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MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 05: Luka Modric of Real Madrid interacts with Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid, after being substituted during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Real Madrid C.F. and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

It has been a challenging season so far for Real Madrid, despite the fact that they remain in a strong position in both LALIGA and the Champions League.

Check Out: Ancelotti Breaks Silence On Links To Shock Job

The packed fixture schedule has led to a considerable number of injuries, with the midfield area being particularly affected. As a result, Luka Modric has been required to play more minutes than initially planned.

Modric has also been relied upon as a starter in crucial matches, including those against Liverpool and AC Milan—two games that Real ultimately lost.

Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti remains confident in his ability to start these fixtures, even at the age of 39. However, Florentino Perez and some members of Real’s board are reportedly less pleased with this, according to Relevo.

Perez holds Modric in high regard for his immense contributions to Real over the last 12 years, but he believes the Croatian should not be playing a significant role in the club’s most important matches.

Check Out: Barcelona ‘Agree’ Massive €100m Deal

It remains to be seen whether Modric will start any more high-profile games during the second half of the season.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – DECEMBER 13: Etiosa Godspower Ighodaro of AmaZulu FC and Sbangani Zulu of Royal AM during the Betway Premiership match between AmaZulu FC and Royal AM at Moses Mabhida Stadium on December 13, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images),?øäøZ?þ­

Eric Tinkler is no longer head coach at Cape Town City. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)

Cape Town City have made a big decision regarding the future of head coach Eric Tinkler. 

After losing 1-0 at home to AmaZulu over the weekend, the Citizens have confirmed that the former Bafana Bafana midfielder will no longer be their coach.

READ: Coaching Changes At Chippa Confirmed

Tinkler was in charge of the Citizens for close on three-and-a-half seasons, but things have been difficult for the club this season, with inconsistent results. 

After going into the market to bring in players such as Kamohelo Mokotjo, Fortune Makaringe and Haashim Domingo, a lot was expected of Tinkler this season, with the club determined to be competitive. Things, however, did not work out according to plan, as City currently find themselves sitting in 12th place. 

In the 10 matches City have played this season, they have registered just three victories and have five defeats. They’ve scored just six times, showing just how much they miss the presence of Khanyisa Mayo upfront, the striker who made a move to Algeria before the start of this season.

READ: Gallants Make Malesela Decision?

City will make an announcement on who will be in charge of the team when they take on Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in the Mother City on Sunday.

Anywhere. He’s the most creative passing fullback in the game, and any club with money and a desire to control the ball and create the best scoring opportunities in the sport would benefit from his capabilities. (They could also game plan around his defensive flaws, which have been exaggerated through the years despite that they do exist to some degree.)

It certainly seems like the competition will come down to whether he wants to stay in Liverpool and further become a legend (and future captain) or try something new in Madrid, but where does his skill set fit? Anywhere it wants. — Bill Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Out of the three Liverpool players whose contracts are set to expire next summer, Alexander-Arnold’s future is the most difficult to predict. The defender has so far remained tight-lipped on the matter when asked by the media, and while conversations remain ongoing with the club, a breakthrough is yet to be made.

While Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are both approaching the twilight stages of their careers, Alexander-Arnold is just reaching his peak, and therefore his situation is arguably the most complicated. Sources have told ESPN that the right back is Real Madrid’s top defensive target — although the Spanish club would much prefer to wait until they could land him on a free transfer next summer — and some of his recent comments about wanting to win the Ballon d’Or, as well as plenty more team trophies, seem to align with a move to the Bernabéu.

That said, as a local lad, Alexander-Arnold will be more aware than most of how his departure would be received by the Liverpool fan base, which is another factor he will surely be considering as he weighs up his next steps. — Beth Lindop

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Leroy SANÉ

The basics

Age: 28
Position: Right wing
Current club: Bayern Munich
Original signing date with current club: July 3, 2020
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €45m
Other clubs linked: Arsenal, Man United

What makes him so good

Sané’s big move to Bayern Munich — and return to Germany following an up-and-down spell at Manchester City — hasn’t really panned out. He came at a big cost, was placed on big wages, but hasn’t necessarily delivered the big performances consistently enough.

At his best he’s a rapid, menacing winger who can destroy defences, capable of playing on either flank. He might well have shown his best-ever form on the left for City (2017-19), but has excelled in patches on the right and even played behind the striker for Bayern since 2020. Perhaps he didn’t quite live up to Arjen Robben’s and Franck Ribéry’s lofty standards, but he’s still a top-tier winger in waiting for someone. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

A top-four German club: Sané creates a ton of touches in the box, he’s had a lot of crossing success in his career, he can play on either wing and he’s proved he can contribute as a starter or off the bench. He’s not the most intense presser in the world, but he’s got a profile that would fit on any major club, but his fit will come down to money and minutes.

If the latter means more than the former, then leaving a crowded depth chart in favor of an aspiring club — Borussia Dortmund? Eintracht Frankfurt? Tottenham Hotspur? — makes plenty of sense. If the former means more, he could still get quite a bit of it with a Bayern extension. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Sané’s had a tough season with Bayern, finding himself competing with the likes of Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise for a spot in the starting lineup. He’s found himself ostracised from the German national team, and while he’s building up his fitness after groin surgery in the summer, it feels like he’s at a crossroads.

Bayern eased him back into the first team this season, and he’s reestablished himself in the starting XI. Bayern want to keep him, but there won’t be any shortage of clubs keen on him with Arsenal and Manchester United both linked. Speaking in December, Sané said he feels “really good” at Bayern and discussions with the club were “very good and trusting.” He also said he wanted confirmation over his role at Bayern while speaking of his admiration for his old Man City teammate and now manager, Vincent Kompany. But the sticking point will be his wage, and Bayern will want to see more consistency from him in order to justify a new deal.

