The race to clinch football's most high-profile free agents officially starts now. Whether a player actively sought free agency or wasn't offered a new deal by their respective club, there are a number of stars available to sign without parting ways with a transfer fee.
Iraola's Liverpool Priorities
Andoni Iraola is now at the helm of Liverpool and has already secured the signing of one new arrival in Victor Munoz for £35 million. The Spaniard will certainly look to add to the Reds' summer business ahead of his first season in charge. The 43-year-old's philosophy is a drastic contrast from Arne Slot's and will mould his squad to maximise their abilities. Ahead of his first venture in the Champions League, Iraola will no doubt continue to be backed with funds, but there is a bargain or two to consider in the free agent market.
There are numerous deficiencies in Liverpool's squad, especially after the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. However, the priority of rejuvenating the Reds' attack reigns supreme, while the club's defence and midfield will need bolstering. Here are four excellent players who became unattached on Wednesday, July 1.
Julian Brandt: Versatile Attacker
Known to many Liverpool fans as the player Jurgen Klopp had wanted before being convinced to sign Mohamed Salah instead, Julian Brandt is available on a free after leaving a seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund. The 29-year-old, who can operate as both an attacking midfielder and winger, could provide key versatility at the front end of the pitch for Iraola with no Salah at his disposal and the potential exit of Federico Chiesa. With 12 years in the Bundesliga and over 80 games in the Champions League, Brandt's combination of experience and skill will not see him short of offers, as Leeds United reportedly sounded out a move for the attacker.
Dani Carvajal: Veteran Right-Back
The Spaniard's legendary Real Madrid career, which includes more than 450 appearances and six Champions League medals, has come to an end. The 34-year-old is no doubt in the twilight of his career, but the dedication and will to win that drove him for 13 years in the cauldron of the Santiago Bernabeu clearly remain. A right-back could be on Iraola's wishlist this summer given the injury issues of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. While the Reds shipped off Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish capital, one of Madrid's favourite sons could make the opposite move.
Leon Goretzka: Midfield Powerhouse
Yet another player who was previously linked with a move to Liverpool, the Germany midfielder could finally decide to pull the trigger on representing the Reds. After eight years and 17 major honours won with Bayern Munich, Goretzka is a free agent. The 31-year-old is fresh off a humiliating World Cup exit after his nation's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay and will be focused on deciding what the next step of his career is. Yet to play outside of his native Germany, he previously admitted his possible desire to explore football in another country. He said: "Maybe it’s my last chance to go abroad. I really want to play truly competitive football again. We’ll see what opportunities come up. I’m completely relaxed about it. I’ll just let it all happen."
Dusan Vlahovic: Striker Options
The Serbian's four-and-a-half spell at Juventus resulted in a respectable return of 68 goals in 168 games, but he didn't exactly set the world alight during his time in Turin. After failing to agree on a new contract, the 26-year-old is set for pastures new with his best years surely in front of him. The Reds currently boast Alexander Isak as their only fit number nine, with Hugo Ekitike expected to be out of action for the first half of the season. Acquiring Vlahovic could turn out to be a strategic masterpiece, but the striker won't be short of suitors, with the likes of Barcelona and Besiktas also reportedly interested in his services.
