With the European season coming to an end over the next coming weeks, the silly season has gotten underway with the transfer window officially opening.
As some players head into next season knowing where they will be or their next destination is destined to be – there are some who are still out in the cold as to where their future may lie.
Without further ado, here are five of the best free-agents heading into the transfer window.
Adrien Rabiot
After a season of uncertainty as to where the Frenchman would end, it seems as if the midfielder will finally leave the French capital.
His relationship with PSG deteriorated significantly after his move to Barcelona failed in the off-season with numerous suspensions and disciplinary measures put in place due to his misdemeanours. Rabiot, is a supremely talented central midfielder who is still at the ripe age of 24 and has a lot of football still ahead of him. He has garnered interest from a lot of clubs around the continent – in particular Real Madrid, Tottenham and Manchester United who the latter two are desperately looking for a box-to-box midfielder to bolster their stocks.
However, his discipline may be a hinderance and almost a turn-off to clubs looking to swoop on the Frenchman who would come at an absolute bargain for a basement price.
Arjen Robben
The Dutchman who has amazed for so long in the Bundesliga has made his final bow after a storied run at Bayern Munich.
After ten years at Bayern, Robben was apart of one of their most successful eras playing a crucial role in their UEFA Champions League success in 2013 while also being a part of eight Bundesliga crowns. The winger has spent the better part of the last season injured but at 35 and still supremely talented, Robben still may find himself playing a role in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Rumoured to be a target of Leicester City, Robben could add another dimension to their attack along with a load of experience to a rather young corps of wingers.
If the move doesn’t eventuate, the Dutchman has won a range of admirers throughout his career and another potential suitor would not be far away.
Yacine Brahimi
The Algerian winger looks set for a move away from Porto after rumours swirling towards his impending departure begin to ramp up.
Brahimi, who has spent five years at the club has forged an incredible career at the Portugese giants and made himself a staple of the Algerian national team in the process. His great strengths include his ability to run at players and possesses superb technical acumen which makes him an unpredictable and tricky forward who would suit most teams screaming out for a technically gifted winger.
With West Ham looming as a potential destination, Brahimi would be a superb fit to an already dynamic front-line possessing the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini as they look to rise up the table.
Mario Balotelli
Arguably the most volatile but one of the most supremely talented forwards in world football looks set to be a free agent once more.
With his current contract at Marseille running down, Super Mario may be without a home come the end of this season. Currently on loan at Marseille, Balotelli has turned his season around with eight goals in 14 games in the second-half of the season but there is no indication as of yet whether his contract will be extended. Now at 28 years of age, Balotelli still has a lot of football left in him as he looks to make a permanent return to the Italian national team along with finding a long-term home.
Rumours suggest West Ham are interested in his services while his talents alone would still many plenty of admirers – as long as they know what is coming when it comes to his outrageous personality.
Juan Mata
The tricky Spaniard looks set to be on the move after five years in Manchester.
One of their more consistent players, Mata has won plenty of supporters due to his tricky play but as he edges towards the end of his contract – he looks all but, on the way, out of Manchester United. Rumours are saying he has failed to agree on a new contract which has put clubs on notice regarding his future and could play a major role for many clubs looking for a creative attacking player.
Would appeal to many mid-table Premier League clubs or potentially a move back to Spain could be on the cards for Mata after almost ten years on the British isle.
