The start of the January transfer window marks the beginning of a six month period where soon to be out of contract stars can enter negotiations with clubs abroad.
Several stellar names across Europe can now be approached to sign pre-contract agreements ahead of a free transfer in the summer.
A number of top players will be looking to evaluate their options before seeing whether to commit their future to this current side or seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
David de Gea and N’Golo Kante are among the stars whose contracts expire in the summer
January could offer clubs a final chance to cash in on those with expiring deals, with a number of players having refused to commit having long been linked with moves elsewhere.
Here are 20 stars who are now free to enter talks with clubs abroad over a potential summer move.
KARIM BENZEMA (REAL MADRID)
Benzema claimed the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 2022 after a series of outstanding displays. The Frenchman played a starring role in Real Madrid’s 14th Champions League triumph, as well as winning LaLiga, scoring 44 goals in 46 games last season.
The 35-year-old insisted he would retire at Real Madrid after winning the Ballon d’Or, with the Spanish giants expected to extend his deal.
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has vowed to end his career at Real Madrid
LUKA MODRIC (REAL MADRID)
The Croatian maestro last month hinted he could retire from football soon, with the star confirming he would weigh up his future after his nation’s third place finish at the World Cup. Modric has claimed it would be a dream to retire at Real Madrid, where he has picked up five Champions League titles and three LaLiga titles.
The 37-year-old has also been viewed as the next potential target for Saudi Arabian football, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s £175 million-a-year move to Al-Nassr.
Real Madrid stars Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are in the final six months of their deals
TONI KROOS (REAL MADRID)
Kroos is another of Real Madrid stalwarts with expiring deals, with the German midfielder having been a vital part of the club’s success since joining from Bayern Munich in 2014 for £20 million.
The 32-year-old has started all but two LaLiga matches he has been available for this season.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that Kroos will extend his stay.
MARCO ASENSIO (REAL MADRID)
Ancelotti is also an advocate for Asensio, with the 26-year-old currently in his…