The summer 2025 transfer window is now officially open, coinciding with the lead-up to the FIFA Club World Cup set to begin on June 14 in the United States. As this month concludes, several high-profile sports stars will find themselves without contracts. While some, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold (reportedly heading to Xabi Alonso`s Real Madrid) and Jonathan Tah (set to join Bayern Munich after his Bayer Leverkusen deal ends), have already secured new clubs, others are still in negotiations. Luka Modric and Kevin De Bruyne, for example, are reportedly in advanced discussions to move to Italian Serie A clubs, with AC Milan prepared to sign the Croatian midfielder after the tournament and Napoli pursuing the Belgian star. Let`s now look at and rank the top five players who are free agents this summer.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo
The 40-year-old Portuguese sensation is once again available on the market following the expiry of his contract with Al-Nassr, the club he joined in December 2022. Although talks for a new agreement with the same Saudi team are reportedly ongoing, FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently raised the possibility of him playing for a different club at the FIFA Club World Cup. As of now, extending and signing another deal with Al-Nassr appears most probable, but with a player of Cristiano Ronaldo`s stature, predicting his future remains uncertain until any new contract is officially finalised.
4. Edin Dzeko
The Bosnian striker has departed Fenerbahce, as announced by the club at the close of the recent season, potentially making him an attractive option for many teams globally. Despite turning 40 next year, Dzeko proved to be a consistent scorer last season, netting 21 goals in 53 appearances for the Turkish club. He has reportedly been offered to several European teams. With his Fenerbahce contract expiring on June 30, his name is expected to feature as a potential signing for various clubs in the upcoming weeks.
3. Thomas Muller
The German football legend is scheduled to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the current season and will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup with the German powerhouse. There have been reports of potential interest from Serie A and MLS teams, but his future path is not yet clear, as the player himself has not announced his plans after the World Cup. Muller, who will turn 36 later this year, certainly presents a significant chance for many clubs to sign a world-class talent who can still make a substantial contribution to the game despite his age.
2. Thomas Partey
Although his contract is set to expire later this month, negotiations between Thomas Partey and Arsenal for a new deal at the English club are reportedly still underway. Arsenal recently appointed Andrea Berta as sport director, who previously worked with Partey during their time together at Atletico de Madrid. If the two parties cannot agree on a new contract, Partey could emerge as one of the premier free agent opportunities across Europe this summer. Arsenal has officially confirmed that there are `ongoing discussions` regarding a new contract for the player.
1. Jonathan David
Arguably the most sought-after player available this summer ahead of the transfer window is the Canadian striker, whose contract with Lille is due to expire at the end of June. Numerous teams across Europe have shown interest in acquiring the striker, with particular focus from Italian clubs like Napoli and Juventus, who are reportedly in talks with David`s representatives. The Canadian striker boasts an impressive scoring record, having accumulated a total of 109 goals in 232 appearances across all competitions during his five seasons at Lille.
