World-Class XI available on a free transfer in 2019

Several superstars are in the final years of their contract
Several superstars are in the final years of their contract

Full-backs - Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) and Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)

Valencia and Monreal are in their 30s
Valencia and Monreal are in their 30s

Antonio Valencia is the current Manchester United captain and the also the longest-serving player in the current squad. At the end of the current season, he will complete ten seasons with the club and will be a couple of months away from his 34th birthday.

The winger turned full-back has served his club well but considering his age, United will be tempted to look for a long-term option unless Diogo Dalot steps up this season. In which case, Valencia can serve as the backup option.

He’s currently making a return from an injury and his performance, once he’s back, will determine if United will use the option for an additional year in his contract.

Nacho Monreal is another veteran Premier League full-back in the final year of his current contract. The Spaniard has been Arsenal’s first-choice left-back since joining them in 2013 and has kept the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Gibbs out of the starting XI.

Monreal will be 33-years-old when his current contract expires but Arsenal manager Unai Emery is keen on keeping his compatriot beyond the ongoing season.

“I am very happy with him because he is 32 years old but I think physically, with his performances with us in matches, he is playing with a very good level. The rest of that, for me, is very important. I think we need to find a new contract with him to stay with the Arsenal team," the Arsenal manager said.

Honourable mentions - Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Leighton Baines (Everton), Ashley Young (Manchester United) and Alberto Moreno (Liverpool)

Quick Links