The free agents still available for clubs to sign after the transfer window shuts
The summer transfer window may have closed, but a host of high-profile players remain without a club and are available to sign as free agents.
With clubs in the English divisions unable to make permanent additions until the January transfer window, free agents can still be signed outside the window, leaving several big names available for teams looking to bolster their squads.
Here are some of the biggest players currently without a club.
Paul Pogba, 33
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has played little football since returning from an 18-month doping ban in March 2025.
The Frenchman made just six appearances for Monaco after joining the club last summer before a series of injuries saw his contract terminated last month, a year before it was due to expire.
Karim Benzema, 38
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has been playing in Saudi Arabia since leaving Real Madrid in 2023, initially spending three years with Al-Ittihad.
The French striker joined Al-Hilal just six months ago but saw his contract terminated on August 31, despite already making three appearances for the club this season.
Riyad Mahrez, 35
Five-time Premier League winner Riyad Mahrez is another high-profile name to become a free agent after leaving the Saudi Pro League.
The Algeria winger joined Al-Ahli from Manchester City in 2023 and scored 37 goals in 122 appearances across all competitions.
Raheem Sterling, 31
Raheem Sterling became a free agent after leaving Feyenoord just three months after joining the Dutch club.
The former Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea winger made eight appearances before his departure.
Sterling is also due to appear in court next month to face charges of dangerous driving following a crash in which his car hit motorway barriers in May.
Philippe Coutinho, 34
Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho remains without a club after leaving boyhood side Vasco da Gama in February.
Jadon Sancho, 26
Jadon Sancho is another former Manchester United player currently looking for a new club.
Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in 2021 but made just 30 Premier League appearances before spending the last two-and-a-half years away from Old Trafford on loan at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Dani Carvajal, 34
One of the most decorated players on the list, Dani Carvaja, became a free agent after his Real Madrid contract expired in June.
The Spain international made 451 appearances for Real across 13 years, winning numerous major honours with the club.
Jamie Vardy, 39
Jamie Vardy spent last season in Italy with Cremonese after ending his 13-year stay with Leicester City.
However, the club’s relegation to Serie B led to Vardy’s departure, with the veteran striker now searching for his next move.
David Alaba, 34
David Alaba left Real Madrid in May after five years with the Spanish giants.
The Austrian, who previously enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Bayern Munich, has won 12 league titles and four Champions League trophies during his career.
Sergio Ramos, 40
Legendary Spain defender Sergio Ramos has been without a club since leaving Mexican side Monterrey in December 2025.
Despite turning 40, Ramos has not announced his retirement.
Wilfried Zaha, 33
The former Crystal Palace star is a free agent after leaving Galatasaray, and last played for Charlotte FC in the MLS.
Other free agents
Jordan Ayew, Dele Alli, Joselu, James Rodriguez, Tyrell Malacia, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Solly March, Georginio Wijnaldum, Yves Bissouma.
