Barcelona's Andres Iniesta and Liverpool's Emre Can have big decisions to make with one year left on their contracts

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  • The summer transfer window is still in full string, but there are a number of high-profile players who have their eye on 2018 as they weigh up whether to stay put or seek pastures new.

    With just one year left on their current deals, these players have all the power as they can simply walk away next year or force a move to another club for a cut-price fee.

    Below are five big names whose contract situation may have slipped under the radar.

    Andres Iniesta – Barcelona

    Barcelona’s captain may accept being gently phased out but a more pressing question is whether Barcelona are simply willing to let him go.

    Spanish journalist Gerard Romero recently claimed that Barca are open to letting their club legend test the waters in January, when he will have just six months remaining on his contract.

    Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said he wants Iniesta to remain ‘for life’ but with Philippe Coutinho and Marco Veratti rumours swirling in Catalonia, the search for the 33-year-old’s successor is clearly ongoing.

    Leaving likelihood: 5/10

    Legend could leave: Barcelona captain Iniesta.

    Legend could leave: Barcelona captain Iniesta.

    Emre Can – Liverpool

    Depending on who you listen to, Can is either closing in or far from a fresh contract with Liverpool – with negotiations over a base 100k wage a rumoured sticking point between the two parties.

    The German has all the talent in the world but in Liverpool’s eyes, he may have yet to reach the consistency in midfield to deserve such a contract.

    His positioning can often leave Reds fans scratching the head, but he is equally capable of scoring a goal of the season contender – no one needs reminding of his jaw-dropping overhead kick against Watford in May.

    Juventus are ready to pounce should an agreement not be reached and as Can is not even a guaranteed starter at Anfield, it is no surprise that the 23-year-old is mulling over his options.

    Leaving likelihood: 6/10

    Question time: Can on the charge for Liverpool.

    Question time: Can on the charge for Liverpool.

    Stefan de Vrij – Lazio

    Liverpool and Juventus may also butt heads over Stefan de Vrij, who has made no indication that he plans to stay with Lazio.

    Lazio can simply not afford to let an asset like the 25-year-old leave on the cheap next summer, and with so many teams in need of a quality centre-back, they can expect to recoup £25m if they pull the trigger.

    Club president Claudio Lotito has insisted the De Vrij is going nowhere ahead of the new season, but if can’t get the Dutchman to sign on the dotted line, he will be left with little choice.

    Leaving likelihood: 8/10

    Making his defence: De Vrij in pre-season training with Lazio.

    Making his defence: De Vrij in pre-season training with Lazio.

    Ross Barkley – Everton

    The question is not if but when Ross Barkley leaves Goodison Park, having grown disillusioned with life under Ronald Koeman. A highly-rated Englishman heading for his mid-20s without the performances to back it up – I think we’ve all heard this one before.

    Koeman had tried to movitate Barkley – publicly calling him out on numerous occasions last season – but if anything the Dutchman’s cajoling had an adverse effect on the 23-year-old.

    The midfielder, who has been ignored by new England manager Gareth Southgate so far, is understood to be seeking a six-figure wage. That may put off teams such as Tottenham, who will also need to stump up around £25m to prise him for Everton this summer.

    When push comes to shove, however, surely neither manager nor player will want to be in each other’s company for another season.

    Leaving likelihood: 10/10

    On the move from Goodison: Barkley.

    On the move from Goodison: Barkley.

    Jose Gimenez – Atletico Madrid

    Unlike Barkley, Jose Gimenez does not have a problem with his current club. After all, Antoine Griezmann was so loyal to Atletico Madrid and boss Diego Simeone that he promised to stay for another year amid fierce Manchester United interest.

    However, though Gimenez has claimed he would be willing to sign a ‘contract for life’ in Madrid, that a deal is yet to be signed is telling with a host of big Premier League clubs reportedly very, very interested in the centre-back.

    The Uruguayan is not even first-choice under Simeone – Stefan Savic and Diego Godin are usually the preferred pairing – though he is hardly in a rush at 22 years of age.

    Stranger things have happened, but it is unlikely Gimenez will leave them in the lurch.

    Leaving likelihood: 4/10

    Centre-back of attention: Jose Gimenez claims he is happy in Madrid.

    Centre-back of attention: Jose Gimenez claims he is happy in Madrid.

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