Signing a player on a free transfer is a cost-effective way of recruitment and there will be plenty of bargain players available for no fee in the summer of 2020.
As fans of the popular Football Manager game will know, assessing the players whose contracts are nearly expired is an essential practice ahead of the transfer window opening.
And those whose deals are running down come in all shapes and sizes - from wizened veterans to disgruntled stars entering their prime.
This year, things have been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, with FIFA exploring ways to navigate a potential legal, moral and financial quagmire of contract expiry dates.
Either way, Goal takes a look at the players who will be available to sign for free once their contracts expire.
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