In 1995, a rule was introduced that would change football transfers forever. Commonly known as the Bosman ruling, it allows footballers to move clubs at the end of a contract without a transfer fee being paid.
The rule also means that players with six months remaining on their contracts are free to discuss terms with clubs outside the country they are currently employed.
While a key moment for the rights of footballers and their free movement of labour, it has also provided clubs many opportunities to pick up bargains and sign players on free transfers who otherwise would require large transfer fees.
The majority of footballers' contracts, particularly in Europe, expire at the end of June on any given year, which means on January 1, 2020 a host of players will be free to negotiate contracts with other clubs.
With that in mind, we have put together a gallery of 27 of the best footballers who are entering the final months of their contracts, predicted the likelihood of them remaining at their current clubs, and selected potential suitors who could be interested in landing themselves a bargain.
To move on to the next image, click on the arrows or thumbnails, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.
