The summer transfer window may have officially closed, but the football labour market is still buzzing with a wealth of renowned players available for signing completely free of charge. Journalists at BBC Sport have compiled a detailed registry of major global stars currently in search of new clubs.
Top stars on the free agent market
Paul Pogba, 33 (last club – Monaco)
The former Manchester United midfielder has seen very little action following his 18-month doping ban that ended in March 2025. After making the switch to Monaco last summer, the Frenchman featured in just six matches. A string of injuries led the Monaco hierarchy to terminate his contract prematurely last month, a year before its planned end.
Karim Benzema, 38 (last club – Al-Hilal)
The French marksman enjoyed a stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad from 2023 but had a brief affair with Al-Hilal, seeing his contract cut short on August 31. During his short time there, he made three appearances before the club bolstered their attacking line-up with signings like Chriscencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Riyad Mahrez, 35 (last club – Al-Ahli)
The Algerian winger has also become a high-profile casualty of the Saudi Pro League, having moved to Al-Ahli from Manchester City in 2023, where he netted 37 goals in 122 appearances across all competitions. Reports suggest that Mahrez is set to stay in the region with a move to Al-Shabab close to completion.
Raheem Sterling, 31 (last club – Feyenoord)
Feyenoord parted ways with Sterling just three months into his tenure after eight appearances. In the coming month, the Englishman faces court for dangerous driving following a May incident involving roadside crash barriers. Sources close to the former Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea winger admit he has endured two challenging years.
Philippe Coutinho, 34 (last club – Vasco da Gama)
The former Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker left his native Brazil's Vasco da Gama in February, citing deep moral exhaustion. While he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, speculation continues regarding a potential move to MLS.
Jadon Sancho, 26 (last club – Manchester United)
Having been signed by the Manchester club from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021, Sancho’s time has been turbulent. After two-and-a-half years filled with loan spells, including forgettable stints at Chelsