The top 11 free transfers available from January 1, 2016

As we head into 2016, there are a select group of footballers that have their future in their hands or perhaps are somewhat concerned as to what the coming months will hold.

It was just over 20 years ago that John Marc Bosman changed European law for footballer contracts and as a result, players now have freedom of movement when their deals expire.

Going into the new year, we have listed the top 11 free transfers who’s future will no doubt be tracked by many clubs as it gets closer to 2016/2017.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic. At the age of 34, Zlatan shows no signs of slowing down and is comfortably one of the best footballers on the planet. In 2015, Zlatan guided PSG to all possible silverware bar the Champions League and led Sweden to Euro 2016. Wherever Ibrahimovic goes next summer, there will be fanfare. And, you can expect a title challenge from his next club as well.

2. John Terry. It looks like John Terry’s career at Chelsea is all but over with the final months of Jose Mourinho’s reign at Stamford Bridge suggesting the former England international is in the dying embers of his Premier League career. It will be strange to see Terry line up for another side, even if it were one in the MLS, but that is now looking likely for 2016/2017.

3. Hatem Ben Arfa. One of the undoubted success stories in European football this season, Ben Arfa rebounded from his departure from Newcastle and protracted arrival in Ligue 1, to show he still has plenty of quality. Seven goals in 18 matches for Nice, some of which have been trademark solo specials, suggest this 28-year-old could be a shrewd signing.

4. Branislav Ivanovic. Another Chelsea regular over recent seasons that looks to have his best days behind him. The Serb was brilliant last season but has looked woeful at times in 2015/2016. Just 31, Ivanovic could well play himself into a new contract under Guus Hiddink.

5. Sofiane Feghouli. Rated by Transfermarkt as the most valuable player out of contract at the end of the season. And, this includes Zlatan. Currently sidelined with an ankle injury, Ferghouli has been a key player for Valencia in recent seasons.

6. Ever Banega. In terms of class and quality in the middle of the park, Banega is one of the closest midfielders to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.

7. Samir Handanovic. The Slovenian goalkeeper could be an absolute steal for any of the top class teams. Handanovic is responsible for some jaw-dropping saves in recent seasons and you suspect he may just be holding himself back from signing a new Inter deal to see how the Nerazzurri get on in what looks to be a promising campaign for Roberto Mancini’s side.

8. Michael Carrick. One of the all-time great Premier League midfielders and yet hugely underrated. With so much upheaval expected at Manchester United at the end of the season, Carrick could well be allowed to move on and there are a lot of teams that could with his experience and class.

9. Tomas Rosicky. Blighted by injury, the “Little Mozart” will almost certainly leave The Emirates this coming summer, along with French midfielder Mathieu Flamini. At 35, Rosicky may well return to the Czech Republic for a final swan-song but on his day was a brilliant footballer.

10. Victor Valdes. Before Valdes picked up a long-term injury in what turned out to be his final game for Barcelona, the custodian was legitimately one of the best in his position in the world. Valdes has been treated terribly at Manchester United, which makes you think that he could well be keen to prove his quality at his next club.

11. Charlie Austin. Now a proven goalscorer in the Premier League and Championship, its a surprise that Austin is still at QPR. Undoubtedly a player that could improve many sides in the lower half of the Premier League…

Below is a pretty impressive team of free transfers available from January 1, 2016.

And, the second graphic below is from Transfermarkt, which ranks the top 11 players available on a free transfer, according to market value.