Top 5 football players who are out of contract in 2021

The transfer window might have just concluded, but the drama that unfolded this summer promises to continue even further. Several high-profile names are out of contract next summer, and up for grabs if they don't sign a new deal.

These players are free to talk to clubs from January 1, and it will be interesting to see whether they are offered a new contract by their current clubs, or are sold for a reduced fee in January. They could even leave for free next summer.

Here are the top five players who are sure to grab the attention of the top clubs around the world if their contractual situation remains the same.

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#5 Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay

After closely missing out on his dream move to Barcelona this summer due to La Liga restrictions, Depay now looks set on his way out of Lyon either in January or next summer. He reportedly agreed on all personal terms with the Catalan club this summer and Barcelona may likely go for him again in the next transfer window.

Barcelona's current coach Ronald Koeman has worked with Depay during his time at the Dutch National team, and has openly expressed his desire to bring the 26-year-old to Camp Nou. Moreover, given Lyon's failure to qualify for the Champions League this season, it might not be a surprise if we see Depay donning Barcelona's colors in January.

#4 Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil

Currently, axed from Mikel Arteta's team and out of contract next summer, Ozil is one of the most likely players among this list to leave his current club. His last game for the Gunners was on March 7th and with his £350,000-a-week contract, he is becoming an expensive problem for the Arsenal hierarchy.

One of the best playmakers of his generation, the 31-year-old will surely attract some top clubs, but not many would like to match his huge wage demands.

#3 David Alaba

The 28-year-old Austrian is one of the most versatile and sought after players in world football. There should be no dearth of offers from elite European clubs if he chose not to commit his future at Bayern, given the fact that he is still in his prime years as a professional.

Relations between Bayern and Alaba are not great at this moment after former Bayern president Uli-Hoeness accused Alaba's agent Pini Zahavi of being a "money-grabbing piranha" amid negotiations over a new deal for his client. Alaba would be a great asset for Barcelona or Real Madrid, and reports have emerged linking him to those clubs.

#2 Sergio Aguero

The Argentinian ace has spent almost a decade at Manchester City becoming the club's highest-ever goal-scorer in the process. The 32-year-old has, however, had issues with injuries in recent seasons and the club might likely allow him to leave come next summer.

Now nearing the end of his illustrious stint at the Premier League, the prospect of him returning to his former club Independiente could be on the cards. Aguero himself proposed the idea in 2015 that he would like to move to Argentina after his City contract expires.

#1 Lionel Messi

The Messi transfer saga was the story of the summer, and it may not be long until the saga gathers some pace again. It was clear that he wanted to leave Barcelona, the club he's been at for almost two decades, and only his contractual situation didn't allow him to fulfil his desire. But come January, he'll be free to talk to clubs without any complications.

There will be no dearth of potential suitors, even though he is nearing the end of his prime years. Manchester City are still the favorites to lure Messi, but cash-rich clubs like Inter Milan and PSG are not far from this conversation. A return to Argentina, though, looks unlikely.