Six of the Best: Players available on a free next summer

It’s that time of year folks! That’s right, the build up to the January transfer window, and as such our attentions turn to the players that may be the subject of interest next month. With the season now well underway and league tables taking shape, long terms injuries and lack of form taking effect, managers are beginning to think about whether they can improve their squads in an infamously difficult market.

At a time when finding a bargain is now seen as a masterstroke, doing so in the winter window is a minor miracle, and the first port of call is often to assess the status of a player's contract. Liverpool were among those to sign a pre-contract agreement last year, securing the services of Joel Matip ahead of this season on a free and the success of that deal highlights that there is real talent available for those willing to wait.

Here we look at the highest rated players whose contracts are, at present, set to expire in the summer, with the omission of Zlatan Ibrahimovic - with Manchester United confirming they will exercise the option of a second year to the striker’s current deal.

Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) - 7.65

It may come as a surprise to some, not least because he’s looked far older than he is throughout his career, but Arjen Robben is only 32. Numerous injury problems have blighted his time at Bayern - never having started more than 20 league games in a season for the Bundesliga champions - but both parties have expressed an interest in prolonging his stay regardless.

The Dutchman has returned from his latest injury in fine form after all, and while he has started just 6 of 8 appearances in the league this season the winger has already weighed in with 4 goals and 3 assists. As a result he is Bayern’s second highest rated player in the league this season, proving there’s plenty of life in those legs if he can stay fit, which is a big if in Robben’s case.

Sead Kolasinac (Schalke) - 7.51 rating

Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Schalke look certain to field offers for Sead Kolasinac next month, with Manchester City and Liverpool both thought to be monitoring the left-back’s situation closely. The 23-year old is out of contract in the summer and S04 are in danger of losing another key defender for free this year following the aforementioned departure of Matip.

While the Bosnian was not in the side under new boss Markus Weinzierl at the start of the campaign, he’s been in superb form of late, particularly going forward. An eventful evening against table-topping RB Leipzig at the weekend saw Kolasinac score for the second game running only to hand the hosts the victory with a goal at the wrong end in the second half. Nevertheless, with a further 4 assists to his name from full-back he has been key to Schalke’s revival after a dismal start but looks likely to be leaving the club before long.

Salvatore Bocchetti (Spartak Moscow) - 7.40 rating

Having left his native Italy for Russia six years ago, a return to one of Europe’s top leagues could be on the cards for Bocchetti this summer. The centre-back, who turned 30 last week, spent a brief spell on loan at Milan at the start of last year but the Rossoneri opted against making a permanent move for the former Genoa defender, who has been capped five times by Italy.

His contract expires next June and with an extended winter break already having begun in Russia, it remains to be seen whether he will turn out for league leaders Spartak Moscow again. Bocchetti certainly played a big role in the club’s strong start to the season prior to injury and his consistency and versatility at the back would be a welcome addition to a number of sides looking for defensive reinforcements next month. His composure on the ball is another valuable asset, averaging the second most passes per game in Russia behind teammate Fernando, while an average of 3.5 interceptions per game highlights his impressive anticipation.

Thiago Silva (PSG) - 7.39 rating

It’s little wonder there has reportedly been contact from a number of Europe’s top clubs with the agent of PSG captain Thiago Silva, with the Brazilians future still up in the air. Along with interest from the Premier League, Juventus have been heavily linked with the centre-back. While the Ligue 1 champions may be loathed to losing the 32-year old, it does appear that a move could be on the cards.

Marquinhos is considered the natural heir to Silva in the PSG ranks and the emergence of Presnel Kimpembe has seen the former Milan defender restricted to 11 starts this season. In that time he’s still earned the second highest rating in a difficult start to Unai Emery’s time in the French capital, completing an outstanding 93.2% of 83.8 passes per game from the back.

Mehmet Ekici (Trabzonspor) - 7.35 rating

Having emerged through the youth ranks at Bayern, Ekici failed to make the grade and spent a very promising season on loan at Nuernberg in 201/11 prior to a permanent switch to Werder Bremen. However, having failed to claim a regular place in the side in his three seasons at the club, a move to Turkey with Trabzonspor followed, where the playmaker became an instant hit.

In his first season in the Super Lig the Turkish international scored 9 goals and registered 11 assists for a league high rating of 7.71 in 2014/15. While he’s failed to reach the same heights since, Ekici has been a solid performer in Turkey once again this season, unlucky to have just a solitary goal to his name from 12 appearances. Averages of 2.8 shots and 2.8 dribbles per game show what a threat he can carry from midfield or behind the striker, while the fact that the 26-year old is yet to register an assist can be largely attributed to poor finishing from the league’s lowest scorers (8) having created the third most chances in the division (31).

Sebastian Rudy (Hoffenheim) - 7.32 rating

Another player in whom there is sure to be no shortage of interest next month with a view to either an immediate transfer or free switch next summer, Hoffenheim will hope that they can convince Rudy to stay at the club. A key player in the club’s superb unbeaten start to the campaign under Julian Nagelsmann, the 26-year old has served as the team’s captain for much of the campaign in the absence of Eugen Polanski, shielding the back four.

A regular in Joachim Loew’s national squads, Rudy’s versatility has been an asset for both club and country and is sure to be an attractive proposition to potential suitors. Often fielded at right-back in 12 appearances for Germany, he favours a role in the middle of the park and has been excellent from that position for Hoffenheim this season, registering 3 assists along with very solid figures of 2.7 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game.