In the current day and age, footballers have become more willing to test to the free market waters. Year after year, we’re witnessing an increasing number of players who are more than happy to see out their contracts before embarking on a new adventure. With only three months separating us from the end of the 2021/22 campaign, the Serie A free agents list has never been this packed. So let’s check out the Top 10 players in the league who could be become untied back by the end of June.
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 the ones who have already determined their next destinations (like Lorenzo Insigne and Felipe Luiz).
10- Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan)
The reason why the Swedish is at the bottom of the list is because his future in the sport is truly up in the air – meaning that he could decide to hang his boots due his advanced age and recurring injury problems.
And yet, we simply had to include him.
The 40-year-old is adamant on winning something at Milan before he calls it a day, but it remains to be seen if the Rossoneri share the same sentiment, as his wages have become a burden when compared to his ever-shrinking playing time.
But perhaps some other club will manage to convince him of doing one last swansong.
9- Matias Vecino (Inter)
If you’re looking to sign an experienced no-nonsense Serie A midfielder, look no further than Matias Vecino, as the Inter veteran is about to become one of the most sought-after free agents in Italy.
The former Fiorentina and Cagliari man is a hardworking player and an excellent box-to-box midfielder, but injuries have derailed his career recently – as well as the arrival of Nicolò Barella to Inter.
Some sources believe that Lazio could be his next destination as he continues his tour around the peninsula.
8- Dries Mertens (Napoli)
This summer could truly signal the end of an era for Napoli. The southerners are already set to bid Insigne farewell. But aside from their Toronto-bound captain, they could also part ways with their all-time best goal-scorer.
Dries Mertens has been a mainstay at the club since 2013, but at the age of 34, he has lost his starting berth in favor of younger players, making his departure a logical conclusion.
Nevertheless, the Belgian hasn’t lost his touch for goals just yet, and despite his limited starting appearances, he has already contributed in seven Serie A strikes this term, and would surely be considered as one of the most interesting free agents out there.
7- David Ospina (Napoli)
From one Napoli veteran to another. For several years now, David Ospina has been battling for a starting spot between the sticks against Alex Meret.
But at it’s often the case, the younger option eventually gets the nod, which is why the Colombian’s future could lie elsewhere.
However, we’re still talking about one of the most solid shot-stoppers in Italy who can still do the job for years to come.
6- Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus)
Perhaps he’s not the most high-profile Juventus star with an expiring contract, but the Italian remains an enticing prospect for any Serie A side that is looking for reinforcement on the wings.
The former Fiorentina golden boy had his highs and lows throughout his playing career, but has proven to be a hard working player who can pull off some magic on some occasions.
The 28-year-old changed representatives recently – from Mino Raiola to Federico Pastorello – but a contract renewal remains on the table, albeit with a salary decrease.
5- Ivan Perisic (Inter)
Despite celebrating his 33rd birthday, Ivan Perisic remains one of the most dangerous wingers in Italy, and has even managed to interpret the wingback role in the playing systems of Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi.
However, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Croatian has asked for six million euros per year in order to extend his stay at Inter, a figure that is considered a hefty one by his employers, who have a ready-made replacement in Robin Gosens (who only earns 2.5 millions).
It remains to be seen if the two parties will be able to find a middle ground or not.
4- Andrea Belotti (Torino)
About time!
While we all respect and appreciate a star player who remains loyal to a mid-table side, at the age of 28, Andrea Belotti needs to test himself at higher levels.
The striker’s current campaign has been marred with recurring injuries, but he recently returned to the pitch, reminding us all of his goal-scoring prowess, especially in the Derby della Mole against Juventus.
For their part, Milan have been linked with the Euro 2020 winner for quite some time, so this could be the ideal timing to burst some younger blood into their frontline.
3- Alessio Romagnoli (Milan)
Speaking of the Devils, they could be set to lose the services of their captain by the end of the campaign.
However, this shouldn’t be a major issue for Stefano Pioli who essentially relies on Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer (when fit). Moreover, a new defender is expected to land in Milano this summer.
As for Romagnoli, Juventus have shown some interest in his services, but as a childhood supporter of Lazio, he could be finally on his way to play for his beloved club.
2- Franck Kessié (Milan)
If losing your captain as a free agent isn’t enough, then how about being abandoned by “the President” himself.
Reminiscently to Hakan Calhanoglu and Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Ivorian is asking for figures that Paolo Maldini isn’t willing to pay.
The former Atalanta man was arguably the best Serie A midfielder last season, but he seems to be distracted in the current campaign as he’s about to embrace the free agents market.
Kessié has a long list of suitors around the Old Continent, but Barcelona could be the favorites to seal the deal.
1- Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
After a long wait, few months separate us from the conclusion of one of the longest soap operas related to contract extensions.
Will he sign a renewal, or is he going to leave?
Fans and observers alike have been posing this question for more than a year now, and the answer remains unclear.
While the two parties had apparently reached a verbal agreement by the end of 2021, Juventus retracted on the their original proposal (8 millions plus bonuses) and are now set to offer the Argentine a reduced offer, which surely wouldn’t sit well with the latter.
Tighten you seat belts, because this one is set for a bumpy finale.