Ranking the 5 Premier League players who can sign a pre-contract in January

The new year is fast approaching, and for certain Premier League clubs and footballers, the first month will ring alarm bells. While Premier League clubs have their star players locked down, some footballers, including superstars, have fast expiring contracts in the upcoming summer.

Gone are the days when Premier League clubs had all the say on a footballer's transfer. With the Bosman ruling, footballers in both the Premier League and other leagues worldwide can have autonomy. However, as said before, football clubs like to protect their star footballers. They look to tie the players down before they can enter the final year, lest aside the final six months of their contract.

A few Premier League stars have expiring contracts in the summer

Some footballers have different plans than others when they decide to move to a different club from where they're at. This can be due to several reasons, but one thing is for certain that they have no wish to continue at their existing club. With their contracts ending soon, these Premier League footballers can be signed on pre-contracts to acquire them free of cost once their current contracts expire.

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#5 James Tarkowski

Burnley v Manchester City - Premier League

James Tarkowski has been a loyal player for Premier League club Burnley, whom he joined nearly five years ago. Over the years, Tarkowski has proved his mettle by marshaling the Burnley backline. His performances have been key in ensuring that Burnley never have to mingle with the prospects of relegation from the Premier League.

Tarkowski had also come on the radar of Premier League giants Chelsea in the past when a potential move was reported but failed.

With Tarkowski's contract expiring in June, Burnley will have headaches to solve. Losing Tarkowski for free will be a double whammy for the Premier League club as they will lose a key footballer without any compensation.

If Tarkowski decides to seek greener pastures, it remains to be seen which club he will join. While his role in a bigger Premier League team could potentially be as a backup, he could be a starter for a mid-table side.

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#4 Andreas Christensen

Russia v Denmark - UEFA Euro 2020: Group B

Andreas Christensen has been a Chelsea player through and through. The Danish centre-back had joined the Premier League side from Brondby as a teenager. He has developed from that stage to become a regular in the Chelsea backline.

He has grown massively under Thomas Tuchel but has had to fight for minutes. This is one of the major reasons why there are doubts over whether the Danish defender will extend his Stamford Bridge stay.

Tuchel is a strong admirer of the player and banks on the fact that Christensen is a Chelsea fan which can influence his decision. But with no resolution in sight and January coming up fast, Christensen will be on the radar of even bigger clubs in Europe. If he decides to sign a pre-contract, it will be a major loss for Chelsea.

#3 Jesse Lingard

Manchester United v BSC Young Boys: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Premier League and Manchester United footballer Jesse Lingard had a strange 2021. The first half of the year saw him make a loan move to fellow Premier League outfit West Ham United. Lingard found his rhythm with the Hammers, putting his quality out there for anyone to see. He scored nine and assisted five goals in 16 appearances for West Ham.

His performance led to speculation that West Ham may make a permanent move for the player, but that didn't happen. Lingard returned to Manchester United this summer, where he has struggled for minutes.

Lingard is 29 now, so he is no longer a youngster, but he certainly has a lot of quality to offer. It is highly unlikely that Lingard will be extending his Manchester United stay.

A potential transfer to the Premier League and non-Premier League clubs in the winter is being discussed. But if that is to to fail, clubs could try to sign Lingard on a pre-contract anytime between January and June 2022.

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#2 Paul Pogba

Manchester United v Atalanta: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Paul Pogba is the second player from Manchester United on this list. Much to their dismay, the Premier League giants might have to lose Pogba on a free transfer for the second time.

Pogba's stay at Manchester United has never been devoid of controversy or criticism. While Pogba has played well and stood out from the rest, consistency has been missing. To add to that, Pogba has had terrible luck with injuries over the last couple of seasons.

Manchester United are still reportedly trying to negotiate an extension with the Frenchman. However, it looks unlikely that Pogba will be extending his stay with the Old Trafford club.

There will be no shortage of suitors for the Frenchman, who can destroy the very best of defenses on his day. However, a move outside the Premier League is more likely if Pogba decides to sign a pre-contract and move as a free agent in the summer.

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#1 Antonio Rudiger

Chelsea FC v Juventus: Group H - UEFA Champions League

Thomas Tuchel has completely transformed the Chelsea side since taking up responsibility midway through last campaign. Chelsea went on to win the Champions League in relatively unexpected fashion last season. Tuchel banked on his defense and goalkeeper to keep things tight at the back. They scored just four goals on their way to the Champions League title, a record.

Antonio Rudiger has been a fundamental part of that as the German centre-back has transformed himself. He is one of the most important members of Chelsea at the moment.

What will be worrying the London-based Premier League club at the moment will be the fact that Rudiger is yet to renew his contract. Chelsea would love Rudiger to extend his stay. But the reported wages that Rudiger wants are still some way off Chelsea's expectations.

Rudiger would be a great option for Premier League and non-Premier League clubs to sign on a pre-contract. Getting a world-class player for no fee would be an absolute bargain.