The summer 2025 transfer window is now open, coinciding with the build-up to the FIFA Club World Cup set to begin on June 14 in the United States. Several prominent football stars will see their contracts expire at the end of the current month. While some players have already secured their next move – for instance, Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly joining Xabi Alonso`s Real Madrid and Jonathan Tah is headed to Bayern Munich after leaving Bayer Leverkusen – others are still in discussions about their future. Players like Luka Modric and Kevin De Bruyne are reportedly in advanced talks for moves to Italy`s Serie A, with AC Milan eyeing the Croatian midfielder and Napoli pursuing the Belgian star following the tournament. Below, we examine the top five players who could be available as free agents this summer.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
The 40-year-old Portuguese icon is once again potentially available on the market after his contract with Al-Nassr, the Saudi club he joined in December 2022, concluded. While negotiations for a potential contract extension with Al-Nassr are reportedly still in progress, there`s also speculation, fueled by comments from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, that he could feature for a different club at the FIFA Club World Cup. As of now, staying with Al-Nassr appears to be the most probable outcome, but with a player of Cristiano Ronaldo`s stature, his future remains uncertain until a new deal is officially finalized.
4. Edin Dzeko
The Bosnian striker has departed Fenerbahce, a move confirmed by the club at the end of the recent season. He could represent an appealing option for numerous teams worldwide. Despite his age – Dzeko will turn 40 next year – he demonstrated consistent performance last season, netting 21 goals in 53 appearances for the Turkish side. He has reportedly been offered to several European clubs. His name is likely to surface as a potential target for various clubs in the coming weeks, as his contract with Fenerbahce expires on June 30.
3. Thomas Muller
The legendary German forward is set to leave Bayern Munich at the close of the current season and is expected to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup with the German giants. Reports have suggested potential interest from teams in Serie A and MLS, but his next destination remains unclear. Muller himself has not publicly announced his plans following the World Cup tournament. At 36 later this year, Muller certainly presents a significant opportunity for many clubs to acquire a world-class player who can still make a considerable contribution to the game despite his veteran status.
2. Thomas Partey
Although his contract is due to expire this month, negotiations between Thomas Partey and Arsenal for a new deal at the English club are reportedly still ongoing. This situation is particularly interesting given Arsenal`s recent appointment of sport director Andrea Berta, who previously worked with Partey during their time together at Atletico Madrid. Should the two parties fail to reach an agreement on a new contract, Partey would become one of the most attractive free agent options available in Europe this summer. Arsenal has publicly acknowledged that discussions regarding a new contract for the player are “ongoing”.
1. Jonathan David
The Canadian forward is arguably the most exciting player available as a free agent heading into the summer transfer window, with his contract at Lille expiring at the end of June. Several clubs across Europe have reportedly expressed interest in signing the striker, with particular attention from Italian teams. Both Napoli and Juventus are said to be in talks with David`s representatives regarding a potential transfer. Over his five seasons at Lille, the Canadian striker boasts an impressive record of 109 goals from 232 appearances across all competitions.
Adrian Whitmore