As the transfer window slammed shut, and the clubs finalized their squads, the attention now shifts to the free-agent market, where valuable players without contracts can still be signed. These free agents offer clubs a chance to strengthen their squads without paying a transfer fee, making them an attractive option for the teams.
There are some household names in the free-agent market currently that have the potential to have a positive impact on any club across Europe.
Let us take a look at the top 5 free agents clubs can still sign.
1. Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay’s career has been more or less hit-and-miss. After becoming a big prospect in PSV Eindhoven, he had somewhat below-par stints at Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. His career has also been affected by injuries but the talent and skills the 31-year-old brings remain unquestionable.
The forward has maintained his fitness throughout the summer, even after parting ways with Atletico by mutually terminating his contract. He is now linked with Nice and Rayo Vallecano as he looks to bring his career on track.
2. Adrien Rabiot
After joining Juventus from Paris Saint Germain in 2019, Rabiot quickly established himself as one of the ever-presents in Old Lady’s starting lineup. He notched up 212 appearances with the Serie A side but things took a backward step when Rabiot’s agent and mother, reportedly insisted that her son should become Juve’s highest earner if he were to stay in Turin. The club declined, leading Rabiot to explore his options in free free-agent market.
The 29-year-old is now linked with Liverpool and Manchester United with AC Milan also showing sizable interest but no agreement is in place yet.
3. Serge Aurier
Serge Aurier made a name for himself at Paris Saint Germain, winning two Ligue 1 titles with the French side. He then made a move to Premier League club Tottenham and then to Nottingham Forest. The moves never really materialized for the full-back and he ended up joining his national teammate Wilfred Zaha at Galatasaray towards the end of last season.
Aurier is now a free agent and various clubs including Nice and Fiorentina are closely monitoring his situation with a formal move expected to be made by one of the clubs in the coming months.
4. Victor Moses
Victor Moses played 220 Premier League games for five clubs, including spending 9 years with Chelsea. He was a key part of the 2016-17 title-winning campaign for Chelsea with manager Antonio Conte deploying him as a right-sided wingback. Moses then had a short spell at Spartak Moscow before leaving the Russian club last season.
The former Liverpool loanee is now looking for a new club and given his integrity and experience at the highest level, he is likely to find suitors in the coming months.
5. Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial spent nine years at Manchester United but made just 19 appearances last season due to injury. The 28-year-old was in and out of the side during his time at Old Trafford and eventually announced his departure in May. Martial made 317 appearances for the Red Devils scoring 90 goals.
The Frenchman is now offered a lucrative deal by AEK Athens that would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s 100-year history, according to reports in Greece. Reports in France also suggest Lille is interested in securing his services.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
