With the summer transfer window now closed, a number of high-profile players remain available to clubs without a transfer fee, including former Premier League champions, Champions League winners and international stars.
Paul Pogba is among the most prominent names on the list. The 33-year-old midfielder has made only six appearances for Monaco since returning from an 18-month doping ban in March 2025. A series of injuries contributed to the French club ending his contract last month, a year earlier than planned.
Karim Benzema also became a free agent after Al-Hilal confirmed on 31 August that it had mutually agreed to terminate the former Ballon d’Or winner’s contract. The 38-year-old had joined the Saudi club only six months earlier, following three years at Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid in 2023. ([alhilal.com](https://alhilal.com/en/news/al-hilal-and-benzema-mutually-agree-to-terminate-contract?utm_source=openai))
Riyad Mahrez, 35, is another former Premier League title winner to leave the Saudi Pro League. The Algeria winger scored 37 goals in 122 appearances for Al-Ahli after moving from Manchester City in 2023, and reports have linked him with a switch to Al-Shabab.
Raheem Sterling’s short spell with Feyenoord ended after only three months and eight appearances. The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea winger is also due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on 15 September after being charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen following a crash on the M3. Hampshire Police said no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported. ([bbc.com.im](https://bbc.com.im/sport/football/articles/c23xkk1vkkpo?utm_source=openai))
A source close to Sterling previously told BBC Sport that the England international had endured “an extremely tough couple of years”.
Jadon Sancho among younger free agents
Jadon Sancho is arguably the most sought-after player still without a club. The 26-year-old joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021 but made only 30 Premier League appearances for the club, spending the past two and a half years on loan elsewhere.
His most recent temporary move was to Aston Villa, following an underwhelming spell at Chelsea. Dortmund have reportedly shown interest in bringing Sancho back to Germany.
At the other end of the age scale, Jamie Vardy remains available after leaving Cremonese. The 39-year-old spent last season in Italy after 13 years at Leicester City, but Cremonese’s relegation to Serie B led to his departure. Wrexham, Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham have all been linked with the veteran striker.
Former Real Madrid defenders Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are also searching for clubs. Carvajal, 34, made 451 appearances for the Spanish giants during a 13-year career in Madrid and is widely regarded as one of the finest right-backs of his generation.
Carvajal has reportedly trained at facilities operated by the Spanish Football Federation during the summer, alongside fellow free agent Joselu, but has not yet agreed a move.
Alaba, also 34, left Real Madrid in May after five seasons. The Austria international, who previously enjoyed a trophy-filled spell with Bayern Munich, has won 12 league titles and four Champions League crowns. Manchester United were reported to be among the clubs interested in signing him, although no deal has materialised.
Philippe Coutinho, 34, has likewise been without a club since leaving boyhood side Vasco da Gama in February. The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder said at the time that he was “tired mentally”, but has not formally announced his retirement and has previously been linked with a move to Major League Soccer.
Sergio Ramos completes a group of illustrious former Real Madrid players still available. The 40-year-old defender has been without a club since leaving Monterrey in December 2025 and has not confirmed that he has retired, with reports suggesting he believes he remains capable of playing at a high level.
