Bosman Transfer News: 10 Players Who Could Sign for Free Next Summer

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The January transfer window is right around the corner, and it could be quite eventful for a host of players across Europe.

Numerous clubs have players in their squad whose contracts are set to expire come the end of the season, and they now must decide whether to sell in January or risk losing them for free come summertime. 

Let's take a look at some of the high-profile players who could leave on a Bosman when this season comes to a close. 

Gary Cahill

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It seems extremely unlikely that Cahill will be let go for free, considering his high-profile status in recent months. 

Hounded by Arsenal and Tottenham this summer, Cahill appears to be in his prime, and to add to the pressure, his contract is up in a few months.

Come January, the offers will pour in for Bolton, and it may be time to cash in on the English international.

It seems to be only a matter of time before the 25-year-old Bolton defender is on his way to bigger things. 

Didier Drogba

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A symbol for the Blues faithful for so long, Drogba will likely leave in January as a deal for his services, and could still be worth a substantial figure. 

At 33 years old, do not write off the Ivory Coast striker just yet, as AC Milan, a club quite familiar with harboring older talent, have apparently come knocking at Chelsea's door. 

Dimitar Berbatov

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For a man who was Manchester United's record signing (£30), Dimitar Berbatov has not quite left the legacy to match the price tag. 

At 30 years old, and after being joint top scorer in the EPL last season, Berbatov should have no shortage of suitors come January. 

Galatasaray have confirmed their interest, with PSG and Valencia rumored to be keeping tabs on Bulgarian hitman as well. 

Ledley King

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The Spurs captain has been plagued by knee injuries over the years, but that has not stopped him from putting in some fantastic performances for Tottenham. 

After having knee surgery in July and starting the season well, King is set to try to reach 20 appearances for Spurs in hopes that he can help cement a contract extension. 

Should he not, the English defender could leave free of charge, and despite his history of injuries, it would be foolish to write him off just yet. 

Eric Abidal

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Abidal has been a key part of the historic Barcelona side that has won every possible trophy over the last few years. 

At 32 years old and part of an aging back line, he finds himself in uneasy waters regarding his future with the Catalans.

Abidal has clearly come out and stated his desire to remain in Catalonia, but has yet to sign a contract extension.

Mathieu Flamini

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The 27-year-old French midfielder has many more years of top-flight football ahead of him, but it is yet to be seen if he will remain with AC Milan after this season.

The former Arsenal man has stated to the press: “We’ll see what the future holds, but I’d like to stay at Milan."

With Galliani making it clear that Milan are looking bring in some new faces in January, it seems the future may remain uncertain for the French midfielder. 

Tomas Rosicky

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At the age of 31, it is unlikely that Rosicky will be with the Gunners for much longer.

While his time at Arsenal has seem its ups and downs, there is no doubting Rosicky could still be an important asset to teams across Europe.

Reports emerged last summer linking Wolfsburg to the Czech international for a return to the Bundesliga. 

Nicolas Anelka

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Nicolas Anelka seemed to finally find a home at Chelsea over the last three seasons.

After bouncing across Europe and appearing for eight teams in 10 years, the Frenchman will likely be on the move once again.

With rumors of a fallout with Villas-Boas and no signs of contract negotiations, Anelka may welcome the prospect of new horizons. MLS anybody?

Mark Van Bommel

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The 34-year-old has been impressive in the midfield for AC Milan, and questions will be asked of what will become of his future.

The former Bayern Munich star has been linked with a return to his native Netherlands and has stated that he will wait until after Euro 2012 to make his decision. 

Alessandro Del Piero

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It is pretty hard to imagine Del Piero playing for a club other than Juventus. 

The Juve captain has achieved legendary status over his astonishing 18 years with the Turin outfit. 

At 37 years old, the sun may be setting on his time with Juve, but don't rule him out of football altogether. 

Del Piero recently guaranteed that he will keep playing, but refused to say if it would be with the club that he called home for nearly 20 years.