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The Ligue 1 has always been somewhat of a feeder league, where players establish themselves before moving on to bigger clubs. Though that is still the case, the emergence of PSG as a European powerhouse has attracted some of football's biggest names to France.
Ligue 1 now has established stars who could rival any league in the world. However, some of these stars are out of contract at the end of the 2020-21 season. Many teams would be interested in signing these players on a free transfer this summer, as some of them are in the prime of their careers.
With that being said, here are the top 5 free agents in Ligue 1
#5 Juan Bernat (PSG)
PSG defender Juan Bernat has established himself as a solid left-back in Ligue 1 over the years. The Spaniard now seems to be in the sights of some of the biggest clubs in the world, with his contract expiring in June.
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The 27-year-old full-back has not played for PSG in five months after rupturing his cruciate ligament back in September. His future appears to be away from the French champions as Barcelona have identified him as a potential back-up at the left-back position.
One would hope that the injury hasn't derailed Bernat's career and that the former Bayern Munich man can prove to be an effective player once he returns to the pitch.
#4 Julian Draxler (PSG)
It's safe to say that Julian Draxler has not lived up to his potential. The playmaker was touted as one of the world's most exciting prospects when he first joined PSG from Wolfsburg in 2017. However, his career in Ligue 1 has been hit-or-miss so far.
The 27-year-old has not been able to put in performances that would warrant him a place in this PSG side.
It is clear that the German midfielder possesses the technical ability to be a serviceable player for any team in the world. However, new PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino has deemed him surplus to requirements at the club.
The player is now free to negotiate a move with potential suitors.
#3 Florian Thauvin (Marseille)
After a disastrous spell with Newcastle United in Premier League, it would have been easy for Florian Thauvin to be a forgotten name in football. However, since returning to Ligue 1, the Frenchman has reinvigorated his career.
The winger has been on fire for Marseille this season, making 13 goal contributions in 18 Ligue 1 appearances.
Thauvin's ability on the ball makes him a great weapon for any club that would want to sign him.
#2 Angel Di Maria (PSG)
Angel Di Maria is one of the three players on this list who has proven doubters wrong after a failed spell in the Premier League.
The Argentine had a forgettable spell at Manchester United. However, since joining PSG in 2015, he has proven himself to be one of the best players in the world.
Di Maria is yet to make a decision on whether or not to extend his contract with PSG this season. If he chooses not to, it is almost certain that another European powerhouse would be chomping at the bit to secure his signature in June.
#1 Memphis Depay (Lyon)
Rounding out the list is Lyon's Memphis Depay, who joins Florian Thauvin and Angel Di Maria as a player who has gone onto prove his doubters wrong after a failed stint in the Premier League. Depay was another Manchester United flop who came to France and lit up the league.
The Dutchman has established himself as one of the most dangerous players in the world during his time with Lyon. Depay can play anywhere across the frontline and has proven to be an absolute menace for defenses across the league.
This season, Depay has bagged 11 goals and 5 assists in 19 Ligue 1 games, and has easily been Lyon's best player, as they compete with PSG at the top of the league. Depay has garnered huge interest from Barcelona, with the Spanish club having tried to sign the Dutchman during the summer. Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is said to be a huge fan of his compatriot and is keen to bring him to the Nou Camp in the summer.
