We’ve brought together a list of 30 free agents ahead of the January transfer window in 2023.
The January transfer window is here, and European clubs have begun the pursuit of their dream signings.
Liverpool and Chelsea have already moved by signing Cody Gakpo and Fofana. But the majority of clubs would enter the market on January 1st. According to Fichajes, these players are available for free in the market.
Top 30 free agents in the January transfer window 2023
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the biggest name on the list, as the Argentine is free to negotiate with clubs interested in securing his services. In our previous report, we revealed Inter Miami’s interest amid rumours of his exit from PSG.
The French club is working tirelessly to ensure Messi continues to represent the club beyond next season following his heroics that helped Argentina to lift the World Cup trophy in Qatar.
Read:
How Lionel Messi almost played for Spain
The Lionel Messi awards you should know
2. Youri Tielemans
The Belgian has continued to headline the papers due to the state of his contract at Leicester City. As things stand, he is yet to renew and could move out of the club in January. Real Madrid has identified him as a surprise signing, while Arsenal are also interested in the player.
Read: Will Tielemans leave Leicester? Real Madrid continues to watch the Belgian
3. Milan Skriniar
Milan Skriniar’s departure from Inter Milan has continued to surface even though the club has played down a possible exit. The Slovakian international has been linked with top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain.
4. Jorginho
The Italian could be looking to continue his trade outside the Stamford bridge from next year. He is yet to renew his contract, and numerous clubs, including Juventus and Barcelona, have been mentioned.
Read: The Three clubs that want to sign Jorginho in January 2023 transfer window
5. Karim Benzema
Benzema could renew his contract with Los Blancos. But at the moment, there’s been no indication of that. The Frenchman is one of the best players at the club and is vital for Carlo Ancelotti.
6. Toni Kroos
Real Madrid has begun looking ahead, and it is uncertain whether the club will extend his contract beyond this season.
7. Marco Asensio
As club football returns to Spain following the end of the World Cup, Marco Asensio appears to have found his footing in Carlo Ancelotti’s team. He started the game against Real Valladolid even though it is unclear whether he would remain at the club.
8. Wilfried Zaha
The Ivorian has been an important figure for the Eagles in the last couple of years. However, it appears the time for change could come as he is yet to sign a contract extension with the club.
9. Íñigo Martínez
Íñigo Martínez is one of the household names in Spanish football. Athletic Club central defender is on the wishlist of FC Barcelona, who are looking to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season.
The lapses in the Blaugrana were observed in the game against Espanyol de Barcelona in Catalonia.
10. Marcus Thuram
French forward Marcus Thuram is clear about his future. The player’s contract with Borussia Monchengladbach ends at the end of the season. Atlético Madrid has identified the player to be the ideal striker.
11. Thomas Lemar
The Frenchman has been a shadow of himself since making the switch to Atlético Madrid. His contract with the club ends at the end of the season with no signs of a possible extension.
12. Leandro Trossard
Surprisingly Leandro Trossard, despite leading the lines for Brighton and Hove Albion, is yet to renew his contract with the club. His contract ends soon, and top clubs like Chelsea and Atlético Madrid have already been linked with the player.
13. Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay is entirely out of the plans of Xavi Hernandez. The Dutch forward, whose contract ends next year, is yet to renew with the club.
14. N´Golo Kanté
The continuity of Kanté appears to be in doubt at Stamford bridge. He is a free agent and will likely leave the club in January. Top clubs like Barcelona are rumoured to be interested.
Also Read: The two Premier League clubs interested in signing NGolo Kanté
15. Naby Keita
Liverpool star Keita could depart Anfield as Jurgen Klopp appears to have a different plan without him.
16. Youssoufa Moukoko
Borussia Dortmund talent Youssoufa Moukoko is expected to depart the club ahead of a potential move to FC Barcelona. The German forward is yet to renew his contract with the club.
17. Roberto Firmino
The arrival of Cody Gakpo at Liverpool could make it difficult for Roberto Firmino, who had already struggled to find minutes in Jurgen Klopp’s team. The Brazilian could head for the exit door in January.
18. Ilkay Gündogan
Ilkay Gündogan is one of the high-profile names in England who has yet to commit to his future. The German, who has been linked with a move away from the Premier League, is yet to extend his contract with the Cityzens.
Manchester City fans would remember Ilkay Gündogan’s heroics that helped the club to the Premier League title last season in the final day drama.
19. Konrad Laimer
RB Leipzig is expected to see the departure of top players, including Christopher Nkunku, Josko Gvardiol (possibly), and Konrad Laimer. Laimer is yet to commit his future to the Saxony-based club.
20. Alejandro Grimaldo
Alejandro Grimaldo has been tipped to return to Juventus as a replacement for Alex Sandro. The Benfica winger ends his contract with the club at the end of the season.
21. Ramy Bensebaini
The Algerian star, alongside Marcus Thuram, is one of the high-profile names set to depart Borussia Monchengladbach next year.
22. Raphael Guerreiro
Borussia Dortmund is expected to let go of longstanding midfielder Raphael Guerreiro. The Portuguese has already been linked with a move to the Premier League.
23. Adrien Rabiot
His continuity at Juventus is in doubt.
24. Daichi Kamada
Daichi Kamada was one of the best players during the Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League triumph at the expense of Rangers. The Japanese footballer is a free agent and could be heading for the exit door in January.
There are talks of a potential move to Borussia Dortmund.
25. David De Gea
David De Gea is one of high profile free agents in January. The Spaniard holds the number one spot in goal for Manchester United. But his future remains doubtful since his contract ends at the end of the season.
26. Mauro Arambarri
Arambarri is a Uruguayan midfielder who plays for Getafe. His contract ends at the end of the season, and top clubs like Valencia, Betis, and Villarreal have shown interest in securing his services.
27. Caglar Soyuncu
The Turkish defender could head to Atletico Madrid. His contract with Leicester City is yet to be renewed.
28. Luka Modric
The chances of Luka Modrić’s contract extension with Real Madrid are slim. However, Carlo Ancelotti could continue to work with the Croatian as Los Blancos step up their bid to find a suitable replacement for the club legend.
29. Aleix García
Aleix Garcia plays as a midfielder for Girona. He’s been linked with Atlético de Madrid.
30. Héctor Bellerín
Bellerín is one of the players tipped to leave Camp Nou in January.
