Out-of-contract XI: Best free agents available in summer 2025 including Liverpool trio - The Mirror

The opening of the January transfer window also means that players out of contract in the summer can sign agreements with overseas teams to make free transfers come the end of the season

The January window may only be just about to open, but there is already some attention on summer business.

While some clubs may be looking to spend big, there is also a bargain to be found among the raft of players who will be out of contract at the end of the season. Players who will see their deals expire can negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs from New Year's Day.

There is a mouthwatering squad of stars who fit into this category and could be on the move for free in the summer. Among their number are four Bayern Munich players and three Liverpool stars.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah have all caught the headlines with their stalling contract negotiations. Here, Mirror Football looks at who joins them in the out of contract XI.

Goalkeeper - Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is the pick of the goalkeepers who will be out of contract in the summer. Widely seen as the best goalkeeper of his generation, Neuer has won 11 Bundesliga titles and the Champions League twice with Bayern Munich.

He also helped Germany to win the World Cup in 2014. Neuer turns 39 in March and it remains to be seen if Bayern will look to keep him at the Allianz Arena. A deal has so far not been forthcoming, opening the door to a move.

Right-back - Trent Alexander-Arnold

There has been little progress in talks between Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold, meaning the Englishman takes the right-back spot in this team. Alexander-Arnold is only 26, meaning he is in the prime of his career.

He is ranked among the best right-backs in the Premier League and has played a key role for the Reds this term, helping them to top the division. But a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer appears increasingly likely, with little progress on talks over a new contract.

Centre-backs - Virgil van Dijk and Jonathan Tah

Alexander-Arnold's team-mate Virgil van Dijk joins him in this team. The Dutchman has retained the captain's armband under new boss Arne Slot and remains an elite defender.

Joining Van Dijk in this team is Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah. He led Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season as Invincibles, with the defender having already confirmed he will not be staying at the club.

Left-back - Alphonso Davies

In at left-back is Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, who appears likely to depart in the summer. The Canadian has only just turned 24 but has already won five Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.

He has endured a number of injury-blighted seasons, with Madrid and a number of top English sides now lurking around him. Davies has long made it clear he is unlikely to extend his stay in Munich.

Central midfield - Angel Gomes and Joshua Kimmich

Angel Gomes came through the ranks at Manchester United but it is with Lille where he has truly caught the eye, with the 24-year-old ending last yea as Ligue 1's top assist provider. His performances earned him a regular starting spot for England under interim boss Lee Carsley.

Lille are yet to announce a new deal for Gomes, with the Englishman joined in this term by Joshua Kimmich. The German has been a key man for Bayern Munich and his national team, though his wage demands could dictate where he ends up next year.

Right wing - Mo Salah

Arguably the Premier League's player of the year so far has been Mo Salah. He is the division's top scorer having fired Liverpool into a dominant lead in first place.

But this could be the 32-year-old's final season in England. He revealed in October that Liverpool had yet to offer him a new contract, with the Egyptian recently confirming there had been no progress on talks.

Left wing - Leroy Sane

On the opposite wing is a fourth Bayern player in Leroy Sane. The German international has lost his place to Michael Olise this season, in a clear sign that he will be searching for a new club come the summer.

Sane previously had a bumpy spell at Manchester City but has reinvigorated his career at Bayern. Arsenal are seen as the 28-year-old's leading suitors entering the January window.

No.10 - Kevin De Bruyne

The penultimate piece in the line-up is at No.10, where we have placed Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has endured a difficult season at Manchester City, with long spells out of the team following a succession of injuries.

But he remains a quality player, having driven City to multiple title wins. Given City are in bad need of a squad rebuild, out of contract De Bruyne may well find himself on the chopping block.

Striker - Son Heung-Min

Completing the line-up is Son Heung-Min, who is the pick of the strikers entering the final months of their deal. The South Korean has been Tottenham's main man since Harry Kane left in the summer of 2023.

He has experienced a difficult campaign this season and, having failed to land a single trophy during his time at Spurs, Son could be tempted to head elsewhere in the search to win silverware.

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