In this article, AntiKick will look at Serie A players out of contract 2025 — the names, situations, and what the fallout might mean for clubs, fans, and rivals. By summer 2025, many contracts are expiring in Italy’s top flight, opening up a frenzy of free transfers and renewal battles. Let’s dive into who’s at risk, who has leverage, and which clubs might benefit.
What does “out of contract 2025” mean?
This refers to players whose contracts with their current club are set to expire on 30 June 2025 or earlier, without an agreed extension. Starting from 1 January 2025, many of these players will be free to negotiate with other clubs. Some have clauses or options to extend, meaning their future could still be tied down — but many are genuinely potential free agents.
Top names and big situations to watch
Here are some of the most notable Serie A players out of contract in 2025, and what makes their situations interesting. These players carry sizeable reputations, and their potential free-agent status will draw attention.
- Paulo Dybala (Roma) — The Argentine forward has one of the most discussed expiring contracts. Rumors of clubs circling are frequent. His injury history and form will play big roles in what kind of deal he might get.
- David De Gea (Fiorentina) — The former Manchester United keeper’s contract is expiring. Fiorentina reportedly have an option to extend, which could keep him there. His experience and profile make himattractive free target if he moves.
- Danilo (Juventus) — There’s an automatic extension clause in his deal: if he meets certain appearance thresholds, he stays. But clubs will monitor closely whether he hits that mark.
- Alex Meret (Napoli) — Goalkee.
- Luka Jović (Milan) — The striker has had flashes, but consistency’s been an issue. Free in 2025, he could be a low-risk gamble for clubs needing offensive depth.
- Davide Calabria (Bologna / formerly Milan) — One of several defenders whose future is uncertain. Depending on performance and fitness, he could renew or move.
Full list & patterns: who’s leaving, which clubs, and trends
Below some broader patterns from the full pool of players out of contract or likely to be so:
- There are around 58 players in Serie A whose contracts expire in summer 2025.
- Only three clubs have no players facing contract expiry: Fiorentina, Roma, and Juventus.
- Clubs with more risk: mid-table and lower-ranked sides, especially those with tighter finances, tend to have more players with expiring deals. Examples: Empoli, Monza, Hellas Verona among others.
- Many players have “options” or clauses: appearance-based extensions, club options, etc. These muddy the waters: some “out of contract” will stay if conditions are met.
Risks and opportunities for clubs
For both buying and selling (or keeping) sides, this expiry wave presents strategic choices.
For clubs losing players:
- Loss of institutional knowledge and squad depth, especially in defence and goalkeeping, where experience matters.
- Need to act early in the transfer market; free agents will have multiple suitors.
- Risk of losing fan favourites or leaders for nothing if renewal talks fail.
For clubs acquiring free agents:
- Opportunity to get good quality without paying a transfer fee.
- Risk of signing players who are past their peak or have recurring fitness / form issues.
- Negotiation leverage: since clubs may want to cut losses, they might offer favorable personal terms.
For players:
- Power to choose best-fit clubs, possibly outside Italy.
- A chance to restart or relocate careers.
- Pressure to show consistency to avoid being overlooked.
Lesser-known names & hidden gems
Beyond the stars, there are plenty of players who don’t grab headlines but might prove useful for clubs looking to boost depth or bargain deals. Some examples:
- Rafael Toloi (Atalanta) — experienced defender whose contract expires. Might attract interest from clubs seeking a steady veteran centre-back.
- Davide Zappacosta (Atalanta) — utility right-back with experience; for teams short in full-back options, he’s viable.
- Nicola Sansone (Lecce) — winger who might want to stay in Serie A; could also consider moves abroad if offers are better.
- Pedro Obiang, Simone Verdi — seasoned midfielders with potential for bargain deals.
What could shape the outcome
Several external factors will influence how many of these Serie A players out of contract 2025 actually leave, renew, or fade:
- Performance this season: If players have a strong second half, they’ll improve bargaining power. If not, clubs will let them leave.
- Club finances: Clubs under financial stress may be more willing to let players go rather than renew at high wage demands.
- Competition from abroad: Leagues in England, Spain, or even MLS and Saudi Arabia might offer tempting deals. Those free agents may prefer more money or a new challenge.
- Injury history / age: Older players or those with repeated injuries will have fewer suitors; clubs will be cautious.
Players most likely to leave
Predicting futures is tricky, but based on form, contract clauses, and club needs, here are names most likely not to be renewed:
- Luka Jović — Milan might try to offload him or let him go on a free if he doesn’t pick up form.
- Davide Calabria — if Bologna or elsewhere finds a better, younger option, he may move.
- Florenzi — his injuries and age work against big renewal offers. (He is already confirmed to leave AC Milan by 30 June 2025.)
Players likely to stay / renew
Some players seem more likely to extend or have conditions that make renewal plausible:
- Danilo, if appearance thresholds are met.
- Alex Meret, given he’s in talks.
- De Gea, with Fiorentina holding an option.
- Paulo Dybala, depending on Roma’s project, though reports are mixed.
Implications for the 2025 Transfer Window
- Free agents bring value: Clubs able to act decisively could plug gaps without large transfer fees.
- Increased bargaining by players & agents: As more names enter free agency, those with the best recent form or reputation can secure better personal terms.
- Mid-tier clubs will have their hand forced: To stay competitive, they must either keep their expiring players or find replacements early.
Top-5 most intriguing out-of-contract stories
- Dybala’s next move – Will he stay at Roma or test foreign offers?
- Meret’s fate at Napoli – Keep or let go?
- De Gea’s stability vs opportunity – Fiorentina option vs career twilight.
- Danilo’s appearances clause – The “if he plays enough” trigger is a tense subplot.
- Florenzi’s exit and retirement talk – His long career may be winding down.
Conclusion
The list of Serie A players out of contract 2025 reveals opportunity, risk, and drama — for players, clubs, and fans alike. As summer 2025 approaches, expect a wave of negotiations, free-agent moves, surprising exits, and strategic renewals. AntiKick will keep tracking these stories — who strikes new deals, who surprises us by departing, and who finds redemption.
If you liked this breakdown, check back often — we’ll update as renewals are confirmed and transfers are made, and we’ll share full squad-by-squad updates. Let’s see how many of these players stay, move, or shock the market.
