Top Free Agents Still Up for Grabs Following Deadline Day Frenzy

Transfer windows have closed in most major leagues worldwide, yet several prominent players remain without clubs, waiting for their next opportunity.

While the window has shut, deals can still be struck in the free agent market, where former stars are available without transfer fees—though wages and signing bonuses still apply.

Numerous well-known players are actively seeking new employers after leaving their previous clubs during the summer, but will any team take a chance on them?

Here are the top free agents currently available.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu's Arsenal journey has been plagued by bad luck. The adaptable defender joined from Bologna in 2021 and made 81 appearances for the Gunners, though just one came last season due to persistent injuries that kept him sidelined. With the Japanese star's fitness problems continuing into summer, he mutually agreed to end his contract with the north London club.

Tomiyasu's agreement was due to expire next summer regardless, with Arsenal unable to sell him because of his injury concerns. The mutual termination benefited both sides and now gives the 26-year-old a better chance of securing a new club where playing time would be more guaranteed. Staying healthy will be crucial for his future prospects.

Sergio Reguilón

Sergio Reguilón has remained on the fringes at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Spanish defender enduring disappointing loan periods at Atlético Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford recently. He finally left permanently this summer when his contract expired, yet no clubs have emerged as potential destinations for the left-back.

Reguilón, who featured 73 times for Spurs after his 2020 arrival, may need to consider a step down to revive his career. He appeared only six times for Tottenham last season and urgently requires regular minutes to regain his form.

Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen fulfilled his role at Manchester United but his Old Trafford chapter reached its natural end last season. He found the net in his final club appearance in May and has been seeking new opportunities since, demonstrating his abilities during Denmark's June internationals with two goals and one assist.

Yet surprisingly, Eriksen remains without a club. Championship side Wrexham were reportedly interested in a high-profile swoop for the 33-year-old playmaker, while former team Ajax were also mentioned as a possible landing spot, though nothing has materialized.

Surely someone will offer Eriksen an opportunity soon, with the experienced player recently seen training alongside Swedish club Malmö.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's trajectory has declined sharply since departing Liverpool in 2023. The ex-Arsenal player and 35-time England representative joined Beşiktaş on a free transfer but now finds himself clubless after just two seasons with the Turkish side.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who claimed every available trophy during his injury-plagued Liverpool stint, featured 50 times for Beşiktaş and netted five goals, yet he couldn't meet expectations in Istanbul.

It seems likely that Oxlade-Chamberlain will return to England, possibly joining a Championship team to secure consistent match time.

Dele Alli

Dele Alli's turbulent career took another turn in January when he signed with Italian club Como as a free agent. Unfortunately, he managed just one appearance under Cesc Fábregas, and was predictably released for nothing this summer.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder must look elsewhere as he attempts to restore his standing, with the Championship being suggested. Connections to Birmingham City and Swansea City have emerged, with a move to the latter potentially possible as Luka Modrić, part of the Welsh club's ownership, reportedly tries to persuade big names to join England's second division.

Hakim Ziyech

Previously a £33 million Chelsea acquisition, Hakim Ziyech is now a free agent at just 32 years old. He spent approximately 18 months with Turkish giants Galatasaray before moving to Qatari side Al Duhail for the latter half of last season—managing only one goal in 12 outings.

The attacker is now seeking a new destination and reportedly drawing considerable attention from Spain's Elche, who earned promotion back to La Liga last season. The Moroccan international has never competed in the Spanish top flight but would be a standout player for Los Franjiverdes.

Lorenzo Insigne

Following three seasons in Major League Soccer with Toronto FC, Lorenzo Insigne ended his North American journey in July. After 76 matches and 19 goals for the Canadian club, he's anticipated to return to Italy at 34, having last played domestically for Napoli.

Which Serie A team will secure his services remains unclear, but he's been heavily linked with a reunion with former manager Maurizio Sarri, currently at Lazio. However, given the club's financial constraints and transfer restrictions, they likely couldn't sign Insigne until year's end.

Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio's decade-long tenure at West Ham United ended this summer as the 35-year-old bid farewell to the London Stadium. A serious car accident caused him to miss the season's second half through injury, and the Hammers chose not to extend his expiring deal.

The Jamaican international revealed he was in discussions with several clubs in early August, but remains unattached. He confirmed talks with teams both domestically and internationally, though his next destination remains uncertain.

The experienced striker could still provide value at a level below the Premier League.

Patrick Bamford

Similar to Antonio, Patrick Bamford departed his longtime club this summer. After seven seasons with Leeds United, including two Championship promotions and 60 goals for the Yorkshire side, he's now hunting for another team.

Leeds only announced Bamford's exit at August's end, giving him limited time to explore options with other clubs. The 32-year-old striker failed to score in all 18 appearances for the Whites last term but netted nine the season prior. He could serve as a valuable squad player for Championship teams and below.