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The transfer window may be closed in the major European leagues, but that doesn’t mean free agents can’t sign for clubs around the world. From names like Mats Hummels to US Men’s National Team man Reggie Cannon, there are several options on the market that teams can look at to strengthen their squads in the future, so let’s take a look at some of the notable names on are the market.
Goalkeepers
Notable free agents
- Daniel Naumov, 26
- Kristoffer Klasson, 23
- Keylor Navas, 37
When it comes to goalkeepers, most players are currently signed to clubs, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t experience that can be added around the world. Naumov has been a solid goalkeeper in Bulgaria over the years, but most teams would love to add Navas’ experience to their ranks. He became one of the best goalkeepers in the world at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain and was noticed training at Saprissa in his native Costa Rica to stay in shape, but it is unknown where he will land next.
Defenders
Notable free agents
- Joel Matip, 33
- Alex Telles, 31
- Matt Hummels, 35
- Reggie Cannon, 26
- Marlon, 28
- Youcef Atal, 28
- John Egan, 31
- Serge Aurier, 31
- Leo Dubois, 29
- Joshua Brenet, 30
- Brandon Williams, 24
- Simon Kjaer, 35
- Sergio Ramos, 38
- Ezgjan Alioski, 32
- Patrick van Aanholt, 34
- Layvin Kurzawa, 31
- Filip Benković, 27
- Carlo Soares, 33
- Dan Potts, 30
- Liam Cooper, 33
- Timothy Fosu-Mensah, 26
Hummels is at the top of the defensive ranks after leaving Borussia Dortmund, but in defense there is a mix of experienced flyers such as Serge Aurier and Layvin Kurzawa, along with younger players who could still have potential, such as Benkovic and Fosu- Mensah. According to reportsHummels could be off the market quite quickly as the experienced defender will join Roma. The defensive ranks in free agency could be one of the quicker units to thin out due to the immediate impact some of these players can have on teams due to their mix of experience and skill. However, Cannon is one who may have to wait a while before finding his next club as his last two stops have been difficult in both Portugal and England.
Cannon’s contract with Queens Park Rangers was mutually terminated on transfer deadline day, allowing both parties to go their separate ways. Cannon has not appeared in the Championship this year after losing a court case against Portuguese club Bovista over breach of contract when he left to join QPR on a free transfer in 2023. While Cannon left due to unpaid wages, the court ruling in Boavista’s favor for breach of contract means he is responsible for $1.4 million in damages.
Midfielders
Notable free agents
- Adrian Rabiot, 29
- André Gomes, 31
- Yusuf Yazici, 27
- Anton Miranchuk, 28
- Dele Alli, 28
- Iker Muniain, 31
- Robert Skov, 28
- Leonardo Lopes, 25
- Steven Alzate, 25
- Grzegorz Krychowiak, 34
- Davy Klaassen, 31
- Dennis Praet, 30
- Rafina, 31
- Miralem Pjanic, 34
- Saman Ghoddos, 30
- Christoph Kramer, 33
- Francis Coquelin, 33
- Etienne Capoue, 33
- Andre Carrillo, 33
- Ryan Jack, 32
- Jack Cork, 35
- Kevin Strootman, 34
- Juan Mata, 36
- Marco van Ginkel, 31
It’s quite surprising that Rabiot is still a free agent at this stage. From performing well for Juventus last season to consistently being linked to Manchester United in the past, that seemed like a step waiting to happen, but here we are in September and the Frenchman is without a club. That could change as he is too talented to stay on the market for too long. For others here, retirement could also be on the horizon. Juan Mata has done it all at club level and if he wants to, someone will give him a chance, but you have to wonder how much is left in his legs.
The same can be said for players like Strootman, Capoue, Coquelin and Carrillo. Steven Alzate is an interesting name as injuries have prevented him from making more of an impact at Brighton, but he is still young enough to make an impact at another team.
Forward
Notable free agents
- Anthony Martial, 28
- Memphis Depay, 30
- Sofiane Boufal, 30
- Aaron Boupendza, 28
- Naim Sliti, 32
- Andy Delort, 32
- Adam Ounas, 27
- Achraf Bencharki, 29
- Alireza Jahanbaksh, 31
- Robin Quaison, 30
- Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, 35
- Aaron Connolly, 24
- Isaac Success, 28
- M’Baye Niang, 29
- Rachid Ghezzal, 32
- Ivan Cavaleiro, 30
- Samuel Kalu, 27
- Artem Dzyuba, 36
- Ivan Perisic, 35
- Maxi Gómez, 28
- André Gray, 33
- Carlos Vela, 35
- Islam Slimani, 36
- André Ayew, 34
- Stevan Jovetic, 34
Vela was close to signing with the San Jose Earthquakes before the Major League Soccer season started, but is still without a club as the season ends in about a month. Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial lead this group that has experience winning trophies all over the world. Most free agents will likely be on their final contracts in this round, but a young Brighton alum also makes an appearance here in Connolly. He didn’t catch on at Hull City, but being a young player who has scored goals in the Premier League, his story is not over.