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Out of contract in 2019: The best footballers who will be free agents at the end of the season

Some of the world’s top players are into the final year of their deals, meaning they could leave at the end of the season – Goal takes a look at them

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Mario Balotelli | FW | Marseille

Mario Balotelli has enjoyed a career resurgence in Ligue 1 and has recently completed a move to Marseille from Nice until the end of the season. The Italy international will see out the second half of the campaign at the French side – but here he goes afterwards will depend on how he performs during the season. Getty Images

Yacine Brahimi | FW | Porto

Yacine Brahimi has been a key member of the Porto team for the past five seasons since joining from Granada, but he could potentially decide to move on next summer. The Algeria international has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Wolves, Everton and West Ham. Getty

Gary Cahill | DF | Chelsea

No longer considered first-choice at Chelsea, Gary Cahill is surely weighing up his options as his contract with the Blues nears expiry. Galatasaray have been heavily linked with the 32-year-old, who recently retired from international duty as part of an effort to prolong his club career, but his vast experience means he would be an attractive acquisition for a number of Premier League teams. Getty

Andy Carroll | FW | West Ham

Once a £35 million ($44m) striker, Andy Carroll is now at West Ham in the closing stages of his career, but could find himself at a new club next season as his contract expires at the end of the season. The England international is now fighting for his future with the Hammers, but will not be short of offers otherwise. Getty Images

Matteo Darmian | DF | Manchester United

Matteo Darmian's Manchester United nightmare could be set to end next summer when his contract with the club runs out. The Italy international has played second fiddle to Antonio Valencia for a number of seasons and, despite the Ecuadorian's advancing years, is keen to leave Old Trafford. A move to Serie A seems most likely, with Napoli and Inter said to be keen. However, it should be noted that United have an option to extend the Italian's contract. Getty Images

Brahim Diaz | | MF | Man City

Manchester City's teen midfielder Brahim Diaz is set to leave the Etihad Stadium next summer, with his contract running down. With the path to the first-team ostensibly blocked by more experienced players, Diaz sees his long-term future elsewhere. Real Madrid are the most likely destination for the Spaniard, Goal understands. Getty Images

Munir El Haddadi | FW | Barcelona

Making a breakthrough at Barcelona is no easy feat, but Munir El Haddadi will be hoping to put forth a case to Ernesto Valverde this season. The 23-year-old has impressed while on loan at Valencia and Alaves, so the challenge now is to do it in the Blaugrana shirt. Barca are believed to want the forward to stay at Camp Nou, but he may opt to move on if first-team chances are limited. Getty

Olivier Giroud | FW | Chelsea

A World Cup winner with France, Olivier Giroud has shown his worth as a powerful target man for both Arsenal and Chelsea in recent years. However, the striker is heading into the final stage of his playing career and his contract with the Blues is set to expire at the end of the season. While he may still have something to offer in the Premier League it looks more likely that the Froges native will move home to Ligue 1. Getty Images

Diego Godin | DF | Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid star Diego Godin rejected the opportunity to join Manchester United during the transfer window and it was claimed that the Uruguayan used the interest to bolster his position in contract negotiations. No new deal has yet been penned, however, and he could be available on a free transfer in 2019, which is sure to pique the attention of the Red Devils once more, as well as Juventus. Getty Images

Ander Herrera | MF | Manchester United

Ander Herrera is in his fifth season at Manchester United, but he has become a bit-part player in recent campaigns. Despite not getting as much playing time as he'd like, the Spaniard seems to enjoy being at the club, but he will have the option to leave for free next summer. Getty

Hector Herrera | MF | Porto

Porto captain Hector Herrera could be set to end his stay in Portugal and he could leave the club on a free transfer in 2019. The Mexico international is in his sixth season with the Dragons, but has reportedly been attracting interest from Real Madrid. Getty Images

Phil Jones | DF | Manchester United

Manchester United's desperate pursuit of a centre-back during the transfer window did not reflect well on those they currently have, including Phil Jones. The England international's contract expires at the end of the season – though United have the option to extend – and his future at the club will probably depend on any January incomings. Getty Images

Vincent Kompany | DF | Manchester City

Vincent Kompany is the undisputed leader in the Manchester City dressing room, having completed 10 seasons at the club, but he is heading into the final year of his current contract. The Belgian's injury troubles have hampered his progress in the past three seasons, but he is hopeful of continuing at the top level for a little while yet. Whether that will be at Man City or not remains to be seen. Getty Images

