Bosman's historic statement from 1995 immortalized an otherwise obscure Belgian footballer and changed the sport he played forever.
In the 21 years that followed, the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Andrea Pirlo, Sol Campbell and even Lionel Messi have all taken advantage of this freedom. Will the names of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah be added to this list next year?
The terrifying prospect is moving closer to reality for Liverpool as January 1 approaches and the trio can sign pre-contracts with clubs abroad. Last week, French side L'Equipe claimed that Salah, who is enjoying his most productive season at Anfield, would be open to a move to PSG.
Meanwhile, rumors about Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid have been circulating for over a year. Arne Slot will be desperate to find new terms for the club with the key players of his squad. But based on Salah's recent comments, in which he claimed he had not heard from anyone about a new deal, his title bids could look very different next season.
Liverpool's predicament is only unique because of the number of players in their starting squad with contracts expiring at the end of the season, but they aren't the only club who will be sweating over the future of their players as the new year approaches.
Ahead of the start of the winter transfer window, Mail Sport looks at a formidable out-of-contract XI.
GK: Manuel Neuer
The legendary goalkeeper finally called an end to his international career following Germany's exit from the 2024 European Championship. After playing 124 games and drawing the ire of fellow countryman Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the 38-year-old decided to turn his attention focus on club football.
And despite his age, Neuer remains the man between the sticks for Bayern Munich, who have their sights set on a return to their former glory, but for how much longer?
The shot-stopper is reportedly not planning to make his last appearance this season and according to Bild he and the club will sit down for contract talks in the spring. It is clear that they are not afraid of losing him to a rival.
The German outlet also claims that Neuer has not even completely ruled out returning to the national team in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Alternatives: Andriy Lunin, Alex Meret
RWB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
If Liverpool fans were given 'Sophie's Choice' and forced to choose from their trio of expiring contracts, Alexander-Arnold would certainly be the selection.
The 26-year-old has started the season in brilliant form as he enters his prime.
Alexander-Arnold has been a topic of discussion for many seasons, first praised for his action-packed full-back play and then derided for his poor defending. Finally he seems to have found the perfect balance under Slot.
Real Madrid appear to be the only alternative to Alexander-Arnold remaining on Merseyside and his close friendship with Madrid star Jude Bellingham continues to fuel fears that he too will soon call the Bernabeu home.
There is still confidence that he will sign a new contract and emulate his hero Steven Gerrard when he one day captains his boyhood club. But Liverpool was here before, in 1999. And on that occasion Steve McManaman left for the Spanish capital.
Alternatives: Denzel Dumfries, Kyle Walker-Peters, Davide Calabria
CB: Virgil van Dijk, Jonathan Tah, Harry Maguire
A combination of Van Dijk and Tah at center back would instantly give your team one of the meanest defenses in any division. Adding Harry Maguire certainly raises questions, but it's formidable nonetheless.
Van Dijk has reclaimed his position as the world's best defender after regaining his form following a cruciate ligament injury in 2020.
Having recently turned 33, the Liverpool captain still has a lot to give and during his international duty in September he appeared to express a desire to extend his stay at Anfield. He told local media: 'I am still Virgil van Dijk, the great leader, in both teams, and I certainly want to remain that way for the next two years.'
Tah, meanwhile, missed just one match as Xabi Alonso's all-conquering Bayer Leverkusen team won their first Bundesliga title last season. The Spaniard has managed to retain most of his key contributors, avoiding the exodus that many feared.
That could instead happen next season, with 28-year-old Tah being the first out the door and likely heading to the Allianz Arena and Bayern Munich.
Harry Maguire, who remains the most expensive defender in history, completes the central defensive unit as he enters the final few months of his contract with Manchester United.
There is still a possibility he remains at Old Trafford on lower wages, but it seems best for both parties to end their time together this summer. The 31-year-old was close to a move to West Ham in 2023, but under new management that prospect seems remote.
Despite lapses in concentration and shortcomings in the ball game, Maguire can still make a big impact for a team that plays to his strengths. Let's see if he can find the right one next season.
