Looking at the list of potential free agent targets for 2025.
GK: Valles, Meret, Benitez - I believe Valles already has a deal with Betis and will sit this season out but wouldn't mind if we would get him. Benitez was linked to Atleti so would probably accept the bench. Merret unlikely but any of those three would be a big improvement over Pena.
RB: TAA is clearly by far the best player but I think he's Madrid bound. Wesley from Flamengo is only other interesting name, we were linked to him before and could maybe consider him as a cheap option but his contract actually expires in December 2025 so would need to pay some small fee to get him in summer.
CB: Tah - we were linked to him few weeks ago and think he could be interesting for us again, especially if we sell Araujo but we'll probably wait for too long because of our situation and/or he'll have more interest going to Bayern. No other name I would really consider. VVD is too old and will either renew with Liverpool or go to SA imo. "Polish Chygrinskiy" at Valencia is a solid talent but we have better kids coming through La Masia. Soulet was quite highly rated few years ago but injuries stalled his development.
LB: Davies look Madrid bound and don't think we would sign him anyway. But if Flick stays then maybe. No other really interesting name. Reguilon on a short term contract could be ok-ish and possibly Tagliafico on a 1-year contract to rotate with Balde but I'd prefer to just go with the kids than sign another Alonso.
DM: Partey, Jorginho, Paredes - some good names here but all in their thirties so would prefer to stay away.
CM: Kimmich - can see Flick showing interest in him. Depends on how this season will go, how kids will progress and what will happen with FDJ but wouldn't be surprised if he's one of the players Deco will try to negotiate with in January/February but eventually miss out on him. Should probably stay away from Verratti at this point.
RW: Sane is probably another player Flick would like to get but think he has other plans. Signing Salah wouldn't make much sense at this point. United has an option to extend Diallo which they will surely do so won't talk about him. From younger players Rayan from Vasco was highly regarded at some point but never watched him. Maybe
@Porque or
@khaled_a_d now more about him.
LW: Son - despite his age think he still has a lot in the tank and always liked him so wouldn't mind him if we won't get Nico (would also be a big signing from marketing perspective) but I expect him to renew with Spurs.
ST: Jonathan David - not followed him that closely over last two years but would be excellent signing on a free (if Lille will let his contract expire). I'm sure there will be other clubs who can move for him faster and get him off the market before we'll get our finances in order.
Considering we'll probably spend "big money" on Nico and maybe a DM (if we'll find someone, lol) I would take one of four amongst Valles/Benitez, Tah, Kimmich and J. David. But ofc also depends a lot on who will leave and how this season will go.
