Salah, Kimmich, 8 other top football stars who can leave for free in summer 2025

• Many top football stars, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, are now free to agree contract with other clubs as they enter the final six months of their contract
• High-profile teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Saudi Pro League giants are already positioning themselves to sign these players
• TheRadar has compiled below the 10 most valuable football stars who are bound to become free agents in 2025

The year 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting periods for football transfers in recent times. 

However, many world-class players with contracts expiring in June 2025 could become free agents unless their current clubs act swiftly to secure extensions. A free-agent transfer means clubs won’t pay hefty transfer fees, but massive signing bonuses and wages are sure to dominate negotiations.

These players are among the best in their respective positions, and their potential availability has already sparked interest from elite teams across Europe and beyond. 

Here’s a closer look at 10 valuable stars who may be available on free transfers in 2025 and what their futures could hold.

10 football stars  who would become free agents

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold ($78 million)

Liverpool’s 26-year-old right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is one of the most coveted players heading into 2025. 

Valued at $78 million, the England international has been a stalwart for the Reds since graduating from the club’s academy. However, rumours are swirling that Real Madrid sees Alexander-Arnold as the perfect solution to their right-back position.

Spanish reports have even suggested that the Liverpool star has agreed to a pre-contract with the Spanish giants, although no official confirmation has been made. Having joined Liverpool at the age of six, the thought of Alexander-Arnold leaving his boyhood club for the Bernabéu would be a seismic shift in his career. 

If Liverpool fails to tie him down to a new deal, they risk losing one of their most versatile and creative players for free.

2. Mohamed Salah ($57.2 million)

Mohamed Salah’s situation is one of the most closely watched in football. The Liverpool winger, who has been in blistering form this season with 20 goals and 17 assists in 26 matches, remains without a new contract as his deal inches closer to expiration.

Valued at $57.2 million, the Egyptian forward is reportedly "far away" from agreeing to terms with Liverpool, as he recently confirmed after their 5-0 demolition of West Ham. Salah has already drawn heavy interest from Saudi clubs like Al Ittihad, who had a massive £150 million bid rejected in 2023. Liverpool fans will be eager to see their talisman remain at Anfield, but uncertainty continues to linger.

3. Alphonso Davies ($52 million)

At just 24 years old, Alphonso Davies is one of the most exciting talents on this list. The Bayern Munich left-back, valued at $52 million, has also attracted significant interest from Real Madrid, who see him as a long-term solution to their defensive needs.

Davies, who has been at Bayern since signing from the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019, is nearing the end of his contract. Despite Bayern’s hopes of extending his stay, Real Madrid is reportedly leading the race to sign the Canadian international. 

With several Premier League clubs also monitoring the situation, Davies could have no shortage of options should he decide to move on.

4. Joshua Kimmich ($52 million)

Joshua Kimmich, the versatile Bayern Munich midfielder valued at $52 million, could also be on the move in 2025. The 29-year-old Germany captain is equally adept at playing in midfield and defense, making him a top target for clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City.

Bayern are reportedly prioritising a contract renewal to keep Kimmich in Bavaria, where he has been a key figure for nine years. However, with his future undecided, Europe’s biggest clubs are keeping close tabs on his situation.

5. Jonathan David ($46.8 million)

LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David is having a standout season, scoring 17 goals and providing 5 assists in 24 matches. Valued at $46.8 million, the Canadian forward has been linked with clubs like Barcelona and Fenerbahce as his contract nears its 2025 expiration.

At 24 years old, David is seen as one of the most promising young forwards in Europe. His Champions League performances and Ligue 1 goal-scoring record have only boosted his value, making him a prime target for clubs looking to secure his signature on a free transfer.

6. Leroy Sané ($46.8 million)

Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané is another big name on this list. At 28, the $46.8 million-rated German international faces a crucial decision as his contract enters its final 18 months. Sané has been linked with Barcelona and even a return to the Premier League, where Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing him.

With 5 goals in 19 appearances this season, Sané continues to play an important role for Bayern. However, his future remains uncertain, and a move could materialise as early as January if negotiations don’t progress.

7. Heung-min Son ($39.5 million)

Tottenham’s talisman Heung-min Son is valued at $39.5 million and remains a critical figure for Spurs as his contract heads toward its June 2025 expiration. 

Despite his advancing age at 32, Son continues to deliver, scoring one of the season’s most memorable goals.

Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou is eager to keep his captain, but with no agreement yet, Son’s future remains up in the air. His longevity and consistent performances make him an attractive option for top clubs across Europe.

8. Kevin De Bruyne ($36.4 million)

Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne could be nearing the end of his time at the Etihad. Valued at $36.4 million, the 33-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, fuelling rumours of a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.

De Bruyne has been at the centre of City’s success over the past nine years, winning every major club honour. However, with the club enduring a difficult season, his future may lie elsewhere.

9. Jonathan Tah ($31.2 million)

Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is among the most reliable defenders in Europe. Valued at $31.2 million, the 28-year-old German centre-back was instrumental in leading Leverkusen to their maiden Bundesliga title.

Barcelona is reportedly eyeing Tah as a potential defensive reinforcement, while Leverkusen may struggle to hold onto him. With his contract expiring in June 2025, Tah is likely to attract significant interest.

10. Virgil van Dijk ($29 million)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, valued at $29 million, is delivering one of his best seasons for the Reds. At 33, the Dutch centre-back has been a rock in defence, helping Liverpool to the top of both the Premier League and Champions League.

Despite his stellar performances, Van Dijk’s contract situation remains unresolved, with Real Madrid already expressing interest in the Dutchman. Liverpool must act quickly to ensure their defensive leader stays at Anfield.

12 most expensive Nigerian transfers of 2024

Previously, TheRadar reported that the year 2024 witnessed a flurry of high-profile transfers involving Nigerian footballers, these signings by foreign clubs are proof that Nigerian talents are very sought after in global football. 

Clubs across Europe, the Middle East, and even North America opened their wallets to secure the services of these impressive players, with transfer fees ranging from €500k to a staggering €18.8M.