With the Premier League on the brink of breaking spending records, it’s worth remembering that signings don’t necessarily have to cost big. Sometimes, the best transfers cost nothing, aside from a hefty sign-on bonus.
From Ruud Gullit to Chelsea, Sol Campbell to Arsenal, James Milner to Liverpool and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United, the Premier League has produced a number of great free transfers over the years.
So who will be next? There are many star players around the world who don’t have a club, but some of them are more familiar to the English team than others.
As we approach the final month of the summer transfer window, let’s build our free agent eleven.
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Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
Arguably the lowest position in the team, former Manchester City and Nottingham Forest star Stefan Ortega looks like an outstanding goalkeeper available on a free transfer. Former Brighton shot-stopper Matthew Ryan is also looking for his next move, while ex-Aston Villa man Orjan Nyland hopes his performance at the World Cup will convince someone someone will come knocking.
Right back: Dani Carvajal
Arguably the best right-back of his generation, Dani Carvajal left Real Madrid this summer after two spells in which he played 23 years and won 27 major trophies. The Spaniard reportedly holds offers from the Saudi Professional League, Major League Soccer and Inter Milan, but remains unemployed.
Center back: John Stones
John Stones’ inclusion in the England squad was somewhat of a surprise after making just 38 appearances in his last two seasons with Manchester City, but he has shown manager Thomas Tuchel’s confidence in him by starting both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. His experience and high quality of the ball make him an attractive prospect for clubs who have links with Chelsea and Arsenal and are willing to risk questionable fitness.
Which club should sign John Stones? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
John Stones released by Manchester City (Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Center back: David Alaba
David Alaba has once again left Madrid, but the last three years have been plagued by injuries, missing a total of 126 games for club and country. The former Bayern Munich star still managed to start at the World Cup, which could persuade other European giants to sign him.
Left back: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Two clubs, 12 matches and one serious injury – that was the story of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s season. After a disappointing loan spell at Nottingham Forest, Arsenal sold him to Ajax for just £1.3 million.
However, the Ukrainian was only given a short-term contract before suffering a knee injury and is likely to be sidelined until the new season. Zinchenko has proven himself in the Premier League, but will his rehabilitation lead to the club holding off on signing him this summer?
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s playing days at Ajax were ruined by injury before they even started (Image: Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Center midfield: Franck Kessier
Franck Kessie is no stranger to making big moves on free transfers. The Ivorian moved to Barcelona after his contract with AC Milan expired in 2022, and in his only season there he scored the memorable goal that lifted Xavi Hernández’s side to the La Liga title.
Kessie was then sold to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahly, where he spent the past three seasons. However, he is currently without a club and it has been suggested that he could return to Italy with Juventus.
Center midfield: Leon Goretzka
After eight years and 15 trophies with Bayern Munich, Leon Goretzka is also a free agent with an impressive pedigree. The German played in the World Cup but has been linked with a return to the United States soon, with the Chicago Fire being linked with their second big signing of the summer after signing Robert Lewandowski.
Leon Goretzka represented Germany at the World Cup (Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Center midfield: Julian Brandt
Julian Brandt has left Borussia Dortmund, remaining in the Bundesliga. The versatile playmaker is said to have offers from Leeds and Ajax, as well as being linked with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Midfield is where the real maneuvering takes place. Other options include Yves Bissouma, Dani Ceballos, Fabinho and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Right wing: Mo Salah
Mo Salah, arguably the most high-profile player in the squad, has yet to find a new club three months after announcing his departure from Liverpool. That’s amazing for a player of his stature who, at 34 years old, remains in perfect health.
However, with the World Cup in mind, it is understandable that the Egyptian captain had other priorities. But speculation about his next destination has increased over the past two weeks, with Sporting Kansas City preparing an ambitious move and deep-pocketed Saudi Arabian clubs also keen.
Reports say his priority is to stay in Europe. Could a Premier League club offer him a contract?
Mo Salah leaves Liverpool after nine years (Image: Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
Striker: Dusan Vlahovic
When Juventus paid £66m for Dusan Vlahovic in 2022, few doubted that he would go on to become one of Europe’s most prolific No. 9s. But after four years, he has no employer.
Barcelona continue to be linked with the former Fiorentina marksman, while there is also speculation that Juventus could restart negotiations over a new contract after failing to agree on a contract extension before the end of the season. Watch this space.
Left wing: Jadon Sancho
Finally, a familiar name for British fans. Jadon Sancho’s contract with Manchester United expired last month and Aston Villa do not want to sign him permanently after spending last season on loan.
A return to Borussia Dortmund has long been rumored, and there was even a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund in 2024. Sancho is only 26 years old and has plenty of magic if he can find the right spot this summer.
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