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The transfer window is set to hit its most intense phase over the coming weeks as clubs rush to secure new signings ahead of the 2026–27 campaign.
The World Cup threw a wrench into transfer activity, but its conclusion in mid-July means sides can now turn their full attention to strengthening their squads. We've already witnessed some enormous fees being spent, and there are sure to be many more headline-grabbing deals to follow.
That said, clubs cannot afford to overlook the free agent pool in their pursuit of talent. In today's era of absurd valuations for average players, unattached stars have never been more appealing, offering clubs the chance to save vast sums in transfer fees.
Here are the top free agents still available on the market.
Goalkeepers
Clubs in the market for a new goalkeeper are unlikely to uncover a gem among the current crop of free agents. There aren't many exciting options available without clubs, though quality becomes less of a concern when searching for a backup or third-choice shot-stopper.
Among those available at no cost, former Manchester City keeper Stefan Ortega stands out as the top choice. After penning a short-term contract with Nottingham Forest for the second half of last season, the German was not offered an extension following just 10 outings.
Coming off a strong World Cup showing with Norway, 35-year-old Ørjan Nyland is a free agent. The ex-Aston Villa and Bournemouth goalkeeper spent three seasons at Sevilla before being released, with some standout performances in North America potentially attracting interest from new clubs this summer.
Former Arsenal keepers Neto and Mathew Ryan are currently without clubs, while ex-Fulham stoppers Steven Benda and Sergio Rico are also on the market.
Defenders
Budget-conscious clubs may still be able to land some notable defenders, with John Stones emerging as the most attractive option. Just 32 years old, the former Man City centre-back had a solid World Cup with England and has been linked to Arsenal and Chelsea—though a switch to Serie A title holders Inter appears to be the frontrunner.
Inter recently parted ways with Francesco Acerbi, with the 38-year-old still proving his worth after 28 appearances for the club last season.
Real Madrid allowed veteran defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba to depart following injury-plagued campaigns, with both expected to attract clubs looking for seasoned leaders at the back. A reduction in wages may be necessary, however, given their respective injury histories.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both hunting new clubs after the two former Arsenal full-backs were released by Ajax.
There is no shortage of solid full-back options to pursue, with Raphaël Guerreiro having recently left Bayern Munich and joining the likes of Tyrell Malacia, Ricardo Rodríguez and Krépin Diatta in the free agent pool.
Midfielders
Cast your mind back five or ten years and the current batch of midfield free agents would have represented quite the treasure trove. Leon Goretzka, who recently departed Bayern after eight seasons, leads the way, with the 31-year-old German international expected to attract plenty of interest, even if he'll need to accept a step down from the Bundesliga giants.
Goretzka's compatriot Julian Brandt is also a free agent after departing Borussia Dortmund, with Leeds United appearing to be the most probable destination.
Saudi Pro League clubs have been busy offloading players this summer. Former Liverpool midfielders Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum are now in search of new teams, while Franck Kessié, previously at Barcelona, has left Al Ahli, and a respectable World Cup with Côte d'Ivoire may have boosted his stock. One-time Inter stalwart Marcelo Brozović is also available after his exit from Al Nassr.
Huge transfer fees were once lavished on South American pair Philippe Coutinho and James Rodríguez, but the attacking midfielders can now be acquired at no cost. Nabil Fekir, another former La Liga No. 10, is also unattached.
Yves Bissouma may not set pulses racing following his Tottenham Hotspur departure, but at just 29 he could still serve as a useful defensive midfielder. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Dani Ceballos, Tanguy Ndombele and Axel Witsel are among the other notable names available.
Forwards
It remains a significant shock that Mohamed Salah has yet to confirm his next destination after departing Liverpool at the close of last season. Clubs in Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United States are all keen to make him a marquee signing, but the experienced Egyptian is taking his time as he weighs up a financially rewarding move.
Salah is not the only high-profile forward currently unattached, with former Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović still clubless despite reported interest from Barcelona and others. The 25-year-old could prove a shrewd acquisition, though his substantial wage demands may put off potential suitors.
Jadon Sancho's troubled stint at Manchester United has finally come to an end, and all attention is now on where he heads next. The Englishman, also 25, will undoubtedly attract widespread interest, though his signing-on fee and salary expectations are anticipated to be considerable.
Several other former Premier League wingers are also available. Riyad Mahrez, once a key figure at Man City, could be acquired for free after leaving Al Ahli, while Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Zaha and Adama Traoré are all seeking fresh opportunities.
It feels like a distant memory that Anthony Martial was once touted as the next great thing. The Frenchman is without a club following underwhelming stints at AEK Athens and Monterrey. Having recently left Galatasaray, former Argentina international Mauro Icardi is another once-celebrated name awaiting his next chapter.