As the January transfer window approaches, many players within Europe’s top five leagues will be available for a free transfer. These players would come to the end of their current contract, and with no talks in sight, clubs would have the free hand to negotiate with them.

The winter transfer window is closer than how you see it, and a countless number of players, including world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, will be available.

Karim Benzema is arguably the best striker in the 2021/22 football season due to his exploits at Real Madrid which helped the club to win the Spanish La Liga and the UEFA Champions League for the 14th time. However, it would interest you to know he is yet to renew.

The same fate applies to Luka Modrić, who is also not having his contract renewal with the Los Blancos, even though he’s shown his desire to remain at the club as long as he can. However, Modrić is expected to renew. But, there has been no official announcement regarding an agreement.

We’ve selected the top five best footballers whose contract ends in 2023 and would be available for clubs to negotiate a possible move.

Top 5 players available for free in the January winter transfer window of 2022

1. Marco Asensio 

The situation of Marco Asensio appears to be increasingly frustrating. The Spanish footballer would be open to a move away from the Santiago Bernabéu, as it seems as if the project does not include services.

Asensio is not happy with his situation at Real Madrid, and a perfect example was his reaction when he was left on the bench during the La Liga clash with RCD Mallorca.

Although there have been little or no rumours regarding his next destination, Real Madrid’s rivals Barcelona have been mentioned to be the possible destination for the Spaniard.

N’Golo Kanté 

The Frenchman was among the best players at Chelsea when the club won the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup under Thomas Tuchel.

He came to Chelsea in 2016 and has since established himself as a starter. However, this season looks different as he’s found it difficult to command a starting shirt in the team.

Dani Ceballos

Although it appears he is beginning to gain the trust of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, a lot is being said regarding his future at the club. He was outstanding through the last stretch of last season.

At the moment, Dani Ceballos is yet to renew his contract with Real Madrid, which puts his future in doubt. As per sources, he could be heading to Real Betis if he fails to earn a new contract at Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi

Paris Saint-Germain dream of keeping Messi beyond his current contract, but the increasing rumours in the European media suggest otherwise.

Although there’s hope he could renew with PSG, who had spent considerable sums keeping him at the Parc des Princes, a return to Barcelona might as well be on the cards for the Argentine football legend.

Cristiano Ronaldo

After unending speculation regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United in July, the Portuguese forward chose to remain in the Premier League. However, Erik ten Haag, United boss, appears to have waved for a possible exit in January.

Ronaldo is no longer starting for Manchester United, which could undermine his chances of playing at the highest level even though he’s 37.