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In today's era, the importance of midfielders just cannot be undermined. In fact, the quality of football has been enriched because of some world-class midfielders in the past and present.
Nowadays, controlling the game depends a lot on the type of midfielders available in the team. The most recent successful teams have some quality midfielders in their ranks. Midfielders like N'Golo Kante, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Kevin De Bruyne and many more have dictated the flow of the game with utter ease.
That being said, signing a good midfielder these days is not easy. Given the importance of the midfielders in the game, clubs are reluctant to sell, at least at a reasonable price.
Some top midfielders could be available for free next summer
Notably, few world-class midfielders are in the last year of their contracts at clubs this season. This opens the door for clubs to sign them without paying a single penny next year. On that note, let's have a look at the five best midfielders who could be available for free next summer.
#5 Marcelo Brozovic
The 28-year old Croatian midfielder is one of those underrated midfielders in football right now. Having played more than 350 club games in his career, Marcelo Brozovic has a lot of experience under his belt.
The former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder is quite a versatile player at the heart of midfield. He can play as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder as well. Over the years, Brozovic has blossomed as a defensive play-making midfielder.
Brozovic joined Inter Milan in 2015 and has made more than 200 appearances for the club ever since. He played an important role for the Croatian national team that reached the 2018 World Cup Final.
It was rumored that Barcelona tried to sign him this summer but the move did not materialize. With Brozovic in the final year of his contract, Inter are desperately trying to get him to sign a renewal.
Some of the top European clubs will surely be keeping an eye on this situation and will be hoping to capitalize if the opportunity arises.
#4 Franck Kessie
The AC Milan midfielder has gained a lot of attention in the past two years courtesy of his impressive performances with the Rossoneri. Franck Kessie's presence in midfield brings a different dynamic to the game.
Kessie is known to contribute in almost every aspect of the game. He can make space and keep the ball in tight situations, provide some clever passes going forward and can be of immense help defensively. His presence can very evidently be seen in a game.
The Ivorian was also the second-top goal scorer for Milan across all competitions in the 2021-22 season, only behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
With Kessie in the final year of his contract at Milan, it is rumored that the 24-year old has recently rejected a new offer from the Italian side.
Some of the top European clubs are closely keeping tabs on Kessie's situation. It wouldn't come as a surprise if we witnessed another Gianluigi Donnarumma-like situation with respect to Kessie come next summer. PSG, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with keeping tabs on him.
#3 Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka is one of the finest midfielders in German football right now. The 26-year old rose to fame with his performances at Schalke ever since joining them in 2013. He was touted as one of the most promising midfielders from his younger days.
Goretzka can control the ball well, makes some stunning productive passes, and has a knack for scoring from outside the box. With his strong and tall physique, Goretzka helps in winning aerial battles and is a threat during set-pieces. He can play both as a central midfielder as well as a defensive playmaker.
He signed for Bayern Munich in 2018 and has done well for the Bavarian club since then. Goretzka has registered 25 goals and 26 assists in 117 appearances across all competitions for Bayern.
He was linked with a move to Manchester United this summer but it turned out to be all speculation.
That being said, the German midfielder is yet to renew his contract. Although sources around the club are confident of a new deal being signed soon, the chances of Goretzka being available for free still persist.
#2 Pedri
Pedri has had a long 2020-21 season, having played more than 70 games across all competitions for club and country. The young Spanish playmaker is regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in Europe right now.
The 18-year old has incredible technical skills and solid control of the ball. Pedri can easily glide with the ball, make the best out of the tight spaces and has an amazing vision and creative abilities. More importantly, not many midfielders are as hard-working as Pedri is.
Even though Pedri's primary game focuses on the attacking side, the youngster can be a handful on the defensive side with his intense work-rate. He's one of those midfielders who are equally effective with both their feet. With so many attributes, Pedri is in hot demand in the market. Currently playing for Barcelona, Pedri's contract expires next summer.
Although it is likely that the Catalan club will do anything to renew Pedri's contract, nothing can be assured given the club's financial situation. If the club can let Lionel Messi go, nothing can be predicted. With Premier League clubs lurking around for Pedri's signature, this might turn into an interesting saga come next summer.
#1 Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is arguably one of the best midfielders in the world right now. Although the Frenchman hasn't been seen playing at his best on a consistent basis at Manchester United, there's no denying his abilities. Even the best of midfielders struggle with their form sometimes.
The 2018 World Cup winner's future at Manchester United, though, is currently uncertain. His agent Mino Raiola was quoted in May 2021 as saying that Pogba was unhappy at United, linking the Frenchman with a move away to win trophies. Pogba later rubbished the claims through social media but his love of playing for Real Madrid has never been a secret.
As of now, it looks like the former Juventus midfielder is focusing on his season with United. But with no contract extension on the table yet, the future of Paul Pogba at Manchester United remains a big question mark. Even though it has happened before, you don't have midfielders like Pogba available for free that frequently in this era. There is no doubt that along with Real Madrid, other top European clubs will be tempted to sign him for free next summer.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United are able to convince Pogba to extend his contract before it is too late. If they fail to do so, Pogba might just become one of the most sought-after midfielders to move for free next summer.
