Every year, the transfer window is an anxious moment for a number of reasons. With big players on the move, clubs looking to strengthen, haggling of fees, there is no shortage of drama and definitely no shortage of suitors for top players.
Clubs are willing to splash large sums of money, to secure a player's signature, in the present market. This transfer window has already seen so many mega money moves, most notably, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alisson, who've swapped Roma and Real Madrid for Liverpool and Juventus respectively.
However, transfer windows are not always about the big bucks and clubs can clinch a shrewd business or two, in the form of free transfers. Players who are entering into the final years of their contract can simply decide to run out their contract and join another team, saving ridiculous amounts in the transfer fees.
The 2018-19 season is no short of excitement in that front, as several top stars enter into their final years of the contract. The current clubs have two options. Either to let the payer run down the contract and allow to leave him for free next season or let him go for a substantial fee in this window itself rather than watch their superstars walk out for free.
Here are 4 top superstars who enter into their final 12 months of their contracts:
#4 - Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas is one of the best midfielders when he's on form. His range of passing, press resistance make him one of the finest, which is why he was brought from Barcelona in 2015. He was instrumental as Chelsea clinched the league title that season.
However, Fabregas, who is 31, has his current deal expiring in 12 months and as of now, he is seen as dispensable. A forgotten man at the national stage, he was left out of Spain's 2018 World cup squad. Often criticized for fading out as the season progresses, the talented playmaker's best days are behind him.
Last season he appeared for Chelsea 32 times, with a measly return of 2 assists and 4 goals. Chelsea faces a turbulent season ahead, after sacking Antonio Conte and replacing him with Sarri. It remains to be seen if the new manager counts on the midfielder.
However, with no European football on the offering and Chelsea's strict policy of contract renewals of players above 30 might give reasons for him to consider leaving the club.
#3 - Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey enters the final 12 months of his contract, as Arsenal head into a new season without the legendary Arsene Wenger. Ramsey enjoyed a fine season with 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last time out. Arsenal will be keen to keep him and give head coach Unai Emery the best chance to hit the ground running, but are in a financial crunch, having committed to lucrative deals for Aubamayeng and Ozil last summer. Ramsey is one of the quality midfielders in the Premier League and has enjoyed resurgence after battling injuries, that has hampered his progress. Arsenal have already brought in the highly rated midfielder Lucas Torreira, but would rather want him to compliment Ramsey than replace him. Contract talks are ongoing and Arsenal remain positive that all parties can reach an agreement. Arsenal usher into a new era under Unai Emery and losing Ramsey for free could be a huge blow, as he is one of the leaders in the team and is going to be one of the captains for the upcoming season.
#2 - Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial is arguably one of the most exciting players in the United forward line. But with the arrival of Alexis Sanchez and Mourinho's preference to play the likes of Lingard and Rashford has left Martial as the odd man out, who is unfortunate to be sitting on the bench. The swashbuckling forward set Old Trafford alight upon his arrival but has descended into darkness since then with United bringing in big name forwards like Ibrahimovic and Alexis Sanchez in recent seasons.
A lack of game time meant Martial missed out on the French squad that went on to win the world cup and has been very vocal about his frustrations. Contract talks have stalled and Martial's agent has said that his client will look to move, following a disappointing last season.
At just 22, Martial could go on to become one of the finest wingers of the generation, which is why United spent an exorbitant amount to bring his from Monaco, which could rise up to 56 million. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are said to be keeping tabs on the situation as the latter sees him as an ideal replacement for one of Robben and Ribery. Barring a miracle, United look destined to lose Martial and therefore might look to cash in on him this summer rather than let him walk away for free.
#1 - David De Gea
The Spanish shot-stopper is one of the world's best keepers in the world and has been United's best player for the last 4 years, making him their most prized asset. De Gea was all set to leave United for Real Madrid back in 2015 only for the move to fall through due to botched paperwork, on the last day of the transfer window.
De Gea is fundamental to United's bid for the title and losing him, especially on a free transfer would be a major blow to Jose Mourinho. The Spaniard endured a horrible world cup, managing just one save the entire tournament. De Gea's current contract turns up to 2019. But United are understood to be relaxed and expect De Gea to put pen on paper on a new long-term lucrative deal, that would keep him at Old Trafford in his prime.
