Nowadays, footballers have become more willing to test the waters of the free market. Year after year, we see a growing number of players who are more than happy to see their contracts before embarking on a new adventure. With just three months separating us from the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the list of free agents in Serie A has never been so full. So let’s take a look at the top 10 players in the league who could be untied by the end of June.
To note: This list only includes players who could realistically become free agents this summer. Therefore, we excluded those who are widely expected to sign contract extensions (like Juan Cuadrado or Marcelo Brozovic) as well as those who have already determined their next destinations (like Lorenzo Insigne and Felipe Luiz).
10- Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan)
The reason the Swede is low on the list is that his future in the sport is really uncertain – meaning he could decide to put his boots on hold due to his advanced age and recurring injury problems.
And yet, it simply had to be included.
The 40-year-old is determined to win something at Milan before calling it a day, but it remains to be seen if the Rossoneri share the same sentiment, as his salary has become a burden compared to his increasingly reduced playing time.
But maybe another club will manage to convince him to do one last swan song.
9- Matias Vecino (Inter)
If you’re looking to sign an experienced Serie A midfielder, look no further than Matias Vecino as the Inter veteran is set to become one of Italy’s most sought-after free agents.
The former Fiorentina and Cagliari man is a hard-working player and an excellent box-to-box midfielder, but injuries have recently derailed his career – along with Nicolò Barella’s arrival at Inter.
Some sources believe Lazio could be his next destination as he continues his tour around the peninsula.
8- Dries Mertens (Napoli)
This summer could truly mark the end of an era for Napoli. Southerners are already ready to bid farewell to Insigne. But in addition to their captain leaving for Toronto, they could also part ways with their all-time leading scorer.
Dries Mertens has been a mainstay at the club since 2013, but at 34 he lost his starting spot to younger players, making his departure a logical conclusion.
Nonetheless, the Belgian hasn’t lost his goal-scoring skills yet, and despite his limited starting appearances, he’s already contributed seven strikes in Serie A this season, and would surely be considered one of the most interesting free agents around. .
7- David Ospina (Napoli)
From one Napoli veteran to another. For several years, David Ospina has been fighting for a starting place between the sticks against Alex Meret.
But as is often the case, the younger option ends up being accepted which is why the Colombian’s future might lie elsewhere.
However, we are still talking about one of Italy’s strongest shooters who can still get the job done for years to come.
6- Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus)
He may not be Juventus’ hottest star with an expiring contract, but the Italian remains an enticing prospect for any Serie A side looking for reinforcement on the wing.
The former Fiorentina golden boy has had his ups and downs throughout his playing career but has proven to be a tough player who can work magic on some occasions.
The 28-year-old recently changed his rep – from Mino Raiola to Federico Pastorello – but a contract renewal remains on the table, albeit with a pay cut.
5-Ivan Perisic (Inter)
Despite celebrating his 33rd birthday, Ivan Perisic remains one of Italy’s most dangerous wingers and has even managed to play the winger role in the playing systems of Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi.
However, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims the Croatian has asked for six million euros a year in order to extend his stay at Inter, a figure considered heavy by his employers, who have a ready-made replacement in Robin Gosens. (who earns only 2.5 million).
It remains to be seen whether or not the two parties will be able to find common ground.
4- Andrea Belotti (Turin)
About time!
While we all respect and appreciate a star player who sticks with a mid-table team, at 28, Andrea Belotti has to test himself at higher levels.
The striker’s current campaign has been marred by recurring injuries but he recently returned to the pitch, reminding us all of his goalscoring prowess, especially in the Derby della Mole against Juventus.
For their part, Milan have been linked with the Euro 2020 winner for some time, so now could be the perfect time to splash some younger blood in their frontline.
3- Alessio Romagnoli (Milan)
Speaking of the Devils, they could lose the services of their captain by the end of the campaign.
However, that shouldn’t be a major problem for Stefano Pioli who basically relies on Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer (when fit). Moreover, a new defender should land in Milan this summer.
As for Romagnoli, Juventus have shown some interest in his services but as a childhood Lazio supporter, he could finally be on the verge of playing for his beloved club.
2- Franck Kessie (Milan)
If losing your captain as a free agent isn’t enough, then how about being dropped by “the president” himself.
As for Hakan Calhanoglu and Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Ivorian asks for figures that Paolo Maldini is not ready to pay.
The former Atalanta man was arguably Serie A’s best midfielder last season, but he appears to be distracted in the current campaign as he is set to embrace the free agent market.
Kessié has a long list of suitors on the Old Continent, but Barcelona could be the favorites to seal the deal.
1- Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
After a long wait, a few months separate us from the conclusion of one of the longest soap operas linked to contract extensions.
Will he sign a renewal or will he leave?
Fans and watchers have been asking this question for over a year now, and the answer remains unclear.
While the two sides had apparently reached a verbal agreement by the end of 2021, Juventus backed off from their initial offer (8 million plus bonuses) and are now ready to offer the Argentine a reduced offer, which would surely not suit the latter.
Tighten your seat belts, because this one is set for a bumpy finish.
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