'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#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.
