From Lionel Messi to Sergio Aguero: 5 top footballers who can sign pre-contract with another club

The football world is into its January transfer window, which is generally a calm one, as it rarely sees big transfers taking place. However, it does witness some top players seal the deal with another club for the upcoming season. Similarly, we analyse some possibilities.

The month of January opens a 30-day transfer window, to allow clubs to strengthen their squad for the rest of the season. However, it generally does not see any big-time transfer taking place.

Meanwhile, what it does see is some of the top footballers, whose contract runs out with their current club at the end of the season, sign a pre-deal with another club for the upcoming season. In the same light, we look at five such top players who can do the same in this ongoing window.

David Alaba: The Austrian defender has made a name for himself playing at Bayern Munich for over ten years. However, he has had a fallout with the club bosses, while talks for his salary have not gone down well. As a result, he is eyeing a possible move to big clubs, like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool, and it is possible that he could sign a pre-deal within this window.

Angel di Maria: Now, this might come as a shock. The Argentine winger has had a successful tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), scoring 85 goals in 238 matches. Nonetheless, he has been shockingly linked to a move away from the club. Also, if reports are accurate, he has already struck a deal with Italian champion, Juventus, as his contract with PSG runs out at the end of the season.

Sergio Ramos: The veteran Spanish defender has been associated with Real Madrid since 2005 and has won numerous titles with Los Blancos, including four UEFA Champions League (UCL) title. Nonetheless, the 34-year-old is reportedly eyeing a new challenge and is supposedly in talks with PSG and Manchester City. Although Madrid, too, has an offer in place, it could be possible that Ramos might sign a pre-deal with either of the formers this month.

Sergio Aguero: The lethal Argentine striker has played an integral role in Manchester City's success of late. However, his persistent struggle with injuries has limited his chances this season, compelling the club to think otherwise about extending his contract. Meanwhile, there are reports that PSG is eying him and it could be possible that Aguero might sign a pre-deal by the end of the month. However, it would be hard for City to let go of a player of Aguero's calibre.

Lionel Messi: The most shocking name in the list, as hardly could anyone imagine the Argentine superstar playing for a club other than Barcelona. Such has been the case since last year, as Messi had a fallout with then club president, Josep Maria Bartomeu. As Messi handed in a transfer request, the club refused to accept it. However, he hasn't yet signed an extension, while his contract is set to expire by season end. Meanwhile, rumours are strong that he could be on his way to England, to re-align himself with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. So, don't be surprised if Messi indeed signs a pre-deal with the Citizens.