Previewing 2022’s Top Free Agents
Since the pandemic, cash-strapped teams have turned to free transfers in order to boost their squads, and players have used it to get themselves massive paydays. After big names such as David Alaba, Lionel Messi, and Sergio Ramos moved for free last year, which top players could be on the move in 2022?
Paul Pogba, Manchester United
After his much anticipated move to United in 2016, inconsistency and disappointment haunts Pogba’s time at Old Trafford. Capable of producing game-breaking individual displays, such as his four-assist performance to start this season, the Frenchman has not put together a full season of fantastic play. Some of that is definitely down to the dysfunction around him, and United’s inability to pair him with midfielders that compliment him, but he is be free of blame. Real Madrid and PSG seem like the only two clubs interested that could pay his wages, and a return home to France might be best for the World Cup winner.
Destination: PSG
Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea
One of the best defenders over the past two years, the problematic ownership situation at Chelsea has led to it being announced Rudiger will not continue with the club. Based on his surreal form and leadership, the rugged center back will surely have many suitors. Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are all rumored to be in contact with him, and it seems as though he has decided to head to the Spanish capital. No official announcement has been made by the club or player yet, but it could be coming soon.
Destination: Real Madrid
Rudiger will be a massive loss for Chelsea
Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona
Signed as a Neymar replacement in 2017, Dembele has dealt with a variety of injuries during his time with Barcelona. On top of this, he can be quite inconsistent, having with some fantastic displays as well as seemingly going missing in some matches. However, his form since Xavi took over as manager is very impressive, and his electric dribbling, pace, and two-footedness still make him extremely dangerous. Chelsea, Juventus, PSG, and Man United always seem to be linked with him, but he could still end up re-signing with Barca and continuing the promising play we have seen from him under Xavi.
Destination: Staying at Barca
Kylian Mbappe, PSG
Arguably the world’s best player, it is rare to see a superstar with so much of his career ahead of him about to hit the open market. However, Mbappe is no regular superstar and it seems he has wanted to take his talents to Real Madrid for years now. It nearly happened last summer, only for PSG to reject a €200 million offer from the Spanish giants. They now face losing him for free, and reportedly have offered him a massive new contract in hopes of keeping him in the French capital for just a little bit longer. With no official announcement made, and PSG’s new offer on the table, Madrid might just be sweating a little. However, it still seems Mbappe is most likely to be the next Galactico superstar.
Destination: Real Madrid
Mbappe already has experience scoring at the Santiago Bernabeu
Paulo Dybala, Juventus
Still only 28, Dybala still has a lot left in the tank if he can find the right situation. A stop and start career at Juventus has left many fans frustrated, but the world still recognizes he has a wand of a left foot and can break a game open at any moment. There is interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as one of Juve’s rivals, Inter Milan. It is very difficult to say where he will end up at this point, but Inter’s recent league success and the familiarity with Serie A might just be the tipping point. It won’t go over well in Turin, but Dybala may be headed to Inter.
Destination: Inter Milan