With just over a month left until the transfer window closes in Europe’s major leagues, there are still only a handful of star players without a club. Footballers who have won European Cups, been involved in multi-million euro transfers and been central figures at some of the continent’s most important clubs are still waiting for offers to persuade them to take on new challenges.
According to Transfermarkt’s latest update, the following 10 footballers are the most valuable free agents.
Dusan Vlahovic (35 million)
The Serbian forward has become the most valuable free agent on the market after his contract with Juventus expired. Juventus is the club he joined from Fiorentina in exchange for $85 million in the winter of 2022. The 26-year-old striker faces a key period in his career as he chooses his next move while maintaining a valuation of 35 million yen. Last season, he missed four months with an adductor injury, but still scored 10 goals in 23 games.
Mohamed Salah (22 million)
The Egyptian ended his historic era at Liverpool, winning every title and becoming one of the greatest legends after scoring over 250 goals as a Red. After nine seasons at Anfield, the ‘Pharaoh’ decided not to renew his contract and is still waiting for a new club. The 34-year-old still maintains significant market value despite a significant drop in his numbers. The forward is coming off his lowest-scoring season in England, but there will be no shortage of suitable candidates to start a new adventure. His next destination could be Besiktas.
Jadon Sancho (18 million)
One of the players who most symbolizes unmet expectations. After a brilliant spell in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United paid him $85 million in the summer of 2021, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. After several years of inconsistency and clashes with several managers, he decided to return to Borussia and appeared in the Champions League final. He seemed to have his career on track, but loan spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa confirmed a stagnation in a career that promised more than it ultimately earned.
Bamba Dieng (15 million)
The Senegalese striker ended his contract with Lorient after scoring 15 goals in all competitions. Although he is a full-time international player who participated in the World Cup with Senegal, he only has experience in Ligue 1. He has already been linked with a move to several Spanish teams, including Sevilla and Betis, but it looks like his career will continue outside of Europe.
Julian Brandt (15 million)
After 13 years in Germany’s elite, the last seven seasons with Borussia Dortmund, he has become an option to strengthen the midfield of several teams. Signed for $25 million in 2019, he is a regular on the German national team in Mannschaft competitions, but has not been called up for the past two major competitions. Last season, he played in 41 games and recorded 11 goals and 4 assists.
Diogo Leite (12 million)
Having developed as a centre-back at Porto, he has developed into a Bundesliga footballer over the past four seasons at Union Berlin. The Portuguese has already been linked with a move to Real Sociedad, but it seems unlikely that their paths will ever cross. The former youth international is a highly sought-after defender for his ability to play from the back.
Frank Kessier (12 million)
The Ivorian midfielder will leave Al Ahly after winning back-to-back Asian Champions League titles (2024 and 2025). Among other things, the former Milan and Barça player is set to leave Saudi Arabia after finishing his highest scoring run in the Middle East (12 goals) and could be one of the bargains on the market. At just 29 years old, he still has a long way to go.
Fabinho (12 million)
Another midfielder in the Saudi league. The former Liverpool player left Al Ittihad after three seasons and, at the age of 32, remains one of the strongest holding midfielders in free agency. Ancelotti called him up for the World Cup and, although he did not receive much playing time, he could be an attractive option for several clubs in Europe. He could return to his native Brazil.
John Stones (12 million)
Guardiola’s success in winning the treble in 2023 would not have been possible without the English defender. Although that season he played as a midfielder. After 10 seasons, he became the legendary “Citizen.” After two difficult seasons, his impressive performance at the World Cup has attracted interest from several clubs, including Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea.
Leon Goretzka (12 million)
Another European Champion. The former Bayern player is once again a free agent, a situation he is already familiar with. In 2018, he signed with Bayern on a free transfer from Schalke, and in 2020 he became one of the key pieces in the team’s “sixth crown” under coach Flick. Several European giants, including Juve, have already shown interest in him.
The star-studded list still holds plenty of opportunities for the club. Proven footballers such as Carvajal, Ceballos, Pellegrini, Mahrez, Guerreiro, Brozovic, Zinchenko and Bissouma also remain away from the team, a sign that talent is still available at zero cost. There are still a few weeks left, but all indications are that many of these names will be in the spotlight before the transfer window closes.
