MY ACCOUNT
With the Premier League season now over, another busy summer of spending is on the horizon — but not all great deals have to break the bank.
Whether it is players looking for a change of scene, clubs keen to free up wages or simply a mutual parting of ways, a cluster of top-flight stars are set to move for nothing next month.
LiveScore have pulled together some of the most high-profile names to form an out-of-contract XI.
Goalkeeper — Ben Foster (Watford)
After making 207 appearances for Watford across two spells, Ben Foster confirmed he would be departing Vicarage Road following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
At 39, the ex-England stopper is no spring chicken but stated he was “looking forward to what next season will bring” in a social media post.
With retirement apparently not yet on the cards, Foster could add invaluable experience to a club’s goalkeeping ranks.
Right-back — Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace)
Despite featuring in Crystal Palace’s final 14 games of the Premier League campaign, Nathaniel Clyne is still yet to sign a contract extension at Selhurst Park.
Clyne, now 31, made his breakthrough at Palace before enjoying spells at Southampton and Liverpool, though injuries have badly hampered his career — hence his return to South London in October 2020.
Should he fail to agree an extension, he looks an obvious pick-up for a newly-promoted or bottom-half Premier League outfit.
Centre-back — Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
Chelsea are set to lose one of their most reliable performers on a free transfer this summer with Antonio Rudiger poised to join Real Madrid.
The German international, 29, has been a rock at the back for the Blues in recent seasons but talks over a new contract stalled around the turn of the year.
Reports suggest he is bound for the Bernabeu, leaving a huge void in Chelsea’s backline which boss Thomas Tuchel will be desperate to fill.
Centre-back — James Tarkowski (Burnley)
Burnley battled bravely in the latter stages of the 2021-22 campaign but were unable to avoid a devastating relegation — and now exits are inevitable at Turf Moor.
One key figure among those expected to leave is defender James Tarkowski, who has long attracted interest from top clubs in England and abroad.
Everton and Aston Villa are thought to be leading the race for the 29-year-old’s signature and he could prove one of the off-season’s shrewdest acquisitions.
Left-back — Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
Ashley Young may be at the twilight of his career but the 36-year-old has still been turning in impressive performances at Aston Villa this term.
Former Manchester United man Young has previously made no secret of his desire to extend his second stint in the Midlands but with no agreement reached, he could end up elsewhere.
The versatile wide man has shown age to be just a number in his 25 appearances in all competitions this campaign and would bring a wealth of know-how to any Premier League squad.
Central midfield — Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
The most high-profile star in this line-up, Paul Pogba joined United for a whopping £89.5million in 2016 but is set to walk away from Old Trafford for nothing.
Pogba’s glorious return to his boyhood club was supposed to be a transformative signing for the Red Devils but his six-year stint has largely been one of frustration and unfulfilled potential.
The 29-year-old World Cup winner is expected to re-join another former side in Juventus where he will hope to rebuild his reputation as one of world football’s finest midfielders.
Central midfield — Christian Eriksen (Brentford)
Brentford’s deadline-day deal for Christian Eriksen now looks one of the most inspired in Premier League history, with the Dane having played a huge role in keeping the Bees up.
It has been fantastic to see the ex-Tottenham and Inter Milan maestro strutting his stuff in West London, though that impressive form has invariably created interest from elsewhere.
With his short-term agreement at Brentford now over, it remains to be seen where the silky midfielder will opt to ply his trade next term.
Central midfield — Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Somewhat of a forgotten man at Old Trafford, Juan Mata is another player who will depart the Red Devils on a free this summer.
Boasting one of the most glittering trophy cabinets in world football, the Spaniard still has plenty to offer at 34 — even if his involvement in Manchester has been limited for some time.
Though LaLiga sides will be favourites to lure him home, many Premier League clubs could do far worse than make a proposal to the creative midfielder.
Right wing — Andriy Yarmolenko (West Ham)
Andriy Yarmolenko’s four-year spell at West Ham has largely been a disappointing one — but recent weeks have at least shown the Ukrainian retains some ability.
Netting memorable goals against Aston Villa and Sevilla in March, the 32-year-old winger is capable of causing havoc at his best but David Moyes has decided his hefty wages can be better utilised elsewhere.
A fit and motivated Yarmolenko could easily remain an asset to wherever he rocks up next, though his signature unquestionably comes with risk.
Left wing — Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)
The third United entrant in this side, Jesse Lingard will call time on his United journey after two decades at Old Trafford.
After reviving his stagnating career on loan at West Ham in 2020-21, Lingard made the brave call to stay put and fight for a place in the Red Devils’ starting XI — but unfortunately that decision has backfired.
Only four starts in all competitions have prompted a rather unceremonious departure and where the Three Lions international ends up next remains firmly up in the air.
Striker — Divock Origi
Having played the role of supersub at Anfield during a glorious period, Liverpool marksman Divock Origi is finally exiting Merseyside.
The Belgian has rarely been more than a bit-part player under Jurgen Klopp but has developed an uncanny knack for popping up with huge goals in some of the Reds’ most vital clashes.
AC Milan are frontrunners to land the 27-year-old and it will be interesting to see how he fares when given an extended run of starts at another of Europe’s grandest clubs.
