Out Of Contract XI includes Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema

The new year doesn't just bring a new transfer window when it comes to football players moving, it also brings the countdown to the end of some players contracts.

We've already seen some big movement when it comes to the transfer market this January, with Liverpool stealing a march on rivals Manchester United to sign Cody Gakpo.

Erik ten Hag's side are now being linked to Joao Felix, as he attempts to shore up his forward options following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, those looking further ahead could be eyeing up some ridiculous bargains come the end of the season, when some players will be allowed to leave for free.

With January having arrived, it means that players whose contracts are expiring in June can start negotiating with clubs outside of the country they're currently playing in.

They can even sign a pre-contract agreement, guaranteeing who they'll be turning out for when the 2023/24 season kicks off.

We've taken a look at some of the best players who are available on 'free' moves and come up with an XI, which includes Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema, as well as some other steller names.

SPORTbible's Out of Contract XI.

David de Gea doesn't have much competition for being the obvious candidate with who goes in goal for our team, with Yann Sommer, who ironically was linked to Manchester United in the summer, the next in line.

United want to reduce the keeper's huge £375,000-a-week contract and have been linked with Porto number one Diogo Costa.

Borussia Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro edges out Alejandro Grimaldo from Benfica and Barcelona's Marcos Alonso, who only joined last summer.

Hector Bellerin is another full back who could leave the Nou Camp after just one year but it's West Ham's Coufal who currently looks more likely to depart, especially with David Moyes' side's future in the Premier League looking questionable right now.

At centre-back there were a number of candidates but left-footed Evan Ndicka would be a huge steal should he leave for nothing in the summer.

He's previously been linked with Newcastle United and Manchester United, and he's extremely important to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Milan Skriniar has been one of Europe's best defenders for a few years and was heavily linked with a move to PSG last summer. Inter Milan kept hold of him but they could be back in for him knowing he'd cost them nothing.

Milan Skriniar can leave Inter Milan in the summer. (Alamy)

Toni Kroos has five Champions League titles to his name and there's no doubt adding his experience would be a great signing for someone.

With Real Madrid building a new midfield there's a good chance he won't stay at the Bernabeu, so who knows where he'd end up.

Another midfielder with tons of experience when it comes to winning is Ilkay Gundogan, whilst he doesn't know where his future lies, it won't be with Liverpool.

Leicester City's Youri Tielemans has been talked about for a potential transfer away ever since he joined the club and he'll soon have his chance.

Adrien Rabiot, Houssem Aouar, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Naby Keita and Luka Modric are amongst the other names who could have made our team.

Alamy)

Upfront it's pretty simple, Lionel Messi could be on his way out of PSG, just two years after joining them, and has been linked with a return to Barcelona and a move to the MLS.

Karim Benzema is also out of contract in the summer and the Ballon d'Or winner is another who could have the pick of the bunch. Real Madrid will surely want to keep him until 2024 when Endrick arrives, at very least.

Dortmund youngster Youssoufa Moukoko has already told the club he'll be the latest prospect to leave them, although he won't earn them a profit.

The teenager has the world at his feet and might be the most intriguing story when it comes to where he ends up.

World Cup runner-up Marcus Thuram, Roberto Firmino, Memphis Depay and Marco Asensio are the other forwards who can leave for nothing come the summer.