The scramble to secure football's most sought-after free agents is officially underway. Whether a player actively pursued free agency or was simply not offered a fresh contract by their club, there are a host of top-class stars available without the need to splash out on a transfer fee.
Andoni Iraola has taken the reins at Liverpool and has already got his first piece of summer business done, bringing in Victor Munoz for £35million. The Spaniard will undoubtedly be keen to add further reinforcements ahead of his debut season in charge.
Iraola's Transfer Approach
The 43-year-old's approach marks a stark departure from Arne Slot's methods, and he'll look to shape his squad to get the best out of their talents. With his first taste of Champions League football on the horizon, Iraola will surely be backed in the transfer market - though there are also some shrewd deals to be done among the free agents.
There are clear gaps in Liverpool's squad, particularly following the exits of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. Revamping the attack remains the top priority, though the defence and midfield are also in need of strengthening.
Julian Brandt
Familiar to many Liverpool supporters as the player Jurgen Klopp had his eye on before being persuaded to sign Mohamed Salah instead, Julian Brandt is on the market for nothing after bringing an end to his seven-year stint at Borussia Dortmund. The 29-year-old, who can function as both an attacking midfielder and winger, could offer crucial versatility in the forward areas for Iraola with no Salah available and the possible departure of Federico Chiesa. With 12 years of experience in the Bundesliga and over 80 Champions League appearances to his name, Brandt's blend of know-how and quality means he won't be short of suitors, with Leeds United reportedly exploring a move for the attacker.
Dani Carvajal
The Spaniard's storied Real Madrid career, spanning more than 450 appearances and six Champions League triumphs, has reached its conclusion. The 34-year-old is undoubtedly in the latter stages of his playing days, but the commitment and winning mentality that powered him through 13 years in the white-hot atmosphere of the Santiago Bernabeu clearly endure. A right-back could feature on Iraola's shopping list this summer given the fitness concerns surrounding Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. While Trent Alexander-Arnold departed Anfield for the Spanish capital, one of Madrid's most cherished figures could make the reverse journey.
Leon Goretzka
Another player previously touted with a switch to Liverpool, the Germany midfielder could finally opt to join the Reds. Following eight years and 17 major trophies secured with Bayern Munich, Goretzka is now available on a free transfer. The 31-year-old is fresh from a humiliating World Cup exit following his nation's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay and will be weighing up his next career move. Yet to play outside his native Germany, he has previously acknowledged his desire to experience football elsewhere. 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
The Serbian's four-and-a-half year stint at Juventus yielded a decent tally of 68 goals in 168 appearances, though he never truly set pulses racing during his time in Turin. Having failed to reach an agreement over a new deal, the 26-year-old is poised for a fresh challenge with his peak years almost certainly ahead of him. The Reds currently have Alexander Isak as their sole fit centre-forward, with Hugo Ekitike expected to remain sidelined for the opening half of the campaign. Landing Vlahovic could prove an astute piece of business, though the striker will hardly be short of interest, with the likes of Barcelona and Besiktas also reportedly circling.
