In recent years, as transfer fees have become ever more inflated, clubs have looked for cheaper alternatives in the market.
As sides so often price out competitors from moves, the number of free transfers have continued to soar.
Paul Pogba walked away from Manchester United without the Red Devils receiving a penny, a situation that was so nearly replicated with Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger, Paulo Dybala, Ousmane Dembele and Christian Eriksen are also among the most high-profile players departing their club for free this summer.
In an effort to avoid players walking away for nothing, teams will often conclude cut-price transfers as stars enter the final year of their contracts, meaning players whose deals end in 2023 could be prime targets for moves this summer.
It’s partly why the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus continue to be linked with departures from Manchester City, with the trio’s contracts all currently due to expire in 12 months’ time.
But could United and City potentially use this situation to their advantage, and are there any signings that could be completed over the next weeks for players well below their market values?
We’ve rounded up 23 of the most desirable players whose contracts end in 2023 and could be prime targets for United and City…
Players sourced from Transfermarkt and unrealistic transfers have been removed…
1. Manuel Akanji
2. Yves Bissouma
3. Stefan De Vrij
4. Memphis Depay