Everybody gets a transfer!: 9 biggest footballers available for free transfer in 2021

WE CAN ALMOST HEAR OPRAH'S VOICE IN OUR HEAD: You get a transfer, you get a transfer — everybody gets a transfer! The European market is offering up A-list footballers at a five-finger discount at the end of this season, with names like Messi and Sergio Ramos available to snatch up as free transfers. We take a look at eight of the biggest footballing names that will be ripe for the taking in 2021.

LIONEL MESSI: The Argentine legend is getting ready for the end of his time with Barcelona after more than 16 years. Messi just made news for his leaked contract with Barca, which shows the highest sum to be paid to an athlete at around £555 million for a four-year contract . But even though he’ll be a free agent by the end of this season, reports suggest that Pairs Saint-Germain (PSG) are offering £800,000 to the legendary striker.

SERGIO AGUERO: The prolific striker is Manchester City’s all-time best goalscorer, but his time at the club is running out after 10 years (he joined in July 2011). Aguero, who is the highest non-English scorer in the history of the English Premier league, will be a free agent this summer, much like his countryman Messi.

SERGIO RAMOS: 34-year-old Spanish defender Sergio Ramos will be saying goodbye to Real Madrid this summer and will be free to roam wherever he pleases — possibly ending up in England. Rumours are swirling that both Manchester United and Manchester City are looking to snag him up as his free agency looms closer.

JEROME BOATENG: Bayern Munich centre-back and World Cup winner is nearing the end of his time at the prolific German club, but there are already reports that the free agent has reached an agreement with North London side Chelsea. It could be the first signing for Chelsea under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

JULIAN DRAXLER: Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler is another German player who is set to become a free agent by the end of the season. According to reports, PSG aren’t interested in renewing Draxler’s contract. Last month, there was news that Draxler could go to Arsenal in exchange for French-Moroccan youngster Matteo Guendouzi.

DAVID ALABA: It looks like David Alaba’s fate is already sorted. The Bayern Munich defender — who primarily plays as a centre-back — is finalising terms of a deal with Real Madrid. The Austrian player would be Real’s replacement for centre-back Sergio Ramos if they don’t extend his contract.

LUKA MODRIC: The Croatian player and winner of the Ballon d’Or 2018 is also heading toward free agency at the end of the season, ending a contract with Real Madrid. Modric, 35, has expressed a desire to conclude his career in Madrid.

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM: It doesn’t look like Liverpool will manage to keep Gigi after his contract expires this season. The biggest likelihood is that the Dutch international will make his way to Spain to play for Barcelona.

DIEGO COSTA: The Atletico Madrid player is nearing the end of his contract this year. And though he’ll be a free agent he will be fined €25 million if he joins a trio of Spanish competitors who are in the Champions League: Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.