Right now, it’s 50-50 as to whether he ends up re-signing for Bayern. — Tom Hamilton

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Mohamed SALAH

The basics

Age: 32
Position: Right wing
Current club: Liverpool
Original signing date with current club: July 1, 2017
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €55m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

Few in the game can claim to live up to Salah’s continued elite standards. He’s making the difference week after week and powering what could yet be a very special season for Liverpool. He turns 33 next summer, but he’s still in remarkable physical shape: He’s stronger than most, he’s faster than most, and he has the kind of burst that changes the feel of a game in a second.

The Reds would understandably be loath to lose such a talent, but just like in 2022, Salah’s deal has proven tricky to extend, and the risk of losing him is clear. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

PSG (or Liverpool): At this stage, it’s almost impossible to see him in any shirt besides Liverpool’s considering what he and the club have done for each other over the past eight years. But if he were to depart, it’s also impossible not to notice the Salah-shaped void PSG seem to have up front.

Rebuilding around high-upside younger French players such as Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué has made a lot of sense, but PSG’s Champions League struggles have shown the limits of such an approach. PSG do have Ousmane Dembélé on the right wing, but Dembele’s injury history has made him unreliable.

Inserting a Champions League-level scorer and creator (who’s never hurt) to bridge the generation gap? It makes all the sense in the world. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Salah has made his feelings clear: He wants to stay at Liverpool. He has been vocal about his frustration over his contract impasse, telling reporters after Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton in November that he was “more out than in” when it came to his Anfield future. Those feelings have intensified with Sunday’s comments after the 5-0 win at West Ham in which Salah said he is still “far away” from resolving his future.

While it’s easy to take all that media posturing at face value, the underlying sentiment behind Salah’s recent comments is a desire to remain at the club that has made him a household name. He has spoken repeatedly about his love for the fans and the city, while his young family is settled in Cheshire.

Considering the blistering form he has been in this season, it’s no surprise Liverpool also want to keep him, but while negotiations remain ongoing, it is clear some of the finer details surrounding finances and contract length still need to be ironed out. — Lindop

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Alphonso DAVIES

The basics

Age: 24
Position: Left back
Current club: Bayern Munich
Original signing date with current club: Jan. 1, 2019
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €50m
Other clubs linked: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, Man United

What makes him so good

Great left backs are usually hard to find and extortionately expensive to sign, which makes Davies a ridiculously attractive proposition this summer. He’s one of the fastest players on the planet; his recovery speed is a bit of a cheat code, protecting his team from even the most dangerous counterattacks. Remember when Thomas Müller compared him to Road Runner? (Meep meep!)

On the ball, he’s technically sound, able to work his way out of tight spots and as a converted winger, able to impact the final third. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Munich, Madrid or North West England: Any team that wants to tilt the field in its favour with someone capable of both contributing in attack and racing back to avoid disaster in transition would want Davies. We already know how well he fits with Bayern, but he could be part of the Manchester City rebuild, he could roam at left wing back for Ruben Amorim’s version of Manchester United, he could become the long-term Andy Robertson replacement for Liverpool, he could form the coolest left-side combination in the world with either Vinícius Júnior or Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid, you name it. (Granted, Real Madrid might not need an even more left-leaning attack.)

Of course, there are only a few clubs in the world willing and able to pay what his skill set will demand. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

There’s no secret that Bayern Munich are desperate to keep him. Sources have told ESPN they have stepped up negotiations with Davies’ camp in December, but it looks likely that any new contract will wait until January.

Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United have all been linked with the Canadian star. Earlier in the year, it looked like he was going to be Real Madrid-bound, only for those talks to stall. While Real remain keen on him, the latest indications are that he’s more likely to stay at Bayern, although there’s still a fair bit to play out here. — Hamilton

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Joshua KIMMICH

The basics

Age: 29
Position: Defensive midfield
Current club: Bayern Munich
Original signing date with current club: Jan. 2, 2015
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €50m
Other clubs linked: Man City

What makes him so good

Known as one of the smartest brains in the game, Kimmich has been largely incredible for Bayern for 8½ years.

Happy at right back, central midfield or flitting between the two in a complex role, his brilliance in possession and ability to pick the right pass has ensured he has long been considered one of the very best in the game. He does lack elite athleticism but more than makes up for it with his tactical intelligence, technical ability and superb set piece delivery. He’d improve any team in the world. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Manchester City: Kimmich is a functional midfielder with two legs, so that already meets City’s current criteria. But beyond that, he has played for a control-hungry Bayern team for 10 seasons, starting with Pep Guardiola’s last year with the club in 2015-16.

Kimmich turns 30 in February, so he would in no way provide the generation shift that City desperately need, but at worst he could play an Ilkay Gündogan-in-the-early-2020s type of role, sturdy enough to play minutes in a Rodri-style defensive midfield role (he has made more than 300 defensive interventions in league play five times) but creative enough to be a partial Kevin De Bruyne replacement (he has created at least 66 chances six times). — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Kimmich hasn’t had the easiest bond with Bayern Munich in recent times. His relationship with former coach Thomas Tuchel was tense at best, but he seems more settled under Kompany.

Despite the recruitment of João Palhinha, Kimmich has stayed indispensable in the heart of Bayern’s midfield. Last summer, it looked as though both Bayern and the player were open to parting ways, but the club is making various overtures to him to sign a new deal. Speaking after their 1-0 win over PSG in the Champions League, Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, said: “Joshua’s contract is running out. Josh can now decide: does he want to go on another big adventure? Or does he want to become another legend at Bayern Munich? There is no extension yet. Joshua knows that we want it. We are ready, if he says yes, to get this over with.”

