VALENCIA, SPAIN - APRIL 10: Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between Levante v FC Barcelona at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on April 10, 2022 in Valencia Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
3 must-buy free agents in summer transfer window
Paul Pogba is set to leave Manchester United as a free agent this season. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The summer transfer window should be filled with drama and controversy. European teams can register new players from July onwards though the closing of the transfer window differs for the various leagues.
A lot of money is likely to be spent as teams look to strengthen their rosters. In the 2021 summer transfer window, Premier League clubs spent over £1bn on signings. With transfer fees for players increasing with every year, clubs are looking to be smart with their signings; the biggest relief is signing a free agent and avoiding transfer fees.
Free agents are often paid lucrative signing fees, but even those pale with regard to what it would take to sign stars from other clubs.
With many big names running down their contracts this summer, there will be some must-buy free agents on the market. Here are the top 3 free agents available
Soon-to-be free agent Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba’s polarizing journey at Manchester United seems to be nearing its end. The Frenchman’s contract expires after this season and he hasn’t shown any intention of signing an extension. Despite an offer worth £500,000-a-week, Pogba seems intent on leaving for a new journey in the summer.
As yet, Pogba hasn’t struck a pre-contract agreement with any club, so the race is well and truly open for the midfielder. Despite his topsy-turvy stint at Old Trafford, there is no denying Pogba’s quality.
A FIFA World Cup winner, he is a complete midfielder who can play in a variety of tactical schemes. He can score, help control games and set up teammates with his wide range of passing. This season he has 9 assists in 18 Premier League games.
Pogba can upgrade any top side looking for an energetic, creative centre midfielder to spice up their attack. Right now, PSG is the favourite as Pogba has opened contract talks with them (as per FootMercato). The Ligue 1 giants are looking to add more firepower and flair to their midfield. However, no agreement is yet done, meaning the race to open to sign him and Pogba will choose the project which suits him the best.
Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala’s seven-year stay at Juventus will end this summer after the club refused to extend his deal. He’ll become a free agent come June and an be a huge asset for any prominent club. Valued at €40m (as per Transfermarkt), getting him for free can be a dream for any European club.
The 28-year-old still has some good years ahead of him. He’s had a decent campaign with Juve so far, scoring 13 times and registering 6 assists in 31 games. Dybala’s unpredictable style can help him adapt to a number of prominent sides. He’s quick, boasts impressive close control and is an absolute live-wire in the final third.
He’s got that “Leo Messi” influence to his game, able to dribble past opponents with ease, create chances with clever final third passes and also score from the final third. In 285 career appearances for Juve so far, Dybala has 113 goals and 48 assists – boasting a solid goal contribution/game ratio.
The problem, however, is his wages. The Argentine wants €10m-a-year wages (via The Express) – an amount that makes many teams flinch. However, Dybala has the ability to transform any quality side’s attack with his slick playing style and ability to pull off that “something special”. Those qualities are bound to make him a hot topic in the summer, with many clubs guaranteed to fight for his services.
Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele’s time at Barcelona has been a frustrating one for all parties involved. The Frenchman has suffered 10+ different injuries since arriving in 2017, ruining the majority of his period at the club.
But the winger has been having a great current campaign with Barca – 11 assists in the La Liga. Dembele’s stock is rising, but he’ll become a free agent in the summer. The Frenchman has not been able to strike an agreement for a contract extension and the club has announced they won’t make him any more improved offers.
Despite his injury history, the 24-year-old has his best years ahead of him. The Frenchman is a versatile player who can play anywhere among the front-3. He’s proficient with both feet, is blessed with rapid pace and is great at serving up crosses to teammates .
As WhoScored states, he’s a huge threat on counter-attacks, loves to dribble past opponents and cut inside to cause trouble. His performances for Barca this season, in which he’s tormented opponents, have got him attraction from many clubs. While Barca believes that he’s bound to join PSG (as per El Nacional), Dembele does not have an agreement with any club yet. He will be an in-demand free agent this summer.
