The Premier League transfer window has closed but clubs are still able to sign players without a club immediately.
There are a host of talented and familiar stars who are still free agents and would prove shrewd business for top-flight clubs to patch any holes they failed to solve.
One of the most high-profile names is former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Once the most expensive player in the world, the 33-year-old is available to sign for nothing after leaving Monaco.
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is without a club after his exit from Al-Hilal. The 38-year-old only moved to Al-Hilal in January but he has been replaced by Ollie Watkins; however, Benzema is said to not be interested in a return to Europe.
Another high profile signing that Saudi have chewed up and spat out, Riyad Mahrez’s contract with Al-Ahli was terminated this summer but the 35-year-old also looks set to remain in the Middle East and pen another lucrative contract.
Raheem Sterling’s career has fallen apart and at just 31, choosing the right next club will be crucial. Released by Feyenoord after just three months and eight games, Sterling needs another fresh start.
Philippe Coutinho’s career has taken on a journeyman’s pursuit of finding former glory having played for five clubs in eight years since leaving Liverpool. But the 34-year-old will soon make that six after he was released by Vasco da Gama in his native Brazil.
The worst signing in Manchester United’s history, Jadon Sancho cost the Red Devils £73m, refused to play, fell out with his manager, and was ultimately rubbish. Loan moves to Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa failed to find any form. At just 26, Sancho seems set to be on his way to Palmeiras in Brazil as one of the biggest flops in the game.
David Alaba is the perfect experienced signing for any club that failed to address their defensive woes – probably why United are one of the leading clubs to sign him according to the bookies. The 34-year-old left Real Madrid in the summer after five years at the club.
Mostly remembered these days for his drama-packed relationship with Wanda Nara, Mauro Icardi is still knocking about at 33 and could finally come to play in England. The striker left Galatasaray at the end of his contract and will be looking for fresh beginnings about Turkish press labelled him a “one man walking soap opera” due to his off-pitch distractions.
The 2015 Golden Boy, Anthony Martial, is without a club after leaving Mexican side Monterrey by mutual consent in the summer. At just 30, it seems like the French forward has been around forever but he’ll be looking for a third club in as many years since leaving United as a free agent.
A player who left it too long to leave his cherished club. Wilfried Zaha was linked with every top club in the Premier League when he looked to be heading out of Crystal Palace. But a failed switch to Galatasaray in 2023 as a free agent saw the 36-time Ivory Coast international washing up in the MLS with Charlotte FC. Now 33, he has been training with the Eagles to find fitness but looks set to continue his career overseas.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was signed by Arsenal and Mikel Arteta to bring experience to the title fights with Manchester City, but only after the Ukrainian left for Nottingham Forest on loan and subsequently Ajax, did the Gunners finally win the league. Still only 29, the versatile left-back remains a free agent after being released by the Amsterdam giants.
A lesson in how quickly a career can go wrong, Yves Bissouma looked to be a centrepiece in Tottenham’s midfield just a couple of seasons ago but the 30-year-old is without a club after Spurs opted not to extend his contract. Fitness and form issues would need to be overcome at his next club, but he’ll offer Premier League experience to a team in need.
While United failed to sign a left-back after admitting an early defeat in their attempt to sign Lewis Hall from Newcastle, one player in that position was allowed to leave as Tyrell Malacia’s contract wasn’t extended. The 27-year-old has endured a nightmare time with injuries and needs a new home to refind his form and confidence.