In the midst of the summer transfer window, clubs are splashing the cash in their bid to bolster their respective squad. Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City have all broken their club-record signing to strengthen in key areas. Leeds United and Coventry City are expected to follow suit before long.
However, there remains a bargain to be had in the current market. A number of players are out of contract and just waiting to be picked up for nothing in the coming weeks. We run through the best still looking for a new club.
Mohamed Salah
Having played his final Liverpool game in May, Mohamed Salah is still yet to sign on for a new team. Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas had looked set to land the Egyptian but while an offer for the winger is still on the table, Salah is still without a club.
Even after a disappointing final season with Liverpool, the 34-year-old is still arguably the most valuable free agent on the market. It surely won’t be long before he’s snapped up.
Dusan Vlahovic
Having failed to agree terms on a new Juventus contract, the Old Lady regrettably allowed Dusan Vlahovic to enter the free agent market. The Turin side have taken a huge hit on a player who had cost €70m to sign from rivals Fiorentina in January 2022.
Granted, the Serb didn’t quite hit the heights expected of him when he made the switch four-and-a-half years ago. Yet in an injury hit campaign, Vlahovic still struck seven times in Serie A last season. It’s no wonder he still has Premier League suitors.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s big money Manchester United move failed to have the desired effect. The English winger started life at Old Trafford brightly enough. However, he never lived up to expectations following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
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In fact, the 26-year-old returned to Germany briefly before going out on loan to Chelsea and then Aston Villa. Sancho, though, never did showcase his best form in England. United were happy to see the back of the winger. It’s hardly a surprise few have taken a gamble on the forward.
Yves Bissouma
There was huge fanfare when Yves Bissouma joined Tottenham Hotspur from Brighton in 2022. The Mali international was seen as the missing midfield link. And for a brief spell during the opening weeks of Ange Postecoglou’s time at the club, Bissouma was one of the best in the league.
However, Bissouma lacked the necessary consistency to consolidate a regular starting spot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Disciplinary issues didn’t aid his cause and his time at the club ended with a whimper rather than a bang.
Leon Goretzka
German midfielder Leon Goretzka was a man in demand in the January window. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were both credited with an interest in the former Schalke man.
Goretzka opted to leave Bayern Munich once his contract drew to an end. In the weeks since, though, Goretzka is yet to find a new club. He’s an experienced central midfielder who’d benefit any number of teams. He’s unlikely to be a free agent for much longer.
Dani Ceballos
Dani Ceballos was used sparingly for Real Madrid last season, starting just four league matches and featuring in a further 12 off the bench. As such, the midfielder opted to depart the La Liga powerhouse last month.
Now a free agent, Ceballos won’t be short of suitors. Indeed, a number of European giants have been credited with an interest, with Ajax the latest to have shown an interest in the 29-year-old. As things stand, however, a return to Real Betis is expected.
Adama Traore
Adama Traore moved to West Ham on a short-term deal at the turn of the year. However, Adama is now a free agent after the Hammers opted against extending the Spaniard’s stay at the London Stadium following their relegation.
The 30-year-old could prove an experienced winger option for any of the three promoted sides. At the time of writing, though, Adama is yet to determine his next destination. A move back to Spain is a possibility.
Anthony Martial
Having departed Mexican side Monterrey last month, Anthony Martial is back on the market. The Frenchman, though, struggled during his time in Liga MX, netting just one league goal during a forgettable spell in North America.
Martial may yet return to Spain in the coming weeks. The 30-year-old briefly spent time in Seville with Sevilla back in 2022. Four years later, rivals Real Betis are said to be weighing up offering the striker a contract.
Diogo Leite
Diogo Leite called time on a four-year spell with German side Union Berlin last month. Yet that shouldn’t detract potential suitors from making a move for the 27-year-old. The Portuguese centre-back has proven to be a consistent performer at the back in recent years.
The proactive approach to defending would appeal to a number of potential suitors. Schalke are said to be pushing to sign the former Porto man. Premier League side Leeds United have also been keeping tabs on the defender.
Franck Kessie
There was a time where Franck Kessie was one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe. He has, after all, turned out for AC Milan and Barcelona. The Ivorian ultimately signed for Al-Ahli in 2023, before leaving as a free agent earlier this year.
Now, the Ivory Coast captain is being linked with a return to Serie A, and for good reason. A move back to AC Milan is a possibility. Juventus have also been monitoring his situation. The 29-year-old dropped off radars in recent years, yet is primed to make his return to the continent.
