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The new club season in European football is just a few weeks away and understandably, preparations are in full swing. Many teams have begun their pre-season tours and are bolstering their squad with new signings.
Some of the highest-profile footballers will be entering the final year of their contracts with their respective sides, leaving them with big decisions to make. While the list is long, we've whittled it down to these five:
#5 John Stones (Manchester City)
Last season couldn't have been more successful for John Stones. The 27-year-old played a starring role in Manchester City's league title success, finding the net on four occasions.
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It was a massive turnaround in fortunes for the English footballer as his future at the club was in limbo and exit rumors could be heard above the din.
Stones later carried that form into the Euros with England, where he re-established himself among the best centre-backs in Europe.
Reports suggest the 27-year-old is set to sign a new three-year contract with City, but until it's official, his future will remain a topic of discussion.
#4 Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri's name was on everyone's lips after his top performances for Spain at Euro 2020.
He won the best young player of the tournament award and has garnered interest from some top European clubs, including Liverpool.
The 18-year-old footballer still has a year left on his contract with Barcelona. After his impressive European campaign, Blaugrana should be eager to tie him down. It won't be long before the teams queue up at his door with more lucrative offers.
#3 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
In football, transfer gossip columns are never complete without a mention of Paul Pogba. His future with Manchester United has come under scrutiny on numerous occasions in the past few years.
The 28-year-old footballer is now in the final year of his contract with the club, which only means another season riddled with exit rumors and contract speculation.
The midfielder's last two years with the Red Devils have been particularly difficult, with injuries and loss of form severely hampering his time on the football field.
But with a fairly impressive Euro campaign under his belt, Ole Gunnar Solskjær will be hoping to have Pogba back to his scintillating best for the 2021-22 season. That could help both parties negotiate a new deal.
According to new reports, the Frenchman will run down his existing terms and then decide on his future. But United are keen to retain his services beyond next summer.
#2 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best young footballer that every team on the planet would like to get their hands on. But not all sides can afford to splurge the millions as PSG can, who're poised to offer him a new contract.
Mbappe has impressed mightily on the football field. In 171 games, he's scored a staggering 132 goals and provided 61 assists for the French outfit - an immaculate record for a 22-year-old.
However, their shortcomings in Europe have often sparked exit rumors. The World Cup winner has often been linked with Real Madrid, the football club he's widely touted to join sometime in the future.
Could that much-anticipated transfer finally materialize in 2022?
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Juventus has been called into question after every season, with the side's repeated failures in the Champions League.
Last season, he would've most likely left had the Bianconeri not managed to finish inside the top-four places in Serie A on the final day.
Now, with his contract up next summer, the Portuguese football ace is sure to become the subject of media speculation again. Despite being tipped to stay on for a few more years.
With Massimiliano Allegri back at the club, hopes are high for the new season. if Juventus manage to pull up trees in Europe and even reclaim domestic glory, there's a real chance of Ronaldo extending his contract.
Honorable mentions: Andre Onana (Ajax), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), and Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