For a start, the club appears to be dangling the possibility of the captaincy in front of him, an honour he’d take on when Manuel Neuer eventually retires, and Bayern have openly spoken of him being the face of the club alongside Jamal Musiala once Neuer and Müller leave. Just about every club in Europe would be keen on Kimmich if he decided to leave Bayern, but right now, it looks as though he’s staying in Bavaria. — Hamilton

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Jonathan DAVID

The basics

Age: 24
Position: Center forward
Current club: LOSC Lille
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 11, 2020
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €45m
Other clubs linked: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham

What makes him so good

It’s remarkable that David has stayed at Lille all this time — he turns 25 in January! — but in 2025, finally, he’ll make a long-awaited move.

David’s superpower is that he seems almost equally comfortable playing as a No. 9 or as a support striker (it’s said that plenty of players can do this, but actually, they can’t). He also spent some time playing wide when he was younger, meaning he’s an effective weapon across the forward line. His goal-scoring numbers in France have been consistently strong, but some big chances missed along the way have perhaps held him back from being regarded as a truly elite finisher. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Liverpool, Bayern or Barcelona: David has become a better presser in just about every season at Lille, and he remains one of the better players in France when it comes to creating high-quality opportunities — he leads Ligue 1 in both goals and shot attempts worth more than 0.2 xG. He’s more of a finisher than a creator, and he stayed at Lille longer than many expected, but he could enter the free agency market just as he’s entering his physical prime.

David seems custom-built for a possession-and-pressing team with creative passers: Bayern and Liverpool certainly both fit that bill, and the “free” part of “free transfer” would certainly appeal to Barcelona as well. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

It feels the natural time for David to leave Lille and join one of Europe’s superclubs. He has been linked with just about every one of the superpowers, with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham all frequently mentioned. His Canada coach Jesse Marsch has described him as a “complete player,” and after yet another eye-catching season with Lille in both the French league and Champions League, he will not be short of offers.

David has openly spoken of his love for Barcelona, and you can see him slotting in nicely there, while a source told ESPN that the Canadian international is keeping an open mind over his future. Lille will not allow him to leave in this January window, but even if he does sign a new contract with the club to ensure it can make some money off his transfer, it looks likely he’ll be off in the summer. — Tom Hamilton

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Son HEUNG-MIN

The basics

Age: 32
Position: Left winger
Current club: Tottenham
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 28, 2015
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €38m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

December saw Son score his 125th Premier League goal for Tottenham as well as break the club’s assist record (68, as of Dec. 16), which puts into context just how impactful and consistent he’s been during his time in North London.

Son has been one of the Premier League’s standout left wingers for some time. His ability to finish off either foot has always kept defenders off-balance, while his speed and crisp ballstriking have led to some truly spectacular goals over the years. If they are to say goodbye to their captain, it won’t be done lightly. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Tottenham Hotspur: The injury problems have begun to add up for Son, which was rather predictable for such an athletic winger approaching his mid-30s. When he’s been available, though, his game remains delightful and helpful. He’s become a more effective and creative passer this season while still contributing a solid number of shots (and, as always, finishing at a high level).

It feels like he’s got another year in him in North London. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Tottenham have an option to extend Son’s contract by a further year, which means the club’s position is relatively relaxed. However sources suggest the South Korea international is frustrated that there have been no meaningful talks over a fresh contract, especially given that next summer will mark a decade of service at Spurs.

Manager Ange Postecoglou values Son’s quality and experience — one of his first acts at the club was to make Son captain — but the winger turns 33 in July and there will be close scrutiny on the physical levels of a player so reliant on his pace and sharpness of movement. Son has made 319 Premier League appearances for Tottenham and remains a hugely popular figure among supporters.

Given chairman Daniel Levy’s parsimonious nature, triggering the option and then reviewing the situation next season seems the most logical outcome unless Son uncharacteristically kicks up a fuss. — James Olley

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Kevin DE BRUYNE

The basics

Age: 33
Position: Attacking midfield
Current club: Manchester City
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 30, 2015
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €35m
Other clubs linked: Teams in U.S., Saudi Arabia

What makes him so good

The question of fitness is now intrinsically linked to any De Bruyne discussion. He is without question one of the greatest players ever to play in the Premier League, but after a series of injury-stricken years, he seems unable to play with the same dynamism and power that set him apart for so long.

We’ve seen sprinklings of his genius over the past year — a rasping shot here, a wicked pass there — but nothing consistent, as he’s been unable to get on the pitch regularly. This simply must be taken into account when considering what kind of a signing De Bruyne would be. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Manchester City? MLS? Depends on what makes him happy: At his peak, De Bruyne produced an incredible (and incredibly unique) combination of dribbling and creativity. He has lost a lot of the 1-on-1 capabilities as he has aged and suffered so many injuries, but the creativity is still there.

Even if he can’t be relied upon to play major minutes, he could be selectively brilliant at any club in the world, so his fit will come down to what brings him joy. He could play a lovely reserve role for City or another Champions League team (especially one from Serie A), or he could run the show for an attack-minded MLS team. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

De Bruyne started to have contract talks with City earlier in the season before negotiations were put on hold when he suffered an abdominal injury in September. Speaking after returning to fitness in November, he said he was open to staying, but admitted it is also a possibility that this is his last season at the Etihad Stadium. Then after the 2-0 win over Leicester on Dec. 29, he confirmed that talks have yet to resume. After all, the Belgium international has struggled with injuries in the past 18 months, and there is doubt about whether City will want to invest more money in a player who is struggling to stay fit.

