World-Class XI available on a free transfer in 2019

Centre-backs - Toby Alderweireld (Spurs) and Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)

Godin and Alderweireld are two among many top centre-backs in the final years of their contract

We were spoilt for choices in the centre-back department and had to leave out the likes of Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and David Luiz among many others. Given the number of quality centre-backs available for free next summer, a team can go as far as overhauling their entire defence next season if the need be.

Toby Alderweireld was linked with a move to Manchester United ahead of the current season but he was denied the move and that could come at a cost for Spurs.

The Belgian refused to extend his current contract because of which he was left out of the squad several times last season. However, due to injuries and a lack of summer transfer activity, he’s now a regular for Spurs once again.

He has less than a year left on his current contract but Spurs has the option to trigger a one-year extension but if they use this option, then another clause is activated which allows him to leave the club for only £25m next summer. How this scenario plays out will interest many clubs.

Diego Godin has proved to be one of the best centre-backs in the world in recent years and the 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid.

The Uruguayan is in his ninth season with Atletico Madrid and will turn 33-years-old before the season ends. There is no official announcement about his contract situation at the moment but certain reports suggest that he will sign an extension whereas other reports suggest that he is on his way out of the club and will join Juventus next season as a potential replacement for Andrea Barzagli.

Honourable mentions - Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), David Luiz (Chelsea), Jan Vertonghen (Spurs), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United)