Filipe Luis | DF | Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis is in the final year of his contract with the capital club and his future is currently in doubt. Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for the Brazil international, while PSG have also been suggested as a potential destination. Getty Images

David Luiz | DF | Chelsea

It looked as if David Luiz's time at Chelsea was up when he struggled to nail down a starting place under Antonio Conte, but his fortunes have improved under the guidance of new boss Maurizio Sarri. The 31-year-old has yet to sign a new deal with the club though, meaning his options remain open at the end of the season. Getty Images

Eliaquim Mangala | DF | Manchester City

Eliaquim Mangala has struggled to establish himself at Manchester City since joining from Porto in 2014, with a series of injuries and loan moves away from the club contributing to that reality. His contract is up at the end of the season and, as Pep Guardiola moves on in pursuit of silverware, Mangala is also likely to move on to pastures new. Getty

Juan Mata | MF | Manchester United

Juan Mata has endured ups and downs since arriving at Old Trafford from Chelsea back in 2014, winning a number of trophies along the way. Now 30 and with his contract heading towards expiry, it has been reported that he is seeking a return to Spain to wrap up his playing days, with Valencia a likely destination. Getty

James Milner | MF | Liverpool

Despite his advancing years, James Milner has been a vital component in Liverpool's push for success under Jurgen Klopp. The 32-year-old has shown incredible versatility for the Reds, covering the left-back position, and continues to demonstrate seemingly boundless industry in midfield. However, the Merseyside outfit are looking to the future with the recruitment of players such as Fabinho and Naby Keita, meaning he will soon be deemed surplus to requirements. It has been suggested that he may retire at the end of the season, which is surprising given how much he could still offer. Getty Images

Nacho Monreal | DF | Arsenal

While Arsenal have been ridiculed for their defensive fragility in recent seasons, one player who has stood out is Nacho Monreal. However, despite being one of the Gunners' better performers, he could be set to leave at the end of his contract next summer. Barcelona have been linked with a move for the Spain international, who is equally comfortable at centre-back or full-back. Getty Images

Alberto Moreno | DF | Liverpool

The emergence of Andy Robertson at Liverpool has severely limited the first-team appearances of Alberto Moreno and the Spaniard could be set to leave Anfield at the end of the season as he searches for regular football. Getty

Andreas Pereira | MF | Manchester United

Andreas Pereira has had to be patient for his chance to shine at Manchester United and he is finally getting the opportunity after spending last season on loan at Valencia. The Brazil international is literally playing for his future at the club now, with his contract set to run out next summer, though United can trigger an extension. Getty Images

Adrien Rabiot | MF | PSG

The imminent contract expiry of miidfielder Adrien Rabiot has been a lingering source of consternation for PSG and the player's future remains unclear. The 23-year-old has proven himself in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, so it is no surprise to see his name linked with clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Serie A has also emerged as a potential destination too, with AC Milan and Juventus being linked. Getty Images

Arjen Robben | FW | Bayern Munich

Arjen Robben will be 35 by the time the 2018-19 season ends, at which point he will be a free agent. The former Real Madrid and Chelsea star was famously injury prone during his youth, but has managed to prolong his career nonetheless. It may be that the Dutch winger retires when his contract expires, but he has also been spoken of as a potential marquee signing in Major League Soccer and the Chinese Super League. Getty

Daniel Sturridge | FW | Liverpool

A lot of water has run under the bridge since Daniel Sturridge was starring alongside Luis Suarez at the head of Liverpool's attack and his Merseyside adventure could be set for a conclusion with his contract expiring in 2019. Now 29, Sturridge was sent on loan to West Brom last season and has been forced to contend with being a back-up as the trinity of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane star for the Reds. Getty Images

Antonio Valencia | DF | Manchester United

At 33, Antonio Valencia is in the autumn of his playing days and his contract is set to expire in 2019 – though United could trigger an extension clause. With such vast experience under his belt he would undoubtedly attract interest, but whether or not he would want to move to another club at this point is unclear. Getty

Danny Welbeck | FW | Arsenal

Danny Welbeck has won silverware at both Manchester United and Arsenal, maturing into a reliable international performer for England as well, but his career is heading towards a cross-roads as his contract with the Gunners expires in 2019. It remains to be seen if he can convince Unai Emery of his worth, but his experience means that he will have no trouble finding a new club if necessary. Everton were linked during the transfer window, as were Galatasaray.

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