With the Premier League on course to smash its spending record, it's worth remembering that some of the best transfers cost nothing – bar a signing-on bonus. From Ruud Gullit to Chelsea and Sol Campbell to Arsenal, to James Milner to Liverpool and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United, the Premier League has seen its fair share of excellent free transfers.
So who could be next? As the final month of the summer transfer window nears, let's build an XI of free agents currently without a club.
Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega
Perhaps the least stacked position in this team, former Manchester City and Nottingham Forest star Stefan Ortega looks the standout goalkeeper available on a free. Ex-Brighton shot-stopper Matthew Ryan is another looking for his next move, while former Aston Villa man Orjan Nyland will hope his World Cup performances convince someone to come knocking.
Defenders
Right-back: Dani Carvajal – arguably the best right-back of his generation, Carvajal left Real Madrid this summer after two spells covering 23 years in which he won 27 major trophies. The Spaniard has reportedly received proposals from the Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer and Inter Milan, but remains out of work.
Centre-back: John Stones – a surprise inclusion in England's squad after just 38 appearances in his final two seasons with Manchester City, Stones started both the quarter-final and semi-final at the World Cup. His experience and quality on the ball make him an attractive prospect, with Chelsea and Arsenal linked.
Centre-back: David Alaba – another departure from Madrid, Alaba's last three years have been ravaged by injury, missing 126 games for club and country. The ex-Bayern Munich star still managed to start at the World Cup, which may convince another European giant to snap him up.
Left-back: Oleksandr Zinchenko – two clubs, 12 games and one serious injury was the story of his season. After a disappointing loan at Nottingham Forest, Arsenal sold him to Ajax for just £1.3m. But the Ukrainian was only given a short-term deal before suffering a knee injury that will rule him out well into the new season. His Premier League proven ability may be offset by his rehab.
Midfield
Franck Kessie – the Ivorian moved to Barcelona after his AC Milan contract expired in 2022, scoring the goal that won La Liga in his one season. He was then sold to Saudi side Al-Ahli, where he spent three seasons. Now without a club, he is tipped for a return to Italy with Juventus.
Leon Goretzka – after eight years and 15 trophies with Bayern Munich, Goretzka is a free agent with serious pedigree. He went to the World Cup and has been linked with an immediate move to the US, with Chicago Fire reportedly interested in their second marquee signing of the summer after Robert Lewandowski.
Julian Brandt – the versatile playmaker has left Borussia Dortmund and is said to have offers from Leeds and Ajax, with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Barcelona also linked. Other midfield options include Yves Bissouma, Dani Ceballos, Fabinho and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Attack
Right wing: Mo Salah – the most high-profile name, Salah still hasn't found a new club three months after leaving Liverpool. At 34 and still fit, his free-agent status is a surprise, but the World Cup may have delayed his decision. Sporting Kansas City and Saudi clubs are keen, but reports suggest his priority is to stay in Europe.
Striker: Dusan Vlahovic – when Juventus paid £66m for him in 2022, few doubted he'd become a prolific No.9. Four years on, he is without an employer. Barcelona continue to be linked, while Juventus may resume talks over a new contract after failing to agree an extension.
Left wing: Jadon Sancho – his Manchester United deal ran out last month, and Aston Villa, where he spent last season on loan, do not want to sign him permanently. A return to former club Borussia Dortmund has long been rumoured, having had a loan spell there in 2024. At 26, Sancho still has plenty of magic to offer if he finds the right landing spot.
