If you thought the summer transfer window of 2021 was crazy, just wait for next summer where there are a host of top name players coming to the end of their contracts.
Before we start, there are some important steps to take when it comes to free agency, the first of which is to keep up to date with the news, so Tip Number One; save the players to your shortlist so you’re notified of any changes as they happen. If you want to download our shortlist that contains the players listed today then head to the bottom of the post where you’ll find the download link.
Kylian Mbappe - Forward
Arguably the hottest property on the market this summer, Mbappe is considering his options at the start of this game, likely to want a minimum of £400,000 you’re going to have to be one of the big European clubs to interest this generational talent.
Paulo Dybala - Forward
Juventus have been the kings of the Bosman market in recent years but it looks like the Prince of Turin could run his contract down. The Argentinian is sure to command a strong contract as his in his prime years but he’d be a solid signing if you’re looking for a player that can comfortably play across the front four positions.
Ousmane Dembele - Forward
The French forward starts the game with an injury that’ll see him recover just as you can approach him to talk about a contract. Newcastle have been linked with the winger and they can certainly afford his wage and with Barcelona in financial difficulty they’ll probably be happy to shift his contract of the wage bill.
Tip Number Two: If a player isn’t interested in joining you, declare your interest in the player to the press.
Andre Onana - Goalkeeper
When you start the game you’ll find Onana currently serving a global ban, the good news as it was recently reduced by the Court of Arbitration meaning one of the top goalkeepers in Football Manager will be back playing football by the time you can approach to sign him in January.
Franck Kessie - Midfielder
Franck the Tank, the Ivorian midfielder has been a Football Manager must buy for the last decade and next summer his contract at AC Milan will expire. Franck’s mental attributes are not to be messed with and if you’re from the school of Fibra, he ticks the box.
Marcelo Brozovic - Midfielder
In Football Manager he’s heralded as a World Class Midfielder and next summer his contract with Inter Milan expires. Inter’s financial difficulties have been well documented so they likelihood of him resigning are very slim. He’s strongest through the centre of the midfield and is capable of playing in multiple roles.
Tip Number 3: Still struggling to make the player interested in a move? Make sure you’ve got a scout watching him constantly and then, when you can, go and watch his team play, he’ll always appreciate it.
Niklas Sule - Defender
If you’re looking for a giant centre back to stick on the front post at corners then look no further than Niklas Sule from Bayern Munich. This powerful centre back has all the attributes you’d expect from a defender that’s been playing for one of the best teams in the world and with his contract expiring you’ll be able to pick him up either in January for next to nothing, or take the risk of trying to sign him on a pre-contract.
Matthias Ginter - Defender
The German with the Model Citizen personality is nearing the end of his contract and is a brilliant Premier League signing… cough Newcastle cough. Ginter is the epitome of a German defender, he does everything effortlessly excellent.
Juan Cuadrado - Wing Back
At 33, 34 when his contract expires, Cuadrado still possesses some amazing attributes and with his versatility across the right sided positions he’ll do a job for the next couple of seasons. His personality could also lend him to being a key mentor for your youngsters coming through.
Faouzi Ghoulam - Defender
We had to add Ghoulam to this list purely for those of you that want to dominate from set-pieces and utilise his 18 Long Throw attribute. He is of course, more than that, a solid left sided player that’ll give you solid performances game-in, game-out.
Tip Number Four: Still having difficulty making yourself seen by the player? See if you have an International Teammate in your squad and ask him to talk up the move. This can work with an influential player as well.
Gareth Bale - Forward
Wales. Golf. Leaving Real Madrid. Do you think your team will have the minerals to sign the experienced winger? I feel that his physical attributes are going to hamper him when it comes from signing for a big club, but as 95% of Football Manager players are managing Newcastle at the moment… could you get him?
There are LOTS more players nearing the end of their contract, Luca Modric, Luis Suarez, Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, Angel Di Maria… so give the shortlist a little download and see what works for your team.
I’ve no doubt that we’ll talk about out of contracted players on our weekly Football Manager Podcast, 5 Star Potential, and you can let us know who you signed by Tweeting us @5StarPod. Thanks for reading.