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#3 Paul Pogba
At any given point, Paul Pogba can be the world-class player he is, but on an off-day, he disappears. Much to Manchester United's sorrows, the off-days have been more frequent than the days he turned up.
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However, Pogba has shown glimpses of his genius, more so for France, where he pairs up with N'Golo Kante. Manchester United are still trying to sort out his contract issues. However, Pogba will likely be leaving Old Trafford in the coming summer.
There is no doubt that several big clubs will try to secure his signing as a free agent. It will be quite pertinent for any club to sign him on a pre-contract to avoid a potential bidding war in the summer. However, there will be more doubts about his fitness than his form.
When Pogba has played, he has played well in the current campaign. He made seven assists in four games in the Premier League but hasn't made an assist since. He has spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines with a major injury.
#2 Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger's rise under Thomas Tuchel has been meteoric since the German manager took over the reins at Chelsea in 2021. Rudiger has been one of the most trusted figures in defense. With that, he has suddenly become a highly sought-after commodity in the football world. Rudiger is still negotiating with Chelsea, but his reportedly astronomical wage demands are seemingly the cause of the current disagreement.
Rudiger is 28, which is not a strange age for a defender. His high-pressing, tackling and aerial ability are sure to attract suitors. With a contract expiring in June 2022, clubs will try to sign him to a pre-contract to avoid paying more in the summer.
Meanwhile, the entire situation of his contract and wage demand is at an interesting point. It remains to be seen if Chelsea can ultimately convince Rudiger to extend his Stamford Bridge stay.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
If a player like Kylian Mbappe is available as a potential free agent, which club would not like to acquire him on a pre-contract? The talented Frenchman has already become a global superstar at a very young age. He is yet to win the Champions League but has won league titles in France and the prestigious FIFA World Cup. Last summer, Mbappe was heavily linked with Real Madrid in a bumper deal that ultimately didn't materialize.
Once January starts, Real Madrid will face competition as Mbappe is yet to renew his current contract with PSG. While Real will be the favorites, others like Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are said to be admirers of the Frenchman. Mbappe's pre-contract signing may turn into one of the most exciting transfer sagas of all time.
