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John Molyneux Carter, Senior Editor
List for Notable players whose contracts are expiring In the summer of 2024, it won’t be quite as impressive as it was a year ago, but there are still some big stars whose futures are far from resolved.
The saga over Kylian Mbappe’s potential move to Real Madrid continues, although sources have told ESPN that he is in talks about signing a new deal. The usual group of aging players, such as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, feature again as they enter the final year of their contracts, but there are some youngsters who could be snapped up for next to nothing if they don’t put pen to paper soon.
Below is a summary of the most desirable players, not including those like Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka who have a club option to extend for a further year.
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Kylian Mbappe24, striker, Paris Saint-Germain
One of the epics of last summer. Mbappe signed a new three-year contract in 2022, rejecting a free move to Real Madrid in the process, but it was later revealed that it was a two-year contract with a third year only eligible if the France international activates it. He chose not to and told club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi of his desire to leave, leading to him being banished from the first-team squad during the pre-season tour of Japan.
Paris Saint-Germain were open to offers, and the Saudi Professional League’s Al-Hilal made a world-record bid of €300 million, which the club accepted but which Mbappe rejected.
Ultimately, the signing of Mbappe’s friend Ousmane Dembélé and Neymar’s €90m exit convinced the 24-year-old to change his mind. He agreed to sign new terms – likely to contain a release clause of between €100m and €150m – so the club can collect a transfer fee when he leaves. These terms are yet to be confirmed, so watch this space, but he could potentially become a Real Madrid player in the next six months — if They will be with him.
Adrien Rabiot, 28, midfielder, Juventus
After months of speculation that he might leave for Manchester United or Barcelona, Rabiot signed a one-year contract extension with Juventus in June, but that delayed a long-term decision on his future. The France international is a key player for Torino – having registered three goals and three assists in 16 games this season – and fans will want him to sign up for longer.
Luka Modric, 37, cm, Real Madrid
Still going strong at 37, Modric joined Real Madrid in 2012 and won 23 trophies during his 11 years at the Bernabéu. The Croatia international is no longer the central force he once was, and has received additional competition for places from Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Chouamini and Federico Valverde. He’s not happy with his playing time, coming in seven times from 15 league appearances so far, so don’t rule him out extending his career elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Modric’s teammate, Toni Kroos, is slightly younger (33), but was already considering early retirement before his improvement in form and fitness over the past two years convinced him to continue playing. However, the German midfielder has made it clear that he will retire at Real Madrid, so no other club will benefit from his skills on a free transfer.
Valentin Barco19, LB, Boca Juniors
One of the best young left-backs in the world, Barco is out of contract in December 2024 and has already attracted interest from the likes of Brighton, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
The Argentina Under-23 international reportedly has a $20 million release clause in his contract, making his signing possible before his contract expires. However, he could put pen to paper on terms that would lift his release clause and ensure Boca are able to make a little better of his eventual move.
Piotr Zielinski29, cm, Naples
Zielinski has been a key player for the Serie A champions since his arrival in 2016, but with his next contract potentially being his last, he is said to want a pay rise. The Polish international has yet to agree terms with Napoli and is being hotly pursued by league rivals Inter Milan, who could seal a deal for next to nothing.
Lloyd Kelly25, lb/cb, Bournemouth
Bournemouth reportedly rejected a £20m bid from Tottenham to sign Kelly over the summer, which they may regret if the versatile defender continues to leave for nothing. January could be the club’s last chance to secure a transfer fee, and the list of suitors is growing – now including AC Milan, Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Eric Dier, 29, Tottenham defender
Dier appears not to be part of new manager Ange Postecoglou’s plans at Tottenham, having played four times this season – once since the start. Bayern have been linked, after they signed former teammate Harry Kane for 100 million euros, while Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Fulham have shown interest from the English Premier League this summer. He could terminate his contract and leave for free, but it is unlikely he will get much playing time for the rest of the season.
Thiago, 32 cm, Liverpool
Liverpool have completely reshaped their midfield this summer, but the 32-year-old could also find himself sent out the exit door when his contract expires. Injuries have limited his impact, although the Spain international brings valuable experience to the midfield which it now lacks. The Saudi Professional League has attracted a number of players from Anfield in recent months, and it could be a future destination for Thiago as well.
