Modern-day football is awash with unfathomable riches but that won't stop even the game's biggest spenders eyeing up a cut-price bargain.
Some of the sport's biggest stars have been made moves for nothing in recent years, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski and Andrea Pirlo.
And this summer is likely to be no different, with several big names set to become unattached in July.
With bargains to be had, Sportsmail assessed the 10 biggest names who could be snapped up for free at the end of the season.
Adrien Rabiot, Paris Saint-Germain, midfielder
Adrien Rabiot is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain after falling out of favour at Parc des Princes
Adrien Rabiot's relationship with PSG has turned a little sour this season.
The France international fell out with coach Thomas Tuchel and since the turn of the year has found himself training with the reserves after refusing to sign a new deal.
Since then, he was banned for a month for heading out clubbing after PSG's shock Champions League defeat by Manchester United, while his mother Veronique told L'Equipe that he is a 'prisoner' at the club.
It appears, then, that the 24-year-old is all but certain to leave the French capital when his contract runs out in the summer, and he has been linked with moves to several of Europe's biggest names.
Barcelona and Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with the Frenchman. The Gunners will certainly be eager to bolster their ranks with the financial purse-strings set to be tightened once again this summer, while Barca are thought to have a long-standing interest.
Likely destination: Barcelona
Ander Herrera, Manchester United, midfielder
Manchester United are not willing to meet Ander Herrera's wage demands and he will leave
Ander Herrera is a popular figure at Manchester United but a contract dispute has called time on his Old Trafford stay.
The Spaniard appeared to have found a new lease of life under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after becoming a peripheral figure under former boss Jose Mourinho.
His tenacious midfield play has made him popular with supporters - winning the club's player of the year award in 2017 - but his contract demands of in excess of £150,000, according to reports, have meant club and player have not seen eye-to-eye about an extension.
Herrera confirmed his departure after five seasons at Old Trafford on Sunday.
'Playing for the greatest club in England has been a true honour,' Herrera said in an emotional video. 'Every time I represented this club, in every game, in wins and losses, even when I couldn't help from the grass, I understood what this clubs means.'
Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be willing to met those demands, with the Daily Record claiming a pre-contract agreement has been signed.
Sportsmail also understands Arsenal hold an interest in the former Bilbao player, should he become available.
Likely destination: PSG
Vincent Kompany, Manchester City, defender
Pep Guardiola has said sentimentality alone will not award Vincent Kompany a new contract
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany may be regarded as a legend at the Etihad but that does not guarantee him a new contract.
Pep Guardiola warned in January that the club would not reward the 33-year-old with a new deal for sentimental reasons, pointing out that he has played 'few' games because of persistent injury problems.
'He's incredible but the reality is in the last five years he's played few, really few,' said Guardiola.
'So that is the situation we have to put on the table and the club will discuss it with his agent and make the best decision for both.'
Kompany has won all three domestic titles with City during an 11-year stay, and although injury problems persist, Guardiola continues to turn to the Belgian at key junctures.
The Belgian's stunning goal against Leicester cemented his legendary status and proved his value on the field for City, while his importance off it could sway Guardiola's hand.
Likely destination: Manchester City
Diego Godin, Atletico Madrid, defender
Diego Godin has enjoyed nine years of success with Atletico but has been linked with Inter
Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin has developed into one of the best defenders on the planet under Diego Simeone.
A stalwart for Atleti's rearguard approach to the game, his performances have been integral to their stunning success both domestically and on the continent.
The 33-year-old has won every Spanish domestic honour as well as two Europa League titles, although the Champions League has remained elusive, with Atleti enduring two final defeats since he joined the club in 2010.
But as he enters the twilight of his career, Godin is about to part company after nine years in the Spanish capital.
On May 7, a tearful Godin confirmed the reports linking him with a move away to the club.
'I have no regrets,' he said. 'In life there are some hard changes but the hardest ones are the ones that make you grow.'
A new challenge at Inter appears a probable outcome, with Sky Sports Italia reporting that Uruguayan passed a secret medical with Serie A club back in January.
Likely destination: Inter
James Milner, Liverpool, midfielder
James Milner continues to be a useful asset for Liverpool but he has not signed a new deal
James Milner has become a crucial utility man for Jurgen Klopp's title challengers.
He has featured in both full-back positions as well as at the base of midfield, a far cry from his heady days as an adventurous winger.
The Reds have taken full advantage of his years of experience, but even his composed penalty prowess has not yet convinced the Anfield hierarchy to renew his contract.
Milner has 61 England caps, made 698 appearances for Leeds, Swindon, Newcastle Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool while also winning two titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup.
The
