A popular quote by Joyce Rachelle, “All good things must come to an end. That’s why they’re called good things—otherwise they’re just…ordinary,” describes the general sentiments of many football fans at the end of a player’s contract. As we approach the 2025 football summer transfer window, speculations on which players will be moving to another football club have continued
In this piece, we will discuss the best players whose contracts end with their respective clubs this season. See what’s next for legends like Messi, Salah, and KDB.
Best Football players Out of Contract this Summer 2025
Our experts have compiled a list of the best football players who may be heading to different clubs or retirement next season. Here are the most valuable players with contracts expiring this season.
Neymar (Santos)
Neymar’s return to Santos has been a fascinating subplot in his career. After terminating his lucrative contract with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the 33-year-old signed a six-month deal with Santos which was a temporary move to help him recover from his injury.
Before leaving Santos in 2013, Neymar scored136 goals in 225 appearances, hence, the club saw his return as a golden opportunity with plans to extend his contract to the 2026 World Cup. This tug-of-war between Neymar’s suspected European ambitions and Santos’ desire to “milk this for all it’s worth” will unfold this summer. Will he remain in Santos or sign a new contract in Europe? Time will tell.
Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
Thomas Partey has shown that he can comfortably play as a midfielder and as a right-back. But before you go betting on his performance at Arsenal, it’s important to understand all betting sites in the world. Betting is not just a game of numbers, it’s more about strategy. By making informed bets and maximizing the right platform, you will win more games more frequently.
Despite his consistent presence on the pitch, passing accuracy and defensive tenacity, Arsenal appears reluctant to extend his initial contract beyond its June 2025 expiration. This may be due to him being 31 or his injury-prone past. If there are no contract negotiations from Arsenal before Partey’s contract expires, he is set to become a free agent this summer.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
At almost 38, football fans are wondering if one of the greatest of all time will be hanging the jersey after this season. Or do you think Messi may want to play in another World Cup?
Every football lover knows Messi has ticked off all the golden boxes in football history. In the words of Javier Mascherano, “Messi is a footballer from a Play Station game. Things that are impossible to do, he makes them possible.” His achievements include:
- 8 Ballon d’Or awards
- 45 team trophies
- 2022 FIFA World Cup
We will know by summer if we will have the legend for another season or not. Whatever happens, Messi will always remain a “goat!”
Olivier Boscagli (PSV)
Olivier Boscagli of PSV is a coveted free agent target. His versatility and composure on the field of play make him an appealing option for clubs who want to boost their defense. Hence, it’s no surprise that it has been speculated that the 27-year-old defender has caught the eye of clubs like Brighton and Inter Milan. Which of these clubs do you think will win Boscagli over in a post-contract swoop?
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace)
The 25-year-old left-back Tyrick Mitchell has solidified his role as Oliver Glasner’s first choice. But that’s not the only club that wants him. Crystal Palace are reportedly eager to extend his contract. If he is to stay at Crystal Palace, then he’s probably going to negotiate a higher paycheck since he currently earns £40,000 a week. Judging by his performance this season, he is free to negotiate a raise.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
At 33, Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the most valuable players at Man City. His passing stats are among the world’s best, with an average of 10 successful assists per Premier League season. Yet, there have been many speculations about a possible MLS move. Whatever he decides, this is going to be one of the most defining moments in Premier League contract signings in 2025.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Van Dijk’s salary at Liverpool is second only to Salah, and it justifies his performance. At 34, his performance metrics—tackles, interceptions, and passing accuracy—show little sign of decline, which is a testament to his footballing intelligence. However, despite his performance, there’s been a notable lack of urgency in contract talks. Hence, the possibility of Dijk being in the free agent market after his contract expires in the summer.
Jonathan David (Lille)
Lille striker Jonathan David is a top Canadian striker. He is one of 2024’s top scorers with over 20 goals. Although there were speculations that he was moving to Manchester United, his future still appears to be in Lille. Do you think he would be a good backup for players like Erling Haaland at Manchester City? At only 25, most people might argue that he will fit in just fine.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
At 32, Mohamed Salah remains an important player. The Egyptian forward is a frontrunner for the PFA Player of the Year award for the third time this year, and he just might win it this time around. Since he joined Liverpool in 2017, he has had over 200 goals and 100 assists.
However, despite Salah’s performance, his future at Anfield is still uncertain. He’s been vocal about his situation, often stating that he’s “more out than in” at Liverpool. Judging by juicy offers in Saudi Arabia, it will be no surprise if Salah is linked with a move to one of these clubs and eventually moves to Saudi Arabia. For a player of Salah’s caliber, the free agent market is an offer to secure a transformative talent at no transfer cost.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
At 26, the Liverpool-born right-back, Alexander-Arnold, is at the peak of his career with over 60 assists. Reports suggest that Alexander-Arnold is sure to end up in Real Madrid. His ability to dictate play with progressive passing and set-piece mastery makes him a dream signing, and his departure would leave a gaping hole at Anfield.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 transfer window gets closer, high-profile players like Salah, De Bruyne, and Messi might become free agents. They might join new teams, stay with their top clubs, or even retire. Their decisions will not only influence European football but the world of football. Get ready for a summer of surprises!
The article is written by Kate Richardson.
