There are plenty of big names who could walk away from their clubs for absolutely nothing at the end of June – but who would be the best signing?
The end of the season is upon us, and while business on the pitch has been wrapped up, the serious stuff is only just beginning behind the scenes. And for those who are out of contract this summer, that will take on a particular urgency now as they enter the final month of their respective deals.
A host of big-name stars are potentially into their last 30 days with their current employers, cranking up both the intensity of negotiations over potential renewals and interest from clubs sniffing around for a free transfer.
Such is the stature of a lot of these names – both in their prime and coming towards the twilight of their respective careers – that some of 2025's most significant moves may cost absolutely nothing, with Kylian Mbappe's 2024 blockbuster free transfer to Real Madrid setting a precedent.
Below, GOAL ranks the best 2025 potential free agents who can negotiate a transfer…
AFP10Cristiano Ronaldo
Out of nowhere, it seems as though Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Al-Nassr is going to come to an abrupt end. Despite being widely expected to renew his contract with the Saudi club, another trophy-less season in the Middle East has seen the veteran superstar's patience run out.
There is widespread speculation that the 40-year-old will sensationally join a team participating in this summer's Club World Cup, who have been given special dispensation to sign players up until June 10. Bizarrely, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has even talked up the possibility. At this stage, Wydad of Morocco, Mexico's Monterrey, Brazilian side Botafogo or Al-Nassr's domestic rivals Al-Hilal appear to be his most likely destination.
AdvertisementGetty9Marco Verratti
Considered one of the finest defensive midfielders around just a few seasons ago, it was strange that Marco Verratti opted to head to Qatar when calling time on his glittering spell with Paris Saint-Germain in 2023 when still at the peak of his powers and aged just 30.
The Italian has continued to perform for Al-Arabi, but as his contract ticks down there is uncertainty over whether he will stay there as the club struggles to match his ambitions overall. It would be quite romantic to see him finish his career in Serie A – strangely a league he has never played in.
AFP8Roony Bardghji
Once the scourge of Manchester United in the Champions League, young Roony Bardghji is something of a forgotten man despite being considered a wonderkid just a couple of years ago. That's mainly result of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that sidelined him for the best part of a year.
Perhaps unhelpfully dubbed the 'Swedish Messi', Bardghji's contract with Copenhagen is coming to an end and he is being linked with an exit as the 19-year-old looks to get his career back onto that meteoric trajectory. Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs supposedly willing to take a risk on a free transfer.
Getty Images7Angel Gomes
Now boasting the prestige of being a senior England international, ex-Manchester United man Angel Gomes will have no shortage of suitors in the summer having confirmed his exit from Ligue 1 side Lille.
A classy midfield operator, Gomes' imminent availability has provoked reported interest from the likes of Barcelona, Tottenham, West Ham and Roma, as well as former club United. He will certainly be someone to keep tabs on as weeks progress.
