The coming of 2025 ushers in one of the busiest periods on the global soccer calendar: the transfer window. With world-class players entering the last months of their contracts, it is undeniable that the backstage buzz is something else. According to FIFA rules, players whose contracts expire in June can start signing pre-contracts with new clubs as early as January. Big names like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Salah headline the stars likely to shake things up in the market.
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Neymar: an uncertain future marred by injuries and controversy
The Brazilian talent is at a crossroads in his career, after experiencing some torrid times with Al-Hilal due to severe injuries. His contract, set to expire in June 2025, opens a window of possibility for him to leave. Since the tear to his ACL last October 2023, he has barely seen action on the pitch. Although rumors of a possible contract termination swirled in 2024, the forward keeps training and might be one of the highlights for the upcoming Super Club World Cup.
Neymar's future, though, is full of mines: although European clubs might entertain an idea of him returning, his fitness and weighty salary will pose obstacles. Possible destinations? A move to MLS or even returning to Brazil can gain momentum.
Cristiano Ronaldo: the "GOAT" defying time
Cristiano Ronaldo remains a record-breaking force, even at 39. Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, he hasn’t just excelled as a top scorer but also elevated Saudi soccer's global profile. However, with his contract also expiring in June, the transfer market is keeping a close eye on the Portuguese legend.
Whispers of retirement have been met by the clear indication from CR7 that he's not done just yet. His global brand may well tempt some European clubs, while Saudi ones are unlikely to let him slip through their fingers without a fight. Is it a return to Europe, on to another Saudi team, or maybe across the pond to MLS?
Mohamed Salah: Egyptian star in demand
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is at a crossroads, with his deal running until June 2025. Despite Salah ending 2024 in great form, negotiations for an extension have stalled, and his future at Anfield depends on several factors.
Of the interested suitors, Saudi Arabia's soccer market is looming large. Clubs there are prepared to splash the cash, and that makes Salah a prime target. But, quite clearly, staying in Europe — perhaps with another top-tier club — is still firmly on the table.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: on Real Madrid's radar
The same media reports have pointed out another Liverpool standout, Trent Alexander-Arnold. At 26 years old, the defender reportedly told English media that he wants to go to Real Madrid. While his contract does not expire until June 2025, Arnold seems eager to not burn bridges and will likely see out his contract.
It would only add to Real Madrid's proud history of bringing the best around the world together under one banner. Kevin De Bruyne: Manchester City's maestro under scrutiny There is arguably no finer midfielder in the game than Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, whose situation at Manchester City remains very much under scrutiny. Rumors last year of a move to Al-Ittihad in 2024 caused some eyebrows to raise before ultimately being shot down.
Now, as his contract is at an end, City have a difficult decision: tie him down to a new deal or watch him walk away for nothing. Still, while Al-Ittihad are still in the running, De Bruyne appears to be set on staying in Europe, whether at City or elsewhere.
Joshua Kimmich: Bayern Munich's linchpin under pressure
A key player in Bayern Munich since 2015, Joshua Kimmich's future hangs in the balance. His contract runs until June 2025, but Bayern's management has reportedly asked him to make a decision early in the new year.
Kimmich is valuable to any team because of his adaptability as a defensive midfielder and full-back. As much as Bayern would want to hold on to him, other top clubs like Barcelona lurk in the background.
A hot market full of possibilities
Here it starts, and every transfer window is going to create some drama; even 2025 will not be an exception. Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Salah-in a real fairy tale for a couple of clubs-not to pay anything.
But the reality is far from that. The astronomical salaries, players' physical conditions, and personal preferences make this period a real rollercoaster for clubs and their fans. Over the next few months, all eyes will be on the negotiations, with teams hoping to emerge as winners in this high-stakes game behind the scenes.