The list of high-profile players whose contracts expire this summer is impressive, but there are a number who look set to remain at their clubs. Real Madrid veterans Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are all reportedly close to agreeing another year, with forward Marco Asensio ready to sign up for another four, while the futures of Chelsea‘s N’Golo Kante and Borussia Dortmund‘s Marco Reus are likely to be resolved soon too.
Manchester United have an option to extend goalkeeper David de Gea by a year, though want him to accept a lower salary, so that could go either way. Meanwhile, a number of players have already agreed to move on including: Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar, Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada and RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer.
Yet there are several exceptionally talented players who are still to have their futures sorted just weeks before the end of the season. So here’s a rundown of the most coveted.
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The most high-profile of them all, Messi looks set to leave PSG as the option to extend into a third year of his contract is reportedly required to have the consent of both club and player. Sources have told ESPN that the Argentina World Cup winner is not prepared to reduce his salary, despite a disappointing season in Paris, and is awaiting offers.
MLS side Inter Miami are keen, as are his former club Barcelona if they can work out the financial aspect, while there remains interest from Saudi Arabia club Al Ittihad. A return to his first club Newell’s Old Boys has been mooted, but it’s unlikely Messi will want to head back to Argentina just now.
