5 top footballers whose contracts are expiring after the 2021-22 season

#3 Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Pogba has generated interested from other clubs after his performances at Euro 2020

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.

🎙@FabrizioRomano on @podcastherewego: "What I'm told is that it's not over yet about talks on new contract for Paul Pogba 🇫🇷 with Manchester United. United want to try to keep him." #MUFC #PSG pic.twitter.com/DeQQXmU29C

— RouteOneFootball (@Route1futbol) July 13, 2021

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.

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#2 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Real Madrid have been persistently linked with Mbappe

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.

(🌕) Kylian Mbappè still refuses to renew his contract with PSG. He believes there is no real project to win the Champions League with the French club. @lequipe #rmlive 🇫🇷

— Los Blancos Live (@LosBlancos_Live) July 17, 2021

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?

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)

Ronaldo's future with Juventus depends a lot on their Champions League results

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.

❗️Cristiano Ronaldo will be in Turin on July 26. Juventus are hoping to reach an agreement for a contract extension with a salary cut. (Tuttosport) pic.twitter.com/XNMjEI0V6D

— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) July 19, 2021

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)