You just can't beat a free transfer and, as always, we can expect plenty of cut-price deals to come about in next summer's transfer window; especially given the contract situations of several world stars.
Though there is plenty that can happen between now and then, here we select a XI of players who are out of contact next summer, including a six-man substitutes bench.
GK: David De Gea (Manchester United)
Linked Clubs: Juventus/PSG
David de Gea has been nothing short of sensational for Manchester United in recent years - winning four of the last five player of the year awards.
The Red Devils have been trying to tie De Gea to a long-term deal for several months, but talks have not resulted in an agreement. Consequently the shot-stoppers contracts expires next summer with Juventus touted a possible destination, however, United do have an option to extend his deal for a further 12 months.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports Spain's number one shied away from questions regarding his contract, insisting that winning was his priority - something he hasn't been doing very often recently.
DF: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Linked Clubs: Man Utd/Bayern/Juventus/PSG
Over the years, Diego Godin has evolved into arguably the most consistent defender in Spanish football. Atleti's captain has become an exemplary centre back, mentoring the likes of Lucas Hernandez and Jose Maria Gimenez, possible long-term replacements should the club decide to let him leave next summer.
Manchester United, Bayern, PSG and Juventus have reportedly indicated keen interest over the years, but it is Juventus and United who have been more direct in their approach.
While the Old Lady proposed a three-year contract at €4.5 million, Manchester United reportedly had a jet ready for the veteran defender on deadline day, but the player has since explained his decision to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano.
The 32-year-old is the perfect modern centre-back and both clubs will be lurking around, waiting to strike a deal if Atletico Madrid chiefs show the slightest sign of indecision regarding Godin's future.
DF: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)
Linked Clubs: Man Utd/Ajax
Toby Alderweireld was a central figure in Manchester United's transfer failures last summer, with a move ultimately failing to materialise for one reason or the other.
After a difficult 2017/18 campaign, Alderweireld opted to stay at Tottenham Hotspur and fight to win over Mauricio Pochettino, but now in a odd twist of events, the defender has cast doubt on his future, suggesting that a return to Ajax could be of interest stating: "never say never" when quizzed on a return.
DF: David Luiz (Chelsea)
Linked Clubs: None
David Luiz seems to have won over Maurizio Sarri, with the Daily Mirror reporting that Sarri has been so impressed with the Brazilian that he will offer him a new contract in the new year.
Under former boss Antonio Conte, Luiz looked set for his second Chelsea exit, as Conte preferred alternative options in the squad.
"I had two offers from different clubs but I told Chelsea I wanted to stay," Luiz said.
"Would I have gone if Conte stayed? For sure. But they changed for Sarri and I have tried to convince Sarri I want to stay at Chelsea."
DF: Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid)
Linked Clubs: Man Utd/PSG
Surprise, surprise, Manchester United are once again the interested party, although this report has come from the ever non-reliable Don Balon (via Calciomercato) who suggest that Jose Mourinho wants to be reunited with the player he signed for Chelsea back in 2014.
Surprisingly, the 33-year-old may now get another opportunity to take on the Premier League, although it is unclear as to why United would feel the need for his signature, especially after the resurgence of Luke Shaw.
MF: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Linked Clubs: Arsenal/Galatasaray/AC Milan
In the wake of a tough preseason and an injury-plagued 2018/19, Cesc Fabregas, a key element under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, now finds himself observing from the sidelines in the Maurizio Sarri regime.
Chelsea's midfield trio of Jorginho, Kante and Kovacic have thrived in his absence, and even when he recovers, the midfield metronome will either have to take a pay cut and fight his way back -- which remains uncertain given Sarri's philosophy of aggressive pressing -- or continue his adventure elsewhere.
At 31, Cesc Fabregas's leadership qualities and enviable experience in the middle of the park imply he's still a hot commodity, and would easily slot in as a key player elsewhere should Chelsea decide against extending his contract.
MF: Adrien Rabiot (PSG)
Linked Clubs: Barcelona/Liverpool/Manchester City/Tottenham Hotspur
A standby for France at the World Cup, it has been reported by the Express that he could sign a new deal within the week, when previously it had looked destined that he would leave the Parisian club.
Rabiot reportedly turned down three offers from PSG whilst holding concrete talks with Liverpool over a move, but now the tale has taken another twist and he looks set to stay in the French capital for three more years.
MF: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Linked Clubs: Man Utd/Man City/Liverpool/Chelsea/Juventus/Valencia/AC Milan
Aaron Ramsey clearly has plenty of admirers, with the box to box midfielder linked to no-less than seven clubs across three countries.
Juventus have perfected the art of the free transfer over the past decade, and with Ramsey's deal due to expire next summer, there is a good chance he could follow Emre Can from the Premier League to Serie A.
FW: Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Linked Clubs: Juventus
Manchester United are good at this contract malarkey aren't they?
Anthony Martial is another who has an option for a further year on his current deal, which the club can trigger at anytime.
Despite rejecting a new deal to stay at Manchester United, it has been reported that Martial is ready to discuss terms over a new deal, as long as he is paid as much as the club's top earners.
Martial has been instrumental in recent games - scoring four goals - and for the neutral, it is easy to see why he is such a crowd favourite.
FW: Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
Linked Clubs: West Ham
The World Cup winner signed an 18-month deal when he made the short trip from Arsenal to Chelsea, but his stint looks set to come to an end in June.
While he's not scored so far this season, Giroud has contributed to the team in other ways, and might just sneak a new deal at Stamford Bridge; although, according to reports, West Ham have been credited with a revived interest in the Blues striker.
It would be an audacious move for West Ham, but if you don't try you don't succeed.
FW: Mario Ballotelli (OGC Nice)
Linked Clubs: Napoli/Marseille
Mario Ballotelli seems to have let himself go once again after Patrick Vieira has told the Nice striker he must lost more weight before he can play regularly again, as reported by ESPN.
Ballotelli arrived two weeks' late to pre-season training as a result of a failed move to Marseille, and was seen hinting at his desire to secure a move to Napoli on Instagram, as he craves a return to Champions League football.
However, with all said and done, it seems clear that once his contract is up next summer, Nice will allow the Italian to move on for nothing and be free of the excess baggage that the once highly talent striker possessed.
Potential 2019 Free Transfers XI
Substitutes
Arjen Robben - After retiring from international duty, it was hoped Robben could produce more for Bayern Munich, but after a far from electric start to the season, he has admitted that he is unsure what the future holds after the current campaign.
Chris Smalling - You could probably make a complete XI of Manchester United players who will be out of contract next summer. Smalling has the option for a further year, and with United's obvious defensive vulnerability, it would make sense for United to tie him down again.
Jan Vertonghen - One of the Premier Leagues best defenders, Spurs will be hoping this man follows Dele Alli and signs a new deal at White Hart Lane.
Ander Herrera - Reported to have held talks over a new deal, he is another one of United's stars who the club holds a further year extension on his current deal.
Daniel Sturridge - Sturridge has shown what he is capable of so far this season, and with his contract expiring next summer he is going the right way about earning a new one.