The 10 transfer sagas dominating the market: Cristiano, Bale, Dembele, Lewandowski

The transfer window has already produced several big-name signings, most notably the moves of Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool), and Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid).

On the other hand, though, there are several stars who have left us waiting with suspense. Some have contracts expiring on June 30, others have already publicly expressed their desire to move on and others who, for now, are keeping quiet.

Below, we've taken a look at 10 of the standout stars who could be on the move this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The future of Cristiano Ronaldo has been constantly discussed throughout the season at Old Trafford. Ralf Rangnick, before leaving Manchester United, made it clear that his continuity was not certain.

"He has one more year on his contract, but it is important to know what he wants and if he wants to stay. It's up to Erik [ten Hag] and Cristiano to decide," Rangnick said.

The rumours, though, have died down. But the former Real Madrid man does not seem to have Ten Hag's full approval despite scoring 24 goals last season.

It is unclear if Ronaldo wants to continue with a team not in the Champions League. The Portuguese's desire is to further extend his status as the all-time top scorer in the Champions League.

Luis Suarez

The No.9 arrived at Atletico Madrid on a free transfer from Barcelona and leaves, after two seasons, with a record of 34 goals and six assists in 83 games. His goals in 2020/21 were worth a title.

At 35, his contract is coming to an end and he left the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano in tears. He has no shortage of suitors with the likes of River Plate, Fenerbahce, Atalanta, Aston Villa, Ajax, and Sevilla all vying for his services.

The former Barcelona player has not made any comments, but it seems that his priority is to stay in Europe.

Angel Di Maria

Di Maria left the Parc des Princes with a long list of honours. The former Rosario Central, Benfica, Real Madrid and Manchester United player has become the top assist maker (119) in Paris Saint-Germain's history and also scored 93 goals in 295 appearances.

But Di Maria has a lot left to give and is looking for new challenges as a major player. At PSG, the signings of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe robbed him of a certain share of the limelight.

The 34-year-old Argentine is out of contract and is free to sign for any club. It seemed, in fact, that he had it made with Juventus. Possible interest from Barcelona, however, could have slowed down the deal.

Ousmane Dembele

The Dembele case remains at a standstill at Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez would like him to stay but Barcelona are not budging. His contract expires on June 30 and every day that goes by he moves further away from Camp Nou.

His final stretch of the season, without injuries, was outstanding. So far in 2022 he has two goals and 11 assists.

In the winter transfer window he was close to Chelsea and the Blues remain the team most interested in acquiring his services. He has also been recurrently linked with Paris Saint-Germain. His friendship with Kylian Mbappe could be an incentive to bring him to the Parc des Princes.

Gareth Bale

It was rumoured that Gareth Bale could stay in LaLiga Santander. He was linked with Atletico and even Getafe, which the Welsh player denied.

In the case of Bale there are no clues. It is not known if he will opt to return to the Premier League, if he will choose another competitive league or if he will opt for an exotic destination.

He has only one thing on his mind: to be ready to lead Wales at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Franck Kessie

His case is hand in hand with that of Andreas Christensen, with both seeing their contracts end on June 30 and having agreed to sign for Barcelona. The only thing missing in their transfers to the Camp Nou are the announcements.

Kessie, though, was key as AC Milan ended an 11-year wait to be crowned Italian champions last season, but he has brought his time at the Stadio San Siro to an end, having said goodbye to the fans after their title celebrations.

Paulo Dybala

Dybala didn't reach an agreement with Juventus to renew his contract and is now a free agent. He has been linked with the Premier League, Barcelona, and Atletico but could also stay in Italy by signing with Juve's rivals Inter,

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski has already made his intentions to leave Bayern Munich clear. And more than once.

However, the Bavarian club are holding their nerve and do not seem willing to facilitate his departure, but Barcelona are waiting for things to move.

Raheem Sterling

The 27-year-old England winger has lost his place in Pep Guardiola's side of late and is looking for a way out. He arrived in 2015 from Liverpool and City would not put up much of a fight if a good offer comes in.

He only has one year left on his contract and that gives Sterling some leverage to negotiate his transfer.

The main interested party in Sterling are Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel is very keen on the winger. According to Fabrizio Romano, their first offer was rejected. But City would gladly accept a new proposal of around 55-60 million euros.

Alvaro Morata

The Spanish striker is at yet another crossroads after Juventus did not execute their option to buy him. Italy's Old Lady are working on lowering the transfer price, as Massimiliano Allegri likes the Spaniard, but Los Rojiblancos don't want to sell him for a low sum.

He has no place in Madrid. His relationship with Diego Simeone is not ideal after his departure two seasons ago.

He is destined to leave. In recent days it has been suggested that Arsenal would be interested in signing him to replace Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the winter transfer window.