20 hottest free players in the 2023 summer transfer window

Betimate takes a closer look at the players who will become free agents at the official conclusion of the 2022-23 football season on June 30. Among them are renowned footballers such as Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, along with several other notable names, who have yet to extend their contracts.

Lionel Messi (PSG)

Lionel Messi is on the brink of departing Paris Saint-Germain after joining from Barcelona in 2021. Despite leaving Barcelona, speculation continues to circulate about a potential return to Catalonia to conclude his career. Joan Laporta expressed, "I don't think Messi's story at Barcelona is finished. It is our duty to ensure that the chapter remains open, that it hasn't reached its end."

Lionel Messi

There have been mentions of a potential move to Major League Soccer or Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal as the 2022 World Cup champion appears ready to embrace a fresh challenge following his departure from Paris.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

• Inter Miami Faces Consequences for Preseason Globe-Trotting
• Premier League: Hearing for Manchester City's 115 Charges Expected 'in Near Future'

Initially expected to ink a one-year extension with Real Madrid, Karim Benzema's future seems to be taking a different turn as recent reports from Spain suggest a potential departure to Saudi Arabia once his contract concludes at Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Karim Benzema

According to the news, a Saudi Pro League team, likely to be Al-Ittihad, has extended an enticing offer to the striker, amounting to approximately €100 million per season, inclusive of additional perks. It appears that the Frenchman might consider the opportunity to relocate to Asia.

Sergio Ramos (PSG)

"Tomorrow is a special day, tomorrow I will say goodbye to another stage of my life, goodbye to PSG inside. I don't know in how many places one can feel at home, but without a doubt PSG, the fans, and Paris were one of them for me." Ramos posted on social media.

Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos, the 37-year-old Spanish defender, has announced that his final match for the French champions will be a Ligue 1 fixture at home against Clemont Foot.

Ramos is set to become a free agent after the 2022/23 season. Alongside Lionel Messi, he is one of the notable stars who have expressed their intention to depart Parc des Princes. Following his departure from the team, it is probable that he will make a move to a club in Saudi Arabia.

N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

N'Golo Kante's existing contract with Chelsea is set to expire in the summer of 2023. Having joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2016, the talented French midfielder had previously signed a new five-year contract in 2018, which is now reaching its conclusion at the end of the current season.

N'Golo Kante

Initial reports indicated that Kante would commit to a new contract, prolonging his tenure at Stamford Bridge. However, recent rumors suggest a potential change of plans as he might be on the verge of making a U-turn and departing from Stamford Bridge.

Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Youri Tielemans is approaching the conclusion of his existing contract with Leicester City. The talented Belgian midfielder has garnered significant interest from top Premier League clubs, notably Arsenal, as discussions with the Foxes failed to make significant progress, even prior to their relegation confirmation.

Youri Tielemans

In addition to Arsenal's interest, Tielemans has also been linked with a potential move to Roma, where Jose Mourinho currently holds the managerial reins.

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Sergio Busquets' remarkable 15-year journey with Barcelona is nearing its conclusion as his contract is set to expire at the culmination of the 2022-23 season.

Sergio Busquets

As his time at Barcelona comes to an end, Busquets may attract attention from Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs during the summer transfer window. Moreover, Saudi Arabian clubs have also expressed interest in securing the services of the seasoned midfielder.

Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

In 2016, Ilkay Gundogan made a significant move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, where he has enjoyed an exceptional tenure in the Premier League. While his existing contract is due to expire in the summer, Manchester City is strongly motivated to retain him at the Etihad Stadium and has presented him with new contract offers.

Ilkay Gundogan

However, if Gundogan decides to part ways with City in the upcoming weeks, several teams, including Barcelona and Arsenal, have shown keen interest in securing the services of the German international.

Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)

Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino's departure from Liverpool as a free agent is imminent during the summer. Recent reports suggest that Real Madrid is considering the Brazilian striker as a potential option to bolster their attacking prowess, as they seek cost-effective alternatives.

Naby Keita (Liverpool)

Naby Keita

Naby Keita's departure from Anfield is scheduled for this summer, and he has emerged as a potential target for Crystal Palace as a free agent. In addition, both Inter and Galatasaray are keeping a close eye on the midfielder's situation.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)

Before the start of the 2022-23 season, there were speculations about Zlatan Ibrahimovic retiring. However, those rumors were silenced when the Swedish striker inked a fresh contract, extending his tenure at Milan for the ongoing campaign.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Nonetheless, the veteran forward will now bid farewell to San Siro and is considering a potential transfer to Monza, a club situated a mere 12 miles away from Milan.

Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan)

Milan Skriniar

Milan Skriniar will enter free agency this summer after turning down a contract extension from Inter. However, it appears that the Slovakian defender is on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain and embarking on a fresh chapter in his career in France.

Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Marcus Thuram

Marcus Thuram, the talented striker of Borussia Monchengladbach, will see his contract with the Bundesliga club expire this summer, and he has decided not to extend his current deal. As a result, he has attracted interest from several prominent clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, as well as Serie A powerhouses Juventus and Inter, all closely monitoring his situation.

Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)

Adrien Rabiot

Manchester United continues to show interest in Adrien Rabiot, the French midfielder who will become a free agent in the summer. Given that Juventus failed to secure a spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season, Rabiot may be inclined to consider a move to Old Trafford.

Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Wilfried Zaha appears likely to depart Crystal Palace when his contract expires in the summer. The Daily Mail reports that he has received interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, but no formal offer has been made yet. Additionally, Crystal Palace has presented him with a contract offer of £200,000 per week, which includes bonuses.

Wilfried Zaha

Furthermore, Zaha's agent has engaged in discussions with Fenerbahce and Marseille, exploring the potential for a transfer. At present, his future remains uncertain and awaits a resolution.

Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

Marco Asensio has decided not to extend his contract with Real Madrid and there are indications that he may join Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Marco Asensio

Unai Emery, the manager of Aston Villa, is reported to be a strong admirer of Asensio and desires his presence at Villa Park for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, the Spanish international is also being closely watched by PSG and AC Milan.

Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid)

Dani Ceballos' existing contract is set to expire in the summer, and according to reports in the Spanish media, Real Madrid has presented him with a three-year contract extension at his current salary.

Dani Ceballos

The midfielder is currently evaluating his options, but it seems probable that he will opt to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Jesse Lingard (Nottingham Forest)

Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard's contract with Nottingham Forest is due to conclude at the end of the season, and he is expected to search for a fresh opportunity. Reports suggest that Fenerbahce and various teams in the Middle East are interested in acquiring his services.

Angel Di Maria (Juventus)

According to reports, Angel Di Maria is likely to depart from Juventus as his contract expires, following unsuccessful negotiations between his representatives and the club regarding a one-year extension.

Angel Di Maria

The player has garnered interest from clubs in the MLS and Saudi Arabia, while Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have also been associated with a potential transfer for the Argentine.

James Milner (Liverpool)

James Milner

James Milner is on the verge of departing Liverpool and is expected to join Brighton as a free agent, continuing his Premier League career. Brighton has successfully fended off competition from at least three other clubs, including Burnley, the champions of the Championship, to secure the services of the 37-year-old midfielder.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ( Liverpool)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's contract with Liverpool will expire this summer, making him a free agent who is actively considering offers from other clubs. Despite rumors connecting him to Aston Villa, negotiations have not progressed to an advanced stage at this time.

Chelsea: Cole Palmer Ready for Aston Villa Clash, Malo Gusto and Raheem Sterling Unavailable

The Blues face a daunting challenge with 12 players sidelined for their journey to Villa Park.