Beyond that, De Bruyne will have to decide whether he’s happy to play a more reduced role and perhaps not be a guaranteed starter for the biggest games. There are options, with interest from MLS sides and clubs in the Saudi Pro League. The outcome will depend on whether he wants to stay at the top of European football for as long as possible or, at 33, take a step down. — Rob Dawson

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Jonathan TAH

The basics

Age: 28
Position: Center back
Current club: Bayer Leverkusen
Original signing date with current club: July 15, 2015
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €30m
Other clubs linked: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus

What makes him so good

Tah has been around for a very long time, having debuted at age 17 at a position that tends to favour experience and maturity. Throughout his time at Bayer Leverkusen, he’s been considered good, if a little clumsy, but not quite top-level … until Xabi Alonso walked through the door. Alonso placed him in the middle of a back three and coached him through an incredible 2023-24 title-winning campaign. Tah was amazing, cut out the mistakes and produced some dominant displays, leading to a key role at Euro 2024 for his nation.

The big question is: Is this his new level, was it a season-long purple patch, or is he simply a very specific centre back who must be surrounded by the right pieces to thrive? — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Bayern, PSG, Barcelona or any other team striving for 60% possession: Tah is a safe but incisive passer and ball carrier. At 6-foot-4, he also offers a towering aerial presence; what possession-hungry, well-monied team couldn’t use that? He was virtually perfect for Alonso’s Leverkusen last year, and for any team that wants a Van Dijk-like presence but can’t land Van Dijk, Tah’s your man.

Granted, he’s not an up-and-comer at 28, and Leverkusen’s defensive vulnerabilities this season have proved that if you’ve got glitches elsewhere, he’s not going to solve all of them. (Keep that in mind, Manchester United.) But he is safe, steady, big and mature. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Last summer’s transfer window finished with Tah putting out a statement on his Instagram admitting he had “looked at options for a move,” with Bayern Munich heavily linked, but he decided to stay put at the Bundesliga champions for the final year of his contract. Tah’s agent, Pini Zahavi, has since commented that Leverkusen made a mistake not selling him at the end of last season, that Tah will “sign for a big club next summer” and “Bayern still has a very good chance of getting him.”

Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen’s sporting director, said in December the “door remains open” for Tah to stay, but it looks like this will be his final season at Bayer. Barcelona are big fans of Tah, while Inter Milan and Juventus are also keen; at the moment, Barcelona are the front-runners. — Tom Hamilton

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Virgil VAN DIJK

The basics

Age: 33
Position: Center back
Current club: Liverpool
Original signing date with current club: Jan. 1, 2018
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €28m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

There’s a very strong argument that Van Dijk is the best centre back in the world once again; firmly over his understandable post-injury dip, he’s been back in top form for about 12 months now. That makes him someone that Liverpool simply cannot afford to lose, as they may not be able to replace him in the transfer market — even if they did, it would cost them hundreds of millions in transfer fees and wages.

If his rather special defensive skill set does somehow hit the open market, there will rightly be a frenzy of interest. These types of center backs — strong, fast, composed, sensational on the ball and as smart as they come off it — do not come around often. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Liverpool: There is not a club in the world that wouldn’t benefit from the presence of the sturdiest center back in the world. He’s safe in buildup play, untouchable in the air and defends physically without fouling. Even as his speed decreases (he’s 33, after all), his skill set should continue to translate well for high-level ball. But sans an insulting contract offer, there’s no reason for him to leave. He is royalty at Anfield, and while his speed will indeed decrease at some point, Liverpool’s risk profile has also decreased under Arne Slot, which has both highlighted his skills and left him less vulnerable in the back.

This is a brilliant marriage. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

On the face of it, Van Dijk’s contract situation has always looked the most straightforward for Liverpool to resolve. As club captain, the 33-year-old is adored at Anfield and looks back to his very best under Slot.

The defender confirmed back in October that talks with Liverpool had begun, but the fact there hasn’t since been any visible progress has understandably been a cause for concern within the Liverpool fan base. That it is arguably the Reds’ three most important players who are out of contract next summer makes things a little bit more difficult for the club, as it’s very likely all three will have one eye on what their teammates have been offered before committing to a new deal. As such, it might take some movement on either Salah’s or Alexander-Arnold’s contract before Van Dijk signs on the dotted line. — Lindop

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NEYMAR

The basics

Age: 32
Position: Left wing
Current club: Al Hilal
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 15, 2023
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €15m
Other clubs linked: Santos

What makes him so good

Neymar is one of the greatest to play the game. Had he not played his entire career through the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi era, he’d have the Ballons d’Or prizes to back that up.

At 32, though, after 18 months in Saudi Arabia and off the back of a serious knee injury, it’s tough to know what to expect these days. He often had injury troubles even before he tore an ACL, so any interested club must know that while his genius is undoubted, it is also sporadic. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Brazil or Saudi Arabia: It’s almost impossible to believe that a major club with Champions League dreams will be willing to take on an expensive, nearly 33-year-old forward who scored his last goal in February 2023. For as much as he’s been paid without playing in the past 18 months, he might feel obligated to remain with Al Hilal, but if he’s looking for a change in scenery, it must be noted that his original club, Santos, just got promoted back to the Brazilian first division. That would be a heck of a story, especially considering he would likely thrive in a league that doesn’t press as heavily. He hasn’t lost his creativity, after all. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

With Santos back in the first division, there have been hopes that Neymar might return to where it all began even at the start of the year, which would mean Al Hilal letting him out of his contract a few months early. That seems unlikely, not least because Neymar doesn’t want it to happen. He is very keen on playing for Al Hilal in the new Club World Cup in June and July, clearly viewing this tournament as an opportunity to make a statement of his continued worth.

