Football is an ever-evolving game, and as such, aspects of the sport move on with the times, and the transfer market is no exception.
We have seen transfer records smashed and money poured into football at an incredible rate, yet one thing more players are willing to do now is allow their contracts with clubs to expire, letting them become free agents in hopes of a bigger payday.
And this summer, is no exception, with some huge names such as Paulo Dybala, Paul Pogba and Antonio Rudiger all set to leave their clubs this summer for absolutely nothing in hopes of landing that one last life-changing contract.
Indeed, it isn’t just seasoned professionals who are making this decision, but also some of the youngest and most exciting talents in world football, and here is an XI of the best U-23 players who are set to become free agents this summer.
GK – Berke Ozer (Fenerbahce)
Breaking through at one of Turkey’s big three is no small feat, yet that’s exactly what Berke Ozer has managed at Fenerbahce this season, though the 21-year-old has no plans on sticking around.
Already a Turkish international and having experience playing European football, Ozer could be a standout signing for many top clubs looking to add to their goalkeeping position, with Fenerbahce’s crippling financial situation making it near-impossible for the club to sign the talented shot-stopper to a new contract.
RB – Houboulang Mendes (FC Lorient)
Free-agent right-backs under the age of 23 are hard to come by this summer, though FC Lorient star Houboulang Mendes could be the pick of the bunch as well as a hidden gem in the making for any adventurous club looking for a dynamic defender.
Fast and tricky down the flank and fairly solid defensively, Mendes has previously been targeted by the likes of Olympique Marseille, and this summer could see the Guinea-Bissau international land his dream move to a top club.
CB – Leo Greiml (Rapid Wein)
Yusuf Demir has been the talk of Rapid Wein for some time, yet Leo Greiml could soon overshadow the former FC Barcelona star this summer if the Austrian youth international lands a big move to one of Europe’s elite.
An archetypal modern centre-back with imposing strength and impressive control of the ball, Greiml could flourish at the right club with the correct training, and at just 20-years-old, the Rapid star could be the next talented export to come from the Austrian Bundesliga.
CB – Dan-Axel Zagadou (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund rarely fail in signing a talented young player and developing them into a world-beater, yet sadly, that has been the case for Dan-Axel Zagadou, who looks set to leave the Bundesliga giants for nothing this summer.
Still only 22 and capable of playing across the entire backline, time is on Zagadou’s hands to develop into a top defender many at Dortmund thought the French defender would become, and a move to the right club could unlock his frightening potential.
LB – Lee Buchanan (Derby County)
Wayne Rooney’s work at Derby County has seen numerous young players become regulars for the Championship side, and Lee Buchanan is no exception, with the 21-year-old already attracting interest from some big clubs in the United Kingdom.
With the likes of West Ham and Celtic reportedly chasing the England youth international, Buchanan is set for a big future if he can play regular football next season, with the left-back set to leave his boyhood club when his contract expires this summer.
CM – Xavi Simons (PSG)
If you’ve played Football Manager in the past few years, you know all about PSG talent Xavi Simons, who at 18-years-old looks set to leave the French giants when his contract expires at the end of this season.
Elegant on the ball and a product of the famous La Masia youth academy in Barcelona, Simons could be one of the most sought-after free agents in football should the teenager leave PSG for good, with Rangers said to be interested in the talented youngster.
CM – Boubacar Kamara (Olympique Marseille)
One of the most high profile free agents this summer, Boubacar Kamara is regarded by many as one of the top midfielders in France and one of the best anchor men in all of Europe.
Playing over 150 matches for Marseille and close to a first France international call-up, Kamara would make for a solid signing for many of Europe’s top clubs, with numerous Premier League sides reportedly after the 22-year-old dynamo.
CM – Fabio Carvalho (Fulham)
Another breakout star in the Championship, Fabio Carvalho has been nothing short of a sensation for Fulham this season, who look set to return to the Premier League after a dominant year in the English second-tier.
And Carvalho’s performances have been impressive, with Liverpool set to sign the England youth international at a bargain price this summer when the midfielder’s contract comes to an end, adding to the Reds’ impressive army of young talents at the club.
RW – Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
What is there to say about Kylian Mbappe that hasn’t been said already? The France superstar, who PSG signed in 2017 for a reported £166m, looks set to leave the European giants this summer for free in what could be one of the biggest Bosman deals of all time.
With Real Madrid the heavy favourites to sign the 23-year-old, Mbappe’s future will be one of the most entertaining narratives to follow this summer, with twists and turns likely to take place at every corner for the world-class attacker.
ST – Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)
One of two Arsenal strikers set to leave this summer for nothing, Eddie Nketiah has been a frustrated figure at the Emirates Stadium for some time. Talented but not experienced enough to lead the line for a top club, the youngster is set for a new chapter in his career.
Indeed, Premier League and Bundesliga sides are reportedly lining up for Nketiah, and with the striker proving over the years to be an accomplished finisher in the right system, the Arsenal star could be a solid addition for numerous sides this summer.
LW – Ben Brereton Diaz (Blackburn Rovers)
Ben Brereton Diaz’s story from a Nottingham Forest talent to a sensation in South America in Chile and one of the most potent attackers in the Championship is arguably one of the best in English football in recent years, and this summer, the 22-year-old is set make a huge move.
Indeed, Diaz has been sensational for Blackburn Rovers this season, and with reported interest from both the Premier League and abroad, the Chilean international could be about to join a major side after what has been a breakout season for the versatile attacker.
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