Another summer brings another frantic period of player trading, and many big-name stars have long been linked with a change of scenery.
Naturally, most eye-catching of all are the deals that hit eight or even nine figures (i.e. Florian Wirtz), but players can also switch clubs by alternative means.
Largely thanks to the Bosman ruling, they become free agents at the expiration of their contract, enabling them to sign for a new side without currency changing hands - albeit, they may receive a hefty signing-on fee.
Most Premier League deals run until 30 June, including that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was set to leave Liverpool as a free agent before Real Madrid's impatience saw cold, hard cash laid down.
Like Bayern Munich new boy Jonathan Tah, the maverick full-back has already signed up for a fresh challenge, but who are the most coveted players still available?
Here, Sports Mole looks at some of the best and considers where they could be heading.
GOALKEEPERS
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The pickings are pretty slim.
As our list does not include players who have a club option to extend their expiring contract, Fiorentina's David de Gea cannot feature. The Spanish stopper has, in any case, just agreed to extend his stay in Tuscany for up to three years.
Another 'keeper to have spent several seasons in England, 40-year-old veteran Lukasz Fabianski can be considered, and he will soon leave West Ham United, having stated his aim to stay in London for family reasons.
That narrows the field for potential suitors, but clubs worldwide might have an eye on Napoli number one Alex Meret. The new Italian champions could allow the Italy international to leave, despite playing his part in both of their recent league wins - in 2022-23 and again last term.
Meret has often been described as a weak link, but few can doubt his shot-stopping abilities, and he certainly contributed to Serie A's meanest defence as Antonio Conte's men dramatically sealed the Scudetto.
DEFENDERS
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Both involved in their clubs' respective runs to the Europa League final, two long-serving centre-backs will depart Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
After eight years at Old Trafford, Victor Lindelof is moving on, after injuries and a drop down the pecking order saw him start just six times in the league last term. Ben Davies has spent 11 seasons with Spurs, but he could now be heading back to Wales, with cash-rich Championship newcomers Wrexham keen to take advantage of the 32-year-old's wealth of experience.
Elsewhere on the free-agent list, it is a full-back bonanza, and several wide players could be on the move in the coming month.
An erstwhile teammate of both Davies and Lindelof, Sergio Reguilon's ill-fated time at Tottenham finally comes to a close, following loan spells at Atletico Madrid, Man United and Brentford.
While he could return to La Liga - former club Sevilla have already been linked - another ex-Spurs full-back is more likely to stay in the Premier League. Kyle Walker-Peters may have suffered as Southampton meekly exited England's top flight, but a number of mid-table sides should still hold an interest.
Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Nelson Semedo has yet to agree a deal, despite an offer being made for renewal, and he is believed to be considering his options amid interest from Galatasaray. Meanwhile, AC Milan and Lyon are looking at Leeds United's Junior Firpo, who let his contract run down and seems reluctant to stay in spite of the Whites' new Premier League status.
Kenny Tete of Fulham had a one-year extension triggered last summer, but his future remains up in the air 12 months on. So, the Dutch right-back might also be bound for pastures new - perhaps opening up a vacancy for Brighton & Hove Albion's Tariq Lamptey, who will also be available for free in July.
MIDFIELDERS
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Ever since his Lille form - and impressive work with the Under-21s - earned Angel Gomes a senior England call-up, speculation has been rife about the featherweight playmaker's return to home shores. Many teams have been linked - with West Ham, Spurs and Roma among them - but former club Man United could also be interested in bringing him back after five years away.
United's outgoing squad man Christian Eriksen still has something to offer, as he prepares to leave Old Trafford; having enjoyed a successful spell in Italy with Inter Milan, it is rumoured that Spain could be the Dane's next destination.
Another ball player, Italian maestro Marco Verratti is also on the market, as his contract at Qatari club Al-Arabi expires in just a few weeks. The former Paris Saint-Germain star - and current part-owner of Serie B side Pescara - could return to Europe after two years of exile.
There are also some midfielders with an eye for goal available, and Atalanta BC's Mario Pasalic is still among them. However, the 30-year-old - who has played an underrated role in La Dea's growth since signing from Chelsea - is now set to sign renewed terms until 2027, with a club option for an extra year on top.
Scorer of 18 goals last season, helping Burnley return to England's top tier, Josh Brownhill also offers a threat in the final third - both West Ham and Everton are poised to pounce if a new deal cannot be agreed.
The latter's 2024-25 'Player of the Season', Idrissa Gueye, is inching towards an extension, but Abdoulaye Doucoure has already confirmed his departure. Renowned for popping up in the opposition box, he memorably scored a vital goal as the Toffees avoided relegation at the very end of their 2022-23 campaign, but a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League could be on the cards.
Of course, the most alluring free agent this year is surely Kevin De Bruyne, who leaves Manchester City as a bona fide club legend. Signed back in 2015 - and prematurely written off, by some, as an expensive ex-Chelsea flop - he ultimately made 422 appearances and became City's talisman, topping 40 goal involvements in their treble season.
Initially expected to head Stateside for MLS, now the pass master is nearing a more romantic move to Napoli. The Partenopei's loquacious club president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently suggested De Bruyne will "probably" arrive in Naples, where his wife has been property shopping and former Belgium teammate Dries Mertens still has a home - a reunion with Romelu Lukaku must also appeal.
FORWARDS
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Many free agents in the attacking category have reached veteran status, but Jonathan David should be coming into his prime. Like Gomes, the Canadian marksman will be leaving Ligue 1 side Lille in the next few weeks.
After scoring 25 goals in 49 games last term, David will finally be on his way, with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa all linked. Yet, he might well lean towards joining De Bruyne in southern Italy, as Napoli seem set to beat off competition from old foes Juventus.
Now 29 - but not past his best - Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane recently changed agents and then turned down a deal extension. The wide man has averaged one goal involvement every other game since moving to Bavaria, but Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs are apparently keen to capitalise on that contract stand-off and bring him back to England.
Luka Jovic has been around the block since bursting onto the scene in Germany before signing for Real Madrid, and his injury-hit stay with Milan is due to end soon. Having shown some glimpses of his undoubted talent in recent weeks, the 27-year-old should still have several suitors - particularly without a transfer fee attached.
It has also been a while since Dominic Calvert-Lewin shone brightly at Everton, amid a plethora of fitness issues throughout his time on Merseyside, so he might seek a new start with another Premier League side.
Elsewhere, there are fading stars seeking either one last pay day or a final shot at glory. Alexandre Lacazette (aged 34) is set to leave Lyon for the second time; Marko Arnautovic (36) will again depart Inter. Jamie Vardy (38), Callum Wilson (33) and Pablo Sarabia (33) are all on the market too, but Lazio's evergreen winger Pedro (38) may yet stay in Rome.
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The latter did battle with another ageless forward in several editions of El Clasico, and the most high-profile footballer of all could seek a new home before the Club World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo may have enjoyed individual success since signing for Al-Nassr, recently scoring his 800th career goal, but the 40-year-old superstar has expressed discontent with his current club more than once.
Having been hawked around by publicity-hungry FIFA president Gianni Infantino - who called for a team taking part in his new-look tournament to sign the veteran striker - could CR7 dramatically exit the Saudi club? He hinted at a potential departure with a recent social media post that read: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written."
Al-Hilal, who are competing in America this summer, have considered making Ronaldo an offer - and that would set him on course to meet Real Madrid in the group stage.
Back among South America's elite after an injection of capital, Brazilian club Botafogo are also keen to bring him on board for a few weeks at least, so anything could happen by the June 9 deadline.
Jonathan O'Shea
