Professional players have no autonomy over their contracts for a long period of time, and while they can negotiate and make new demands, players are only allowed to leave if the team wants them to leave.

But with the Boseman ruling, things have changed and players have full control over their contract status. After the ruling, players can decide whether to renew their contracts, and clubs have begun to proactively renew contracts and listen to players' requests.

With the ability to control contracts, there is a tendency to enter into pre-contracts. It refers to an initial contract that a player can sign with a new club at any time within the remaining 6 months of their existing contract. Once a pre-sale contract is signed, the player will move to a new club when the contract expires.

For the player, this is a kind of insurance that once his current professional contract expires, he will have a new professional contract.

The winter window is about to open. Let us take a look at the five players who can sign pre-contracts in January 2022.

5. Casey - 2 points

In January 2022, many clubs will compete to snap up AC Milan midfielder Frank Casey. If such a 24-year-old genius can be snapped up on a free transfer, AC Milan will suffer a bit.

Since Casey's contract will expire in June 2022, AC Milan hopes to find a solution as soon as possible. But as things stand now, Casey is destined to go to a new club, and a decision can be made as early as the end of next month.

Casey is an excellent midfielder who is good at attack and defense. He is known for covering large spaces on the court and winning the ball to protect the defense. Kessie would be a valuable signing and it remains to be seen which club will sign him.

4. Di Maria - 3 points

Di Maria is 33 years old, but the Argentinian has proven that he still has a lot of energy. The speedy winger has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and is currently a key figure in Paris, France.

However, with the Paris club's top-heavy lineup and increasing age, Di Maria is likely to go to a new team.

Although his starting time has been reduced, he still plays more than 1,000 minutes in the current game.

There have been times when Di Maria's stellar performances have helped PSG out of trouble, and the Argentinian still has plenty of gas in the tank and some great clubs who could give him a role in the future.

3. Pogba - 4 points

Pogba can become a world-class player at any time. Sadly for United, his injuries are more frequent than when he plays. However, Pogba has shown his talent, even more so with the French national team.

United are still trying to resolve his contract situation, however, Pogba is likely to leave Old Trafford in the summer. No doubt several big clubs will try to sign him as a free agent.

It would be perfectly appropriate for any club to sign him early to avoid a possible bidding war in the summer, but his health is more questionable than his form.

However, Pogba performed well in the current game. He contributed 7 assists in four Premier League games, but has not had one assist since. Due to serious injuries, he spent a lot of time. On the bench for a long time.

2. Rudiger - 2 points

Since German coach Tuchel took over Chelsea in 2021, Rudiger has risen rapidly under the leadership of Tuchel. Rudiger has always been one of the most trusted figures.

However, Rudiger is still negotiating with Chelsea, and his sky-high wages seem to be the source of all trouble. Rudiger is 28 years old, which is not surprising for a defensive player.

His high-pressing, tackling and aerial ability will certainly attract suitors. Since his contract expires in June 2022, clubs will try to sign him on a pre-signed contract to avoid paying more in the summer.

Whether Chelsea can finally convince Rudiger to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen.

1. Mbappe - 5 points

If a player like Mbappe is likely to become a free agent, which club would not want to sign him in advance? The talented Frenchman has become a global star at a very young age.

He has yet to win the Champions League, but he has won Ligue 1 and the prestigious World Cup. Mbappe was linked with a huge deal with Real Madrid last summer, but it ultimately failed to materialize.

Real Madrid will be in the race once January starts, as Kylian Mbappe has yet to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

While Real Madrid will be the favorites, other teams including Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are said to be keen on the Frenchman. Mbappe's signing could go down as one of the most exciting transfer saga of all time.