The weeks following the summer transfer window are for a footballer without a club, much to the period after Christmas when you don’t know what day of the week it is. Your future is uncertain, but a fast Google search for your name will undoubtedly turn up countless links to clubs, including those outside of your home country.
The Premier League is normally a dream destination for any player, even at the conclusion of their career. However, veteran free agents are often hired to assist teams achieve their goals, such as European qualification or avoiding relegation, rather than to earn a handsome salary.
With that said, let’s take a look at the greatest current choices on the market that English clubs should be considering. Manchester United may be interested in one or two midfielders following their last-minute bid to recruit Conor Gallagher on loan, while Chelsea may need to find another striker following Liam Delap’s horrific injury.
Free Agents to Consider
Many people have forgotten about Jamal Lewis, whose contract with Newcastle United terminated earlier this summer after being with the club since the summer of 2020. The Northern Irish defender, 27, might be an excellent signing for a Premier League club looking for a speedy fix at left-back.
After falling down Nuno Espirito Santo’s pecking order, it was unsurprising that Nottingham Forest allowed Emmanuel Dennis to leave the club. At 27 years old, he should still be a reliable rotational option, but his goalless record in seven outings for Blackburn Rovers last season says otherwise.
However, having Premier League experience is not the only requirement, as Europe has one or two players looking for their final bow. You might bet on now-ex-CSKA Moscow midfielder Miralem Pjanic (shown above) just because of his name, a 35-year-old Bosnian playmaker who will most certainly come to regret leaving Juventus for Barcelona five years ago.
Spanish left back Juan Bernat is also a free agent, and the 32-year-old has a solid reputation in the game, despite falling off the pace in recent years. He played 14 games for Getafe last season after previously playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, although he may be interested in a temporary stay in England.
Jason Denayer, 30, has Premier League experience and is available after leaving Saudi club Al-Fateh. The former Manchester City academy graduate is apparently wanted back at Celtic, but his absence from Europe since 2022 suggests he may not be able to turn back the years.
10Josh Dasilva
Josh Dasilva, the youngest name on this list, has had a hellish few months as a result of a major knee ligament damage sustained in early 2024. The English midfielder, a graduate of Arsenal’s Hale End program, missed the whole 2024-25 season when his contract with Brentford expired earlier this summer.
The 26-year-old’s age and excellent ball-playing talents should help him find a new club sooner rather than later. That may be the Premier League, with Sunderland and Fulham reportedly interested, and the opportunity to resurrect his career under a passionate man-manager like Marco Silva could be extremely beneficial.
9Dele Alli
Dele Alli has had a very terrible football career, despite being one of England’s greatest attacking talents while starring for Tottenham Hotspur. He was a star player for the Three Lions during Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup campaign.
The 29-year-old left Como after Cesc Fabregas’ Italian club terminated his 18-month contract following a 10-minute cameo appearance. It’s the latest in a string of disappointing defeats for the attacking midfielder who should have had a huge success.
A return to the Premier League might give Dele new life, but it all depends on who is ready to take a chance on him. The bookies predict a move to the Championship, but top-flight clubs like Everton (where he can thrive alongside Jack Grealish) may consider a pay-as-you-play agreement.
8Lorenzo Insigne
Lorenzo Insigne was once one of European football’s most sought-after frontmen. The Italian striker impressed fans at Napoli, but his performance in the MLS has left plenty to be admired.
The 34-year-old is past his prime, as proven by a one-goal performance in his last 12 MLS outings. Toronto FC reached a deal to terminate his contract and eliminate his $15.4 million salary. Premier League clubs may wish to proceed with care.
7Josh Brownhill
One of the more intriguing free agents still available is Josh Brownhill, who left Burnley in the summer despite the Clarets’ promotion. He parted ways with the club after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract, citing that he wanted “to challenge” himself and “continue to grow”.
The 29-year-old has always been renowned for his work ethic, consistency, and goal-oriented approach. He scored 18 goals in the Championship from midfield last season, but teams are apprehensive due to links to the Saudi Pro League, and Leeds United have already declined to sign him on a Bosman.
6Sergio Reguilon
Sergio Reguilon became a forgotten man at Tottenham Hotspur, to the extent where he jokingly told his mother after making his first of only four Spurs appearances last season: “Look mum, I played a football game yesterday.” The Spanish left-back struggled with the North Londoners and did not do well enough to earn a permanent move while on loan.
The 28-year-old has been on loan at Manchester United and Brentford, but neither wanted him on a permanent basis. The former Real Madrid player is still in his early thirties and could fill in as an emergency left-back for a Premier League boss.
5Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford, who sent an emotional farewell to Leeds United via social media, would not be returning to the Premier League at Elland Road. Last season, the English striker struggled to find playing time under Daniel Farke, and his contract was mutually terminated.
The 31-year-old might yet contribute a goal or two in the twilight of his career and help a struggling top-flight club. While he no longer scores enough goals to deserve a starting spot, he could be a good backup.
4Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a return to English football following a disastrous stint at Besiktas in Turkey. Birmingham City of the EFL Championship considered signing the former Liverpool midfielder, but decided to pursue other targets in August.
The 32-year-old’s career has been marred by injuries, which clubs are clearly taking into account. However, he has a diverse profile that allows him to play on the flank and in midfield, though he will most likely need to take a large wage cut to return to the top flight.
3Hakim Ziyech
Many were surprised when Chelsea failed to get the most out of Hakim Ziyech, given his outstanding performance at Ajax. The Moroccan winger dominated European football with the Dutch giants but failed to reproduce his brilliance at Stamford Bridge.
The 32-year-old is a free agent, having left Qatari club Al-Duhail in January and became available this summer. He is yet to find a new club, but a freshly promoted team, such as Leeds’ devoted fanbase, could fall in love with his ingenuity and skill set.
2Takehiro Tomiyasu
7 probably wouldn’t be on this list if it weren’t for chronic injuries that ruined his Arsenal career. Mikel Arteta made the painful decision to dismiss the Japanese defender, but the player accepted it because he is focused on rehabbing a knee condition.
“Unfortunately, injuries have limited Tomi’s time on the pitch over the last two seasons, with the defender making only one substitute appearance last season. As a result, it was mutually agreed to terminate Tomi’s contract so that he may begin a new chapter in his career,” according to Arsenal’s statement.
The 26-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from Serie A clubs, with AC Milan interested in signing him on a free transfer. However, he may believe he has unfinished business in the Premier League, and his adaptability might be critical for clubs such as Graham Potter’s West Ham United or Vitor Pereira’s Wolverhampton Wanderers.
1Christian Eriksen
When Christian Eriksen was granted game time last season, the Danish playmaker demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels. The fact that he is still a free agent despite Manchester United’s failure to sign a replacement midfielder to replace him is odd.
The 33-year-old has been a success wherever he’s played football, including a one-season stint at Brentford. The Bees should re-sign the Denmark international because he will provide Keith Andrews with significant experience, and a veteran partnership with Jordan Henderson would be ideal.
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