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Summer windows are always synonymous with big money signings, but there are players who could prove to be a handful of a bargain when their contract runs out next summer. Andrea Pirlo, Gary McAllister, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski, Paul Pogba and Esteban Cambiasso are some of the names which reverberate when the word "free transfer" is heard in football.
Over 30 defenders will be without their contracts in the top 5 leagues in Europe- Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A upon the expiry of their contracts. Landing these players will always be tricky because many clubs battle it out for the players' signatures.
Let's look at the top 5 defenders who will be available for free next summer:
#5 Jose Gimenez - centre-back (Atletico Madrid)
Contracted until: 30/06/2018
The Uruguayan defender is a prominent star for Atletico Madrid starring as a regular under Simeone over the last 3 years. Ever since his departure from his hometown club Danubio, Gimenez has turned the heads of some of the heavyweights including Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.
Gimenez was deemed as a successor to his compatriot Diego Godin among the fans, but he has decided against signing a new contract at Wanda Metropolitano.
Jose Gimenez is strong in the air and has the capability to bully any striker in this world with his muscular strength. He has appeared 106 times for Atletico Madrid scoring 5 times in the process.
At only 22 years of age, the Atletico Madrid centre-back is yet to enter his prime. The defender has a bright future ahead of himself, and will be in huge demand as his contract expires at the end of the season.
#4 Daley Blind - left-back (Manchester United)
Contracted until: 30/06/2018
It is really surprising that Manchester United have not extended the Dutchman's contract. Daley Blind is one of the best versatile players available at stake right now having the capability to operate at left back, right back and in the central midfield.
The 27-year-old was bought by Louis Van Gaal soon after his arrival at Old Trafford. The former Ajax star has struggled to cement his place, making just 10 appearances this season, with Ashley Young preferred in the left-back slot by the Portuguese boss.
However, should his absence from the league continue, Blind may be forced to seek out another option, come the winter window.
Many clubs who want Daley Blind's services will certainly be monitoring him, and it will be a brilliant coup, should he sign for another club as a free agent.
#3 Giorgio Chiellini - centre-back (Juventus)
Contracted until: 30/06/2018
Giorgio Chiellini is one of the decorated footballers in Italy having won 6 Serie A titles consecutively with Juventus. Chiellini is 33, but would still make it to the bracket of the top 5 centre-backs in the modern game.
The centre-half has always been a fan favourite at Turin, and played 447 times. The Italian is a no-nonsense tackler and his performance against AS Monaco in last years Champions League semi-final proves Chiellini has much more left in his locker.
It is unsure if Juventus are offering him a new deal, but the Italian defender will surely prefer an extension. Moving to another Serie A team makes sense, as the pace of the Premier League and Bundesliga is too much for someone like Giorgio Chiellini who is entering his later stages of his playing career.
#2 Stefan de Vrij - centre-back (Lazio)
Contracted until: 30/06/2018
Another centre-half from Serie A makes the list, as the Dutch defender is in contract talks with the Italian club as his current deal expires at the end of the season.
But, the club and player are yet to come to an agreement yet. De Vrij has hit the ground running from day one at Rome, proving himself to be one of the most dominant centre-backs in the league with his astute defensive skills.
Lazio must act quickly to keep De Vrij, as scouts from various clubs are keeping their notes ready to agree on personal terms with the defender, in advance. Since joining the side from Rome in 2014, he has made 82 appearances for the club, and has won 31 caps for Holland.
#1 Faouzi Ghoulam - left-back (Napoli)
Contracted until: 30/06/2018
The Algerian full-back has been a revelation at Napoli since joining them from Saint-Etienne during the summer of 2013. He was wrapped up by Rafa Benitez from the French club, and has gone on to make 153 appearances in all the competitions for the Ciucciarelli club.
Ghoulam is currently refusing to sign a new contract with the Italian giants, and claims to want a new challenge abroad.
Napoli resisted offers for Ghoulam last summer deciding to keep him for another season at Naples. Manchester City and Chelsea are potential suitors for Faouzi Ghoulam who has impressed with balanced defending and attacking approach as a defender.
It will be interesting to see where Ghoulam ends up, as plenty of teams are in dire need of a quality left-back.