Alternatives: Victor Lindelof, Olivier Boscagli, Eric Dier
LWB: Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich did not react too kindly to Alphonso Davies' unwillingness to sign a contract extension in 2023. The Canadian was a breakout star as the German giants won their sixth European Cup in 2021.
But three years later, his time in Bavaria might have come to an end. According to his agent Nick Huoseh, Davies was close to a new deal before the Bayern hierarchy was replaced.
The 24-year-old has been a mainstay in Bayern's starting XI under Vincent Kompany this season, suggesting he may have a future at the club after all.
Alternatives: Ferland Mendy, Leif Davies, Sergio Reguilon, Tyrick Mitchell
CM: Kevin De Bruyne, Joshua Kimmich
Things weren't supposed to go this way for Kimmich and Bayern. Admittedly, unfair comparisons were made with Philipp Lahm when he first joined the club from RB Leipzig in 2015.
A versatile defender with excellent passing range and poise on the pitch, Kimmich looked set to wear the red of Bayern for the rest of his career.
Kimmich is currently without an agent and although he is receiving support and advice, interested clubs will have to contact him directly.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly on the list of clubs Kimmich would consider joining alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid.
City need reinforcements in midfield, especially if their talisman Kevin De Bruyne opts to end his spell at Etihad. After missing the first half of last season with a hamstring injury, the 33-year-old has endured another frustrating season for the struggling Premier League champions.
Pep Guardiola was forced to deny he had a falling out with the Belgian after he was left on the bench for most of Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. The signs aren't the best.
A six-time Premier League champion and two-time Player of the Year, he has already secured his place among the division's best ever players.
Alternatives: Thomas Partey, Angel Gomes, Frank Anguissa, Sean Longstaff
RW: Mohamed Salah
Speaking of Premier League legends, Salah may have fewer titles than De Bruyne, but his impact on the English top flight has been just as great. Salah could rise to sixth in the Premier League's all-time top scorers list by the end of the season.
Give him a few more and you wouldn't bet on him becoming only the fourth player to reach a double century. The Egyptian may already be 32 years old, but his Cristiano Ronaldo-esque discipline will likely see him continue to perform at the highest level for several more seasons to come.
Salah has given many indications in recent months that he would like to stay at Anfield, including a report in The Athletic that he would be willing to accept a one-year deal. We'll soon find out if this is his last dance with the Reds.
Alternatives: Leroy Sane, Paulo Dybala
LW: Neymar
It's strange to hear that Neymar and Salah are the same age. The Brazilian is even four months older than Salah and will be 33 before his eye-watering contract, packed with unspeakable benefits, expires next summer.
While Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr marked the start of the Saudi Pro League frenzy, Al-Hilal's capture of Neymar marked the pinnacle. The former PSG striker signed a deal worth £78million but his time in the Middle East was a disaster.
The Brazilian suffered a cruciate ligament injury in only his fifth game for the club. He made his return in October this year but suffered another injury scare in early November, leading to reports that he may be released from his £130m-a-year contract with Al-Hilal in January.
It was a disappointment for a player previously seen as Lionel Messi's heir.
For Neymar, however, it is a chance to finally get to work with the Saudi team, for whom he has made just seven appearances in over a year, and prove that he deserves a new contract.
Alternative: Rayan Cherki
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The legend – if it can be described that way – of Calvert-Lewin was built during the 2019-2020 season, when he scored thirteen goals and, perhaps more shockingly, made 36 league appearances.
The following season he improved his scoring, scoring sixteen times, although his league appearances dropped to 33. A healthy number, nothing to worry about.
Then came the 2021-2022 season, when two lengthy spells limited him to just 17 games in the top flight. In fairness to the England international, his injury record has improved considerably over the past season. The only problem was that goals were a little harder to come by.
So far this season, the 27-year-old has scored just two goals in the opening 13 league games for an Everton side that looks destined for another relegation.
If he can rediscover his scoring talent from a few years ago, he will certainly have candidates in the summer.
Alternatives: Jonathan David, Callum Wilson
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