Check out the biggest stars available on pre-contract in the January transfer window…
Although there is a deal of scepticism as to whether UEFA can fully enforce their stringent Financial Fair Play rules, there is a definite sea change afoot.
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With that in mind, the Daily Mail believes that the rise in pre-contract agreements could be a steep one in the coming years. Free transfers are nothing new – and do cost clubs hefty amounts in inflated sign-on fees – with some managers hoping to get business done early.
The first opportunity to sign players on a pre-contract agreement comes in January, and the Mail took a look at the available stars on pre-contract agreements in less than two months’ time:
16) Sergio Romero (Sampdoria)
The man who saved two Holland penalties in the World Cup semi-final could well be leaving Serie A at the end of this season. Manchester United and Liverpool have both been linked as they seek suitable competition for David De Gea and Simon Mignolet.
15) Nigel De Jong (AC Milan)
Looking for that little bit of added steel in midfield? De Jong may well be your man. A fierce competitor and someone who Manchester City have missed a touch this season.
14) Maxi Pereira (Benfica)
Bombs forward from right back and one of the more exuberant fliers to watch in Europe.
13) Ignazio Abate (AC Milan)
Played in Italy’s back four during the World Cup and did so impressively. A good age at 28.
12) Yoann Gourcuff (Lyon)
Has never scored enough goals given his position and the quality he has, but would still provide a touch of class to a range of sides.
11) Andre-Pierre Gignac (Marseille)
Not keen on signing a new deal, with the striker – linked with Arsenal and Newcastle – seemingly on his way.
10) Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk)
The striker cannot stop scoring. It’s nine goals in the Champions League already, including five away at BATE Borisov. He is a late developer and an unknown commodity but had a hand in two on his Brazil debut against Turkey on Wednesday night.
9) Eduardo Vargas (Napoli, on loan at Queens Park Rangers)
Is QPR merely a shop window for the Chilean? Perhaps, perhaps not. Harry Redknapp will be well aware Vargas is out of contract and – should Rangers have designs of consolidating in the Premier League, they could do a lot worse than to get this one sorted. Arsenal are also admirers.
8) Andre Ayew (Marseille)
Always one who is talked about when a window comes around, and January will be no different. Marseille won’t see any value in taking the money and running, so it’ll be interesting to see who courts the Ghanaian livewire. Liverpool and West Ham could be tempted.
7) Yevhen Konoplyanka (Dnipro)
Liverpool failed to sign the winger last January because Dnipro dug their heels in, but the Ukrainian side must be regretting that now. Interest is high for the jinking creator and he is certain to leave on a free. It’s a matter of who gets there first.
6) Rasmus Elm (CSKA Moscow)
Perhaps someone who will peak the interest of those beneath the top six in the Premier League, Elm is a classy midfielder on the ball but also has a height advantage over most. Those attributes – plus possessing an excellent engine – make the Swede desirable.
5) Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
The real standout player available to clubs who want to get their business done swiftly. It’s no secret as to Khedira’s obvious ability – with Arsenal interested in the central midfielder – and, although his wages will undoubtedly be high, not many would pass up the opportunity to add the German.
4) Alvaro Pereira (Sao Paulo)
Uruguay’s chosen left back during the summer World Cup, Pereira was the man to continue playing despite a heavy clash with Raheem Sterling in England’s group stage defeat. Loves to gallop forward.
3) Fabian Schar (FC Basle)
One of the emerging central defenders in Europe and with designs of bigger things. Excellent against Liverpool in the continent’s premier competition only a matter of weeks ago and has plenty of admirers. Only 22 so would require a compensation fee to be paid.
2) Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Despite talk of a new deal the central defender will have a few in his ear. With Juventus having won the last three titles – a fourth appears to be on its way – Chiellini may fancy a change, particularly given he’s only played in Serie A.
1) Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Has already made it clear that he won’t be staying at the Nou Camp beyond his current contract and would represent an exciting prospect for almost every side in Europe. A veteran of the Champions League but still with the vibrancy a full back in England requires, the Brazilian will have many suitors.
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