At this point, it’s not easy for him to look much further. Might there be a return to Europe? Would a club be willing to spend big on a 33-year-old with his injury record, especially after so long on the sideline?

Only one thing seems certain: the door at Santos will always be open. Agreeing to financial terms would be a challenge, but there would be no shortage of marketing initiatives. For one, Neymar back at Santos would make great PR. People all around the world know of and have warm feelings towards Pele’s old club, and a Neymar quest to carry Santos back to the top would have global appeal. It might also be a good way to prepare for what surely would be one last shot with Brazil at the World Cup. — Tim Vickery

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André-Frank ZAMBO-ANGUISSA

The basics

Age: 29
Position: Central midfield
Current club: Napoli
Original signing date with current club: May 26, 2022
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €27m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

Zambo-Anguissa has been a mainstay for a very successful Napoli side since joining in 2021 initially on loan, then sealing a permanent deal a year later. He’s brought great athleticism, physicality and tackling ability to the midfield, complementing Stanislav Lobotka’s tidy passing game. That said, Zambo-Anguissa can certainly pick a pass too, while his runs forward on and off the ball can cause problems for defences.

In an age when top teams pine for height and ground coverage from their central midfielders, Zambo-Anguissa will rightly be highly sought after this year. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Napoli: Under Antonio Conte, Zambo-Anguissa has become a bit more selectively aggressive, attempting fewer risky one-on-ones in attack and fewer interventions in defence, but he’s winning a much higher percentage of the risks he takes. With Napoli seemingly wanting to keep him, it appears the best opportunity might be sticking it out with the club and seeing how much further he can develop at an advanced age. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

While his existing deal expires in June, the club have the option of extending his contract for another two seasons, through June 2027, which gives them a ton of leverage here.

Conte views him as a key part of his setup, so the club are currently offering him a three-year deal through 2028 and a bump in wages, from €2.2m net to €3m a season (which, if you like your salaries gross and in dollars, would be just under $7m a year). That would take him up to age 32, and the club are confident he’ll take the deal. He’s happy in Naples, the fans love him, Conte loves him and there’s the prospect of returning to the Champions League next season.

Obviously, if somebody comes in for him and he indicates that he would like to leave, then Napoli will listen to offers. But in that case, they’ll either exercise the two-year option or sign him to a new deal in order to obtain a fee. — Marcotti

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Tyrick MITCHELL

The basics

Age: 25
Position: Left back
Current club: Crystal Palace
Original signing date with current club: July, 2016
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €25m
Other clubs linked: Man United

What makes him so good

One of their own? Perhaps not quite, but Mitchell has been with Palace for eight and a half years after Brentford shut their academy and forced him to find a new home. He has slowly and steadily blossomed since making his debut in 2020 and is now recognised as a solid, dependable Premier League left back.

Mitchell’s homegrown status, two England caps and tough-tackling, all-action style will ensure he won’t be short of offers if he and Palace cannot agree to terms. At age 25, he’s in a prime spot to make a big move if he so desires. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Manchester United: Mitchell has already proved to be a high-level interventionist as either a fullback or wing back. He has blocked the most passes in the Premier League this season, and he’s in the top 15 in ball recoveries. His attacking numbers pale in comparison to the typical modern fullback in a possession system, but it’s not hard to see him fitting well into Amorim’s 3-4-3-ish system. (That’s doubly true when you think about how much United need some defensive reinforcement.) — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Crystal Palace would be loathe to lose an academy graduate for nothing, especially after reluctantly selling key players Olise and Joachim Andersen to Bayern Munich and Fulham, respectively, last summer. Marc Guéhi’s future is also uncertain, with sources telling ESPN that the center back is unlikely to sign a new contract. So Mitchell is in a strong negotiating position given the wider picture.

Oliver Glasner’s status as manager will also be a significant factor, given mounting pressure after an indifferent start to the season. There are doubts as to whether Mitchell is suited to the wing back role Glasner demands of him in a 3-4-2-1 formation, but the 25-year-old earned his first England call-up in March 2022 — making two appearances — and is likely to be of interest to several Premier League clubs given the absence of any fee. Manchester United were monitoring Mitchell prior to Erik ten Hag’s departure as manager. — James Olley

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Angel GOMES

The basics

Age: 24
Position: Attacking midfield
Current club: LOSC Lille
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 4, 2020
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €25m
Other clubs linked: Man United

What makes him so good

Gomes has developed into a fully fledged, press-resistant central midfielder away from the glare of the Premier League, making his incredibly impressive England performances in late 2024 a big surprise to the nation. Those showings gave the wider world a taste of what Lille fans have enjoyed since he joined the club in 2021: a player whose incredible ability to move the ball under duress and manage the tempo of a game makes him perfect for the modern, possession-based game.

If there’s one weakness to his game, it’s his small build, but he has overcome that easily in a very physical Ligue 1 setting. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

The city of Manchester: A Manchester United academy graduate who has turned into one of the most interesting ball progressers in Europe, Gomes would be an obvious fit back at his home club. But as a player with plenty of Kimmich- or Gündogan-like creative qualities (if in a smaller package), he could also be a particularly fun piece in a rebuilt City midfield. Either way, he appears to be in a great spot when it comes to making a leap to a bigger club. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

It was a surprise to many at Manchester United that Gomes decided against signing a contract extension in 2020, and an even bigger surprise that he decided Lille should be his next move. That bold decision making has worked out, and now, as a full England international, there will be plenty of takers if he’s available on a free transfer next summer.

