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Modern football teams know how difficult it is to attract the best players. The clubs also know that it is at least as hard to hold on to those players when other suitors are likely to exist. Here are 5 star players whose contracts are fast expiring and will be without a deal by the summer of 2020.
5. Dries Mertens - Napoli
Belgium striker Dries Mertens has proven to be a great asset to Serie A's SSC Napoli. Mertens has proven to be a capable goalscorer since being moved to the forward position. He also one of the team's undeniable leaders.
But, at 32 years of age, he looks less likely to be offered the same wages by his current club. Contract negotiations are rumoured to have stalled. The only positive news for the player is that, given his reputation, he will not be without suitors should he leave Napoli in the summer.
4. Nemanja Matic - Manchester United
Nemanja Matic is a player with a long and eventful career in the Premier League. A 3 Premier League winner, Matic was one of the players that former Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, insisted on transferring. Individual results may not have been quite what the team were expecting. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to give the Old Trafford side a massive facelift, the 31-year-old Serbian midfielder may be on his way out once his contract expires in the summer.
3. Thomas Meunier - Paris Saint-Germain
Thomas Meunier has become a vital player for Ligue 1 champions PSG. But, following an impressive 2018 World Cup, the defender seems reluctant to sign an extension on his deal with the French club. Meunier's contract is set to expire in 2020 and unless PSG can guarantee a massively improved deal, he is likely to walk away.
2. Toby Alderweireld - Tottenham Hotspur
Toby Alderweireld has been one of Tottenham's most important players in recent seasons. The high point during this period may have been reaching the Champions League final. But, with the club's main players not being offered better wages, the Belgium defender looks likely to be one of the players walk away.
His deal ends in 2020 and the player has given no indication that he wants to extend his deal. Clubs like Manchester United are said to have taken an interest in the player. Should they offer him a better contract, Alderweireld will likely switch loyalties.
1. Christian Eriksen - Tottenham Hotspur
A Tottenham player in a similar position to Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen has expressed his intention of moving on to a bigger club. Spurs manager at the time Mauricio Pochettino seemed to welcome the idea, but without a suitable transfer offer arriving this summer, Eriksen has been forced to stay put.
If he does run out his contract, numerous teams would likely be interested in a player of great technical abilities, who has successfully lead Tottenham and the Danish national squad.
Also check out: Premier League Table Champions League table La liga table 2019-20
