's contractual situation has been well documented for nearly a year now. Coach Unai Emery appears to favour an extension for the Welsh midfielder, but there has been no significant progress in contract talks with the club yet.
The Welshman's work-rate, well timed runs and a knack of scoring goals make him an ideal box-to-box midfielder in modern football. If his renewal isn't wrapped up soon, he may leave London for free in 2019.
Left Centre-forward: Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Anthony Martial has been touted for a move away from Manchester United for quite some time, and his rumoured tiff with Mourinho has only added fuel to the fire. The Frenchman reportedly does not see eye-to-eye with his boss and might force a move if things don't work out.
Ideally, United should intervene between the player and the coach to resolve their issues and try to extend Martial's contract immediately unless they want to see him ripping defences apart as part of the opposition.
Right Centre-forward: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
Arjen Robben has been at Bayern Munich for as long as one can remember and, through all those years, he has shown a level of excellence which is hard to match. Cutting in from the right to curl the ball into the top corner is something no one else can do in the same way as the Bayern winger.
Why the Dutch talisman is not on a longer deal is anyone's guess, but he is a no-brainer pick in any team including ours. Regardless of where he plays next season, he will always exude class on a football pitch.
Subs: Alphonse Areola (PSG), David Luiz (Chelsea), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Adrien Rabiot (PSG), Moussa Dembele (Spurs), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) and Olivier Giroud (Chelsea).