Now 24, it’s likely that he’ll feel the time is right for a move up the ladder. He has seen Leny Yoro leave Lille for Manchester United, while David, another Lille teammate, is set to become a free agent in 2025 and also expected to move. United would be interested in re-signing Gomes if they get the opportunity, but they’ll also face competition from a number of Premier League rivals and other Champions League clubs. — Rob Dawson

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Dominic CALVERT-LEWIN

The basics

Age: 27
Position: Center forward
Current club: Everton
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 31, 2016
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €22m
Other clubs linked: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, Man United

What makes him so good

Calvert-Lewin’s career is full of “ifs.” If he could stay fit … if he could be more consistent. More often than not, injuries have been his undoing, preventing him from flourishing into one of Europe’s better strikers. His work rate, link-up play and willingness to tussle with defenders and stretch in behind make him a valuable presence and teammate; he’ll always bring that at minimum.

When he hits form, he’s a good finisher, particularly from around the penalty spot, but his goal scoring tends to be exceptionally streaky, and it has been years since he hit double figures in the league. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Lazio or Atalanta: When Calvert-Lewin was at his best, he proved to be one of the most elite aerial threats in the world. That’s in no way the most important trait for an elite forward in 2025, but you can still find some clubs that might be intrigued. The Bundesliga’s Werder Bremen and TSG Hoffenheim still deploy loads of crosses in their attacks. If you’re aiming higher, though, it should be noted that Atalanta and Lazio — both currently in contention for Champions League play — attempt large numbers of crosses and are good at it, too. And Atalanta might be losing a great young attacker or two soon as well. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Everton manager Sean Dyche confirmed in December that contract talks with Calvert-Lewin are “ongoing,” but there has been so much uncertainty at Everton of late that it is hard to predict what the striker will decide to do when his deal expires next summer, or indeed if an offer arrives for him in January.

Calvert-Lewin is one of eight first-team players out of contract at Everton at the end of the season, with four more players currently on loan at Goodison Park, so the club has lots of major decisions to make in the months ahead. The recent club takeover by The Friedkin Group is expected to help allay some of their financial difficulties, although it remains to be seen whether the new ownership feel Calvert-Lewin, who has managed just two goals in 15 Premier League matches this term, is worthy of a bumper new deal. — Lindop

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Lionel MESSI

The basics

Age: 37
Position: Right wing
Current club: Inter Miami CF
Original signing date with current club: July 15, 2023
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €20m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

Messi is Messi. He walks better than most run, scoring and assisting in bunches while seemingly barely breaking a sweat. He has been surrounded by friends and complementary pieces at Inter Miami in an attempt to extract those final drops of his genius, and for the most part, it has worked. Anybody who fancies pitching him a role at the end of 2025, when he’s 38, will be under no illusions as to what’s needed for him to thrive at this stage. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Inter Miami: In his first full MLS season, Messi averaged 1.87 combined goals and assists per 90 minutes, his highest average since 2012-13, and he scored 20 goals while only starting 15 matches. Major League Soccer has made it clear that it wants him happy no matter the cost, and it can’t hurt that the time zone difference when he jumps down to play for Argentina isn’t exactly grueling.

It makes perfect sense for the 37-year-old to stay where he is in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Messi has provided little insight into what his future holds beyond the 2025 Major League Soccer season, taking a “day-to-day” approach to the final stage in his career. Although his two-year contract with Inter Miami expires following the end of the 2025 campaign, he’s unlikely to ever go through another free-agency saga. In a recent interview with ESPN, the forward revealed the South Florida team would be the last of his career.

Inter Miami club co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed all will be done to keep Messi there. Mas announced he’s prepared to sit down with the forward and talk through an extension that sees him inaugurate the new Miami Freedom Park in 2026. But the topic of retirement continues to loom over the player’s head. Mas guaranteed an enticing offer for Messi to stay beyond 2025 while fans continue to plead with the player not to retire from La Albiceleste, but only time will tell whether he decides to play through another year or hang up the boots forever. — Lizzy Becherano

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Thomas PARTEY

The basics

Age: 31
Position: Defensive midfield
Current club: Arsenal
Original signing date with current club: Oct. 5, 2020
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €15m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

If we use a simple metric such as manager faith to measure a player’s quality, then the fact that Mikel Arteta continually turns to Partey speaks volumes. But for injuries — of which there have been a few — he’s almost always intrinsically involved.

Strong off the ball and probably a little underrated on it, he has offered Arsenal some solid, reliable traits in midfield plus a couple of extra perks: every now and then he pops up with a long-range strike, and he’s also proven the flexibility to fill in at fullback if needed. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Juventus or Barcelona: In terms of tactical functionality, Partey’s progression has been somewhat like Emre Can’s at Juventus and Borussia Dortmund: he has slowly moved further back on the pitch as the years have progressed. But his reasonably improved fitness in 2024-25 has likely opened the door for a decent landing spot at a Champions League-level club elsewhere if that’s what he’s looking for (and a Saudi club if not).

Partey would be a decent, versatile player for Hansi Flick at Barcelona, while Thiago Motta’s control-hungry style in Turin would be a natural fit for someone used to playing for a control-hungry manager. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Sources have told ESPN that there are various complexities involved in what happens next with Partey. The midfielder is one of Arsenal’s better-paid players — earning around £200,000 a week — and he would likely need to take a cut in salary if the club were to offer him fresh terms.

