5 world-class players over 30 years of age who could be free transfers this summer

Juventus v AS Roma - Serie A
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is a serial title-winner in Turin

A little over four months are left for the summer transfer window to open and a number of big-name players are yet to resolve their futures. Players in the twilight of their careers often run their deals down until the last year due to uncertainty over their long-term ambitions, and there are some outstanding individuals who could be free in just a matter of months as a result.


#5 Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

The long-serving Juventus centre-back is out of contract in the summer. His last deal was signed back in 2014 but he's in talks over an extension. The 33-year-old remains a regular in the starting lineup too, boasting 17 Serie A appearances this season.

The world-class Italian defender has won six Serie A titles, one Serie A crown and six domestic cups. At the International level, he has won a runners-up medal for Italy at Euro 2012 with two third-place finishes in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2004 Olympics.

Chiellini has been an outstanding servant for the Old Lady, joining in 2005 and making more than 450 appearances in all competitions. He's still a top defender and boasts a wealth of experience to bring to another side.

The centre-back might be hard to wrestle away from Juve given his desire to stay and him being in talks over an extension, but while his future remains unresolved, there's a slim chance he could be plying his trade elsewhere next season.

#4 Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

RSC Anderlecht v Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League
Arjen Robben is still getting first-team action with Bayern despite his advancing age

Robben has been a Bayern player since 2009, making a total of 278 appearances and winning six league titles. He’s also won the Champions League and has played for Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSV Eindhoven.

The 34-year-old is still one of the best wingers in Europe and remains a first-team player for Bayern. He's made 14 league appearances this season, scoring and creating six goals, so he’s still more than useful.

Robben has made over 90 appearances for the Netherlands national team and would walk into many top European sides if he leaves Bayern at the end of his contract this summer. He's stated his desire to stay at the Allianz Arena, so an exit will only happen if no contract extension is offered.

#3 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)

Manchester United v Burnley - Premier League
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won 11 league titles in his career

Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on his way out of Old Trafford this summer, having struggled for game time due to a recovery setback from a knee injury. The 36-year-old has no plans to retire, and United boss Jose Mourinho shouldn't stand in his way if he leaves for another side.

Ibrahimovic has scored 62 goals in 116 games for Sweden. He has won a total of 11 league titles with the likes of Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. He’s a world-class striker but has spent this season on the periphery.

The Swedish forward has made just five Premier League appearances this season and looks short on the athleticism required to cope with the English top flight. He might suit a slower-paced style elsewhere.

#2 Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

SSC Napoli v FC Bayern Muenchen - Audi Cup 2017
Bayern winger Franck Ribery has struggled with injuries but continues to feature when fit

Bayern winger Franck Ribery joined the club in 2007 and has gone on to make 371 appearances for the Bavarians in all competitions. The 34-year-old has won seven league titles, one Champions League and 10 domestic cups for Bayern while making 81 appearances for France.

Making 12 league appearances so far, injuries have kept him out of the first-team. Ribery has only missed two of Bayern’s last eight games, however, so he remains an important player in his advancing age.

The Frenchman won't exit the Allianz Arena unless he's forced to, having recently admitted a desire to stay at Bayern, so clubs might have a hard time procuring his signature.

#1 Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

Leicester City v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Quarter-Final
Yaya Toure has hardly featured this season and could be open to a move for more game time

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will be desperate for a move as he’s spent the last 18 months on the periphery. The Ivorian international, who boasts over 100 caps for his country, has made 310 appearances for City since joining them in 2010.

Toure, 34, has won five league titles, one Champions League and an African Cup of Nations trophy. The ex-Barcelona man has made just five Premier League appearances this season, however, and could jump at the chance for regular playing time elsewhere as a result.

While there has been no official statement by the club on Toure's future, it is highly likely that he departs this summer, so clubs could have some success landing his signature.

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