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Free transfers are a great way to improve the strength of your squad without denting your pocket.
In the modern world of football, world-class players come at a premium. However, teams can snap up a player without paying a former club when their contract ends. Free transfers have also become more frequent ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began impacting the finances of football clubs.
Defenders are the backbone of any successful team. While a lethal attack can score goals, a potent defense is needed to protect the lead. Although teams have splashed the cash on signing great defenders, bargain buys are often available and turn out to be excellent moves for the club and the player.
Thiago Silva at Chelsea is the most outstanding recent example. Silva joined the Blues as a free agent in 2020. Despite being on the wrong end of 30, he has done a fabulous job at the back for the London club and helped the club win the UEFA Champions League title.
David Alaba has also performed at a high level since securing a free transfer to Real Madrid.
This article will discuss the five most valuable defenders whose contracts end this summer.
Note: Stats are as per Transfermarkt.
#5 Alessio Romagnoli - €20 million
Alessio Romagnoli joined AC Milan in 2015 and has captained the side since 2018. A stalwart in defense, Romagnoli has accumulated almost 250 appearances for the Rossoneri. The Italian’s second contract is set to run out in a few months.
Romagnoli currently earns around €6 million per year. The club has reportedly offered him a new contract with reduced annual wages, which the centre-back hasn’t agreed to as of yet.
The Milan skipper turned 27 a few months ago and is just entering his prime years. He shouldn’t face a problem finding a new club. As far as his short-term future goes, Romagnoli has been instrumental in Milan's bid for the Serie A title this season.
The Rossoneri are currently top of the league standings with 63 points from 29 matches, three clear of second-placed Napoli.
#4 James Tarkowski - €22 million
James Tarkowski has been a major reason for Burnley maintaining their status as a Premier League club over the last few years. Along with Ben Mee and Nick Pope, Tarkowski has formed a solid defensive line that has been the foundation to Sean Dyche’s success.
Burnley have won just three matches this term, lower than any other Premier League club. The Clarets could finally be relegated to the EFL Championship after six years in the English top flight. Although they have a couple of games in hand, their performances this season have been horrendous.
This could be the perfect time for Tarkowski to part ways with the club. The 29-year-old has been ever-present during their recent stint in the Premier League. He has played 209 matches for the relegation-threatened side and could easily attract interest from mid-table as well as top clubs in the league.
#3 Matthias Ginter - €24 million
Matthias Ginter has played for three clubs so far in his career and is likely to add another side to the list this summer. The German started his playing days at SC Freiburg, then moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2014, and has been plying his trade for Borussia Monchengladbach since 2017.
Ginter has already confirmed that he will not be renewing his contract with Gladbach this summer. While other Bundesliga clubs will inevitably be interested in signing the centre-back on a free deal, foreign clubs have also shown interest in acquiring his services.
The 28-year-old still has a lot of years left in his tank. Ginter has immense experience at club level as well as on the international stage, having played 46 times for Germany. It would be a splendid deal for any team that signs him in the summer, especially on a free transfer.
#2 Andreas Christensen - €35 million
Andreas Christensen is another ball-playing centre-back whose contract ends in 2022. The Danish international has been in and out of the Chelsea starting XI over the last few years. However, that has had more to do with the Blues’ squad depth than with Christensen’s abilities.
The 25-year-old is a great defender and could find a slot in the defense of most top teams across Europe. Christensen has been at Stamford Bridge for nearly ten years now, having joined their youth set-up in 2013.
He impressed during his two-year-long loan at Borussia Monchengladbach between 2015 and 2017. The Dane has been in the scheme of things at Chelsea ever since.
Christensen has been linked with several clubs over the last few months, with Barcelona touted to be one of his preferred destinations. The centre-back has also represented his nation on 54 occasions.
At club level, he has played 155 times for Chelsea in all competitions, winning six trophies, including the UEFA Champions League last season.
#1 Antonio Rudiger - €35 million
Antonio Rudiger’s contract also expires this summer, which could leave Chelsea a little light at the back. Along with Thiago Silva, the German has been the best centre-back during Thomas Tuchel’s time at the club.
Although Rudiger didn’t start his Chelsea career on a high note, he has definitely changed how Blues fans think about him in recent years. The German is now one of the best defenders on the team sheet. However, he has been unable to agree a contract extension with the London-based outfit.
The former AS Roma defender is on par with his teammate Christensen with respect to market value. Despite being four years older than the Dane, his recent performances have been at the same level, if not better.
Considering what he brings to the table, Rudiger could be a sensational acquisition on a Bosman deal.
