Summer 2023 Bosmans: Five players your club could sign for free
In 1990, a relatively unknown Belgian midfielder entered a legal battle that would indefinitely change the course of the transfer market. Jean-Marc Bosman had won a case at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg that would allow him, and all players for years to come, to move clubs without a transfer fee being paid following the expiration of their contract.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Once the European Court of Justice ruled that clubs no longer had to pay transfer fees after the expiration of a player’s contract, all hell broke loose. Suddenly it was a free-for-all.”
Some of football’s most high-profile and dramatic signings have been a product of this ‘Bosman’ rule; Robert Lewandowski’s transfer to Bayern Munich, Andrea Pirlo’s move from AC Milan to Juventus and Sol Campbell’s ‘Judas’ saga were all deals that were facilitated through this rule change.
Every summer some of the game’s biggest stars are up for grabs free of charge with thanks to Jean-Marc Bosman. But who’s contract is expiring at the end of the 2022/23 season?
Ilkay Gundogan
Club: Manchester City
Age: 32
Position: Centre Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first-ever signing at Man City as he looked towards building a dynasty at the Etihad, but after a long seven-year spell wearing the sky blue, it looks increasingly likely that the German midfielder will leave the club.
Gundogan admitted ‘something was missing’ at Man City after his side suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Southampton. Just like his former team-mates Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal may be the perfect fit if he does decide to stray from the Etihad with Gundogan sharing a similar profile to that of Granit Xhaka.
Wilfried Zaha
Club: Crystal Palace
Age: 30
Position: Forward
Tasked with the responsibility of being Crystal Palace’s main man for years gone by, Zaha is rumoured to leave the club almost every window. The Eagles have rejected bids from Bayern Munich and Everton in the past, but if Zaha does eventually leave this summer, Palace won’t receive a penny.
A talented winger, Zaha would be a great addition for any club who signs him. A return to Manchester United would give the Red Devils another dimension and help take the workload off Marcus Rashford.
Daichi Kamada
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Age: 26
Position: Attacking Midfielder
The neat creator started all of Japan’s matches in Qatar as the Samurai Blue impressed the footballing world by topping a group consisting of Spain and Germany. Kamada has also been an integral part of Frankfurt’s recent success with strong attacking performances culminating in last season’s Europa League victory.
Coronavirus blocked Kamada’s imminent transfer to Tottenham Hotspur back in 2020, so it would be no surprise to see Spurs re-ignite interest in him this summer, while Bayern Munich are also said to be interested.
Ryan Kent
Club: Rangers
Age: 26
Position: Left Winger
Albeit proving himself capable of some very impressive performances such as his display at the Signal Iduna Park, Ryan Kent has been subject to a great deal of criticism over the past year due to his lack of conviction in front of goal. However, with new Rangers boss, Michael Beale, getting the best out of him once again – Kent would be a great signing on a free transfer if he decides against a new deal.
Great at carrying the ball up the pitch, Kent could be a risk-free signing for a team such as Everton who opt to play a narrower formation.
Ross Stewart
Club: Sunderland
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Despite being cursed with injuries, Ross Stewart has really impressed down at the Stadium of Light, so much that he has earned the nickname ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ despite being from Irvine. Stewart has contributed to 13 goals in as many games for the Black Cats as they mount a push for the play-offs.
With Alfredo Morelos’ contract coming to an end, Rangers may be tempted to bring Stewart back north of the border, while Premier League clubs Brentford and Bournemouth are also rumoured to be interested in the Scottish striker.