Partey will be 32 in June and has suffered a variety of injury issues since signing from Atletico Madrid in 2020. He missed almost four months of last season following surgery on a thigh problem — his ninth injury resulting in missing more than 50 Arsenal games combined. By contrast, Partey was absent for six games in five years for Atletico.

This season has been better in both availability and form, but with Arsenal juggling the search for a new midfielder and Jorginho’s contract situation, uncertainty abounds over whether Partey’s time could soon be up. — James Olley

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Harry MAGUIRE

The basics

Age: 31
Position: center back
Current club: Manchester United
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 5, 2019
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €15m
Other clubs linked: West Ham

What makes him so good

No matter how many times people have counted him out, Maguire has never, ever accepted defeat at Manchester United. One way or another, he’s fought back from the wilderness every time and found a way to play a part. That mentality should be commended.

Despite a relative lack of pace, he has been able to survive playing in high defensive lines while making sure his true traits shine through: He’s huge, he’s aerially dominant, he’s a strong leader and he’s a handy passer or dribbler out from the back. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

A semi-ambitious, low-possession Premier League team: Nottingham Forest or Bournemouth, perhaps? Or, if he prefers to experience the London area, Crystal Palace or West Ham? Wherever Sean Dyche is coaching next season? Maguire is still a solid passer and a mammoth presence in the air, and at a club with talent and a low defensive line he could still play a worthy role.

Nottingham Forest have the second-lowest possession rate in the league and one of the best defensive records. If they snag a spot in a European competition next season and want to spend a little money while leaning into their counterattacking identity, Maguire would be a particularly intriguing addition. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

United have an option to extend Maguire’s deal to 2026, and it’s likely they’ll trigger it to protect his value. It would also buy club bosses some time before deciding whether he deserves a longer contract.

Maguire was close to moving to West Ham for around £30m in 2023, and there would still be a market for the 31-year-old if he were available. Over the past few years, United have spent big money spent to bring in Yoro, Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt, pushing Maguire down the pecking order, and he’ll have to be playing regularly if he wants to keep his place in the England squad under new manager Tuchel.

Ultimately, Maguire says he wants to stay. United will probably trigger his one-year option, but he’s likely to become a free agent in June 2026. — Dawson

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Cristiano RONALDO

The basics

Age: 39
Position: center forward
Current club: Al Nassr
Original signing date with current club: Dec. 30, 2022
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €12m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

Soon to turn 40 yet still averaging close to a goal per game, it’s clear Ronaldo’s marvellous finishing touch will never leave him. What has changed over the years is — understandably — his physical capacity. Now more than ever, he saves his legs for those explosive moments in front of goal, so the slack has to be picked up by others.

There’s no shortage of players who are happy to do the hard yards for him, but Ronaldo’s next move must give due consideration to the level and intensity of the league in which he can still make an impact. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Al Nassr: Despite a conspicuous lack of trophies, things seem to be going pretty well for the 39-year-old — he makes ridiculous money, he’s still scoring just under one goal per match for his club and despite the lack of elite competition (and an utterly dismal Euro 2024 campaign) he has retained a major presence with the Portuguese national team. Don’t mess with a good thing. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to score in Saudi Arabia. His role at Al Nassr continues to be that of a franchise player not only for his club, but also in the Saudi Pro League. It’s likely he will stay in the country from here, as his salary is unaffordable for any other club and his involvement towards the Saudi World Cup in 2034 is key. He is the current ambassador of soccer in the country and it would be expected that he renews his contract.

According to sources around him, he is still happy and aiming to break records. You can never be certain with Ronaldo, but both on and off the pitch it is difficult to see him in another league. He has played 37 games and scored 32 goals, still crazy numbers at 39 years old. The level of the Saudi championship is low, but that doesn’t stop Ronaldo from continuing to improve on his records, which is one of his objectives. The same sources point out that his retirement is not as far away as it used to be, however, which offers plenty of food for thought.

We will see if he tries to make it to the next World Cup in the United States because rumours in Portugal about his continuity in the national team are becoming more and more common. Right now, the only thing that’s clear is that he doesn’t plan to retire at the end of the season. — Rob Dawson, Rodrigo Faez

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Paulo DYBALA

The basics

Age: 31
Position: center forward/second striker
Current club: AS Roma
Original signing date with current club: July 20, 2022
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €8m
Other clubs linked: Teams in Saudi Arabia

What makes him so good

There are shades of the De Bruyne discussion here for Dybala. His genius is undoubted although his injury record is woeful, meaning it’s difficult for him to be the key player he should be.

Dybala is the sort of attacking talent you build a team around; you pop his name down on the whiteboard, then add in all the ingredients around him that could make him shine: runners to aim passes to, forwards to cross to and midfielders to help cover for him out of possession. The thing is, how do you build a team around a player who often can’t play 90 minutes — or can’t play at all? — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Turkey: It has been a bit of a lost season for Dybala. After averaging more than 0.9 combined xG+xA per 90 minutes in each of the past two seasons, he has averaged only 0.52 (his lowest average since 2018-19) and has started only 10 matches. Assuming he still doesn’t want to go to Saudi Arabia, then he might have to take a step down in level to earn star treatment.

Might he be interested in rejoining Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce and giving Dusan Tadic a little help in the creativity department? Becoming a Mourinho rival at Galatasaray? Lots of aging attackers land in the Super Lig, and it stands to reason that he would do well there. When healthy. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Roma were hoping to shift Paulo Dybala in the summer. There was, supposedly, a very attractive offer from Saudi Arabia and the club (wrongly) assumed it would go through. When it didn’t, Roma found themselves stuck with a hugely gifted player, albeit one who earns €8m net a season (close to $18m gross) and has a poor injury record … and a big hole in their transfer budget because they didn’t get a fee for him.

The issue for Roma now is that Dybala’s contract automatically renews through 2026 if he appears for at least 45 minutes in at least 20 matches in any competition. He’s at 12 right now. Coach Claudio Ranieri wants to keep him — not least because Roma had a horrendous start to the season and he can move the needle in terms of results — but the club is wondering whether it might not be better if he doesn’t hit that appearances target. Or, ideally, if it can find him a home in January.

There has been talk of Galatasaray and a €4m offer — not a bad deal for a guy who is now 31 years old and six months away from free agency — but Dybala holds all the cards here. He can either wait for an attractive offer in January, or wait until the end of the season when he’ll either be a free agent or will have triggered another year on his mega-contract. — Gab Marcotti

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JORGINHO

The basics

Age: 33
Position: defensive midfield
Current club: Arsenal
Original signing date with current club: Jan. 31, 2023
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €10m
Other clubs linked: Teams in Italy

What makes him so good

Opinions on Jorginho are often divided, but at the very least there are no secrets to his game. He’s great at what he’s great at, lacking in other areas, and at age 33 that will not change.

If you want to sign Jorginho, it’s because you want to play at a slower tempo, control possession and dominate the ball during games. He’ll sit at the base of midfield and dictate the entire show if you ask him to. If you don’t want to sign Jorginho, it’s because you want to play faster, up-tempo football and probably press aggressively. His physical shortcomings make him a bad fit for that style. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

France or Saudi Arabia: Arsenal’s a pretty good club to play for at the moment, so if Jorginho doesn’t mind a smaller role, it might exist for him again next year. But if he’s looking for a larger role, he could fit the identity Roberto De Zerbi has been crafting at Marseille — pragmatic buildup play without extreme pressing — and they have good odds of playing Champions League ball next year.

Beyond that, however, his name and remaining star power would obviously make him an interesting draw for a Saudi club looking to throw money around. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Arteta has repeatedly praised Jorginho’s professionalism despite being a bit-part player; the midfielder has started just five Premier League games this season. The 33-year-old is a prominent figure in the dressing room and currently taking his coaching badges with a view to life after playing.

Sources have suggested Arteta is open to discussing a possible coaching role with Jorginho in the future. However, the midfielder might feel he has more to offer before then and has previously talked about returning to Italy before he hangs up his boots.

Arsenal are likely to reshuffle their midfield next summer, with Partey’s future also unclear. Jorginho did not sign his present one-year deal — an option included in his original contract — until May this year, so it could run right to the wire once again. — Olley

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Ilkay GÜNDOGAN

The basics

Age: 34
Position: central midfield
Current club: Manchester City
Original signing date with current club: Aug. 23, 2024 (previously at City from 2016-23)
Estimated market value (per Transfermarkt): €10m
Other clubs linked: none

What makes him so good

Gündogan’s return was supposed to be a needle mover, one that perhaps swung the title odds back into Man City’s favour, following year-on-year progression from Arsenal in pursuit. He might be 34 now, but his previous season at Barcelona was strong, and he looked good at Euro 2024.

Unfortunately, things haven’t gone to plan. City are all at sea in midfield, and Gündogan is part of that, likely playing far more often than planned because of Rodri’s injury and often looking extremely stretched by the task of holding it all together. As a result, it’s pretty tough to figure out what Gündogan’s true level is in 2025, but perhaps what we can say is that his next role needs to be less intense. — Tighe

Best fits: Where he should go

Inter Milan (or anywhere else in Serie A): Gündogan is either a perfect fit for Inter because the club and manager Simone Inzaghi have already proven they can pull the most possible production from creative, aging midfielders (Hakan Çalhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Piotr Zielinski are all now 30 and older), or he’s a terrible fit because they’ve already got a few creative, aging midfielders. Regardless, Serie A should be screaming Gündogan’s name: The league perfectly combines tactical reliance with a bit less physical intensity. — Connelly

Reporter’s view: Where he will go

Gündogan signed a one-plus-one deal when he returned to Manchester City from Barcelona, and therefore, he could be at the Etihad Stadium until 2026. He hasn’t had a great time since coming back, but it has not helped that Guardiola’s midfield has been decimated by injuries to Rodri and Mateo Kovacic.

Gündogan will turn 35 during the early part of next season, and his time at the top level is coming to an end. Guardiola, though, values good characters in the dressing room, and Gündogan is certainly that. He has also retired from international football, which should help prolong his club career.

City will likely sign at least one midfielder — either in January or in the summer — but there will be a place at the Etihad next season if Gündogan wants it. It might depend on his form between now and May. — Dawson

Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

The Siya crew understands that the future of Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi is set to be finalised sooner rather than later.

As previously reported by the Siya crew, Sibisi has an option in his contract with the Soweto giants. His current deal expires at the end of the campaign and it’s understood that the Buccaneers have to indicate whether or not they are going to extend his deal in January.

READ: Coaching Changes At Chippa Confirmed

Sibisi has been in good form for Pirates this season, leading the club as captain. He has formed a good partnership with Thabiso Sesane at the back and this is probably going to make it difficult for the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Olisa Ndah to get back into the starting line-up. 

Pirates have a two-year option in Sibisi’s contract and they have an opportunity to take the first one in January to keep him at the club for at least another year. 

READ: The Top 5 PSL Youngsters Who Emerged In 2024

An announcement on the future of Sibisi is expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Pirates, meanwhile, will be playing CAF Champions League football this weekend when they take on Ivorian club Stade d’Abidjan at Orlando Stadium.