From Lionel Messi to Sergio Aguero: 6 top footballers who will become free agents in 2021

The transfer market is the most exciting phase in club football, as anything could happen, with top footballers making a surprise move to a rival or a fellow big club. Meanwhile, the players who become free agents turn out to be the most unpredictable transfers.

First Published Nov 27, 2020, 12:10 PM IST

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When it comes to club football, one of the exciting phases turn out to be the transfer season, as the transfer market is basking with rumours of players making a potential move to another rival or big club. No player is safe during this phase, as even top players are in contention for making a move, provided they receive an offer too good to refuse.

Meanwhile, what is even enjoyable is when the players become a free agent, including some of the top ones, as it is highly unpredictable, as to where they would end up landing. On the same note, we take a look at six top footballers who are set to be a free agent by the end of the ongoing season (2020-21).

Mesut Ozil: The German midfielder has been with Arsenal since 2013, having won four titles to date. Although he has fared well with his gameplay and performance, it has not been enough to earn the side a big title. Also, aged 32 and approaching towards the end of his career, he would now look to make a move to a better club, to stand a chance to win a big title. While he earns £350,000 per week in London now, he is mostly injury-prone, as he has also been dropped from the first squad of late. While Arsenal want him out right away, he is looking to run out his contract by the end of the season.

Sergio Aguero: The Argentine striker, who has played a tremendous role in the success of Manchester City in the past few years, has his contract set to run out by the end of the season. Having been associated with the club since 2011, he has won 11 titles, including three Premier League championships. He is also their highest goal-scorer, having scored 255 from 374. The 32-year-old is not exactly on the sale list for City. However, he looks to pursue higher challengers, especially the UEFA Champions League (UCL), as it would be interesting to see where he lands up next.

Diego Costa: The Brazil-born Spanish forward is having a decent time at Atletico Madrid, having won six titles, including a La Liga and a UEFA Europa League (UEL). However, he has not been precisely consistent when it comes to goal-scoring, managing just 18 from 78. Aged 32, it is not entirely sure if either of the parties would renew the contract. Nonetheless, it is all set to run out by the season end and would be interesting to see if any big club lands him in.

Sergio Ramos: The Spanish defender, who has been Real Madrid's favourite son, is also set for his contract to run out by the season end. Having been associated with the side since 2005, he has won 22 titles, which include UCL and the FIFA Club World Cup. Although he is aged 34, he still has enough steam left in him. Nonetheless, Madrid usually rely on young talent, as it is unsure if the club would renew his contract. Provided he becomes a free agent, numerous top clubs would like to pounce on him.

Paul Pogba: The French midfielder, who plays for Manchester United, has been having an average tenure, ever since he joined the club in 2016. It is understood that either of the parties is not happy and Pogba wants a way out. His contract runs out at the end of the season, as he would become a free agent. It is likely that he would return to Juventus and could play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lionel Messi: Undoubtedly, the biggest name on the list, as the Argentine superstar and the modern-day GOAT, Lionel Messi has been in the headlines since the start of the season, as he was looking out of Barcelona. Nonetheless, he has managed to stay at the club, at least for now. However, his contract is set to run out by the end of the season, as there is a strong chance this time around that he could leave, to reunite with former Barca coach, Pep Guardiola, at Manchester City. Nevertheless, it could still change if the club manages to win the La Liga or UCL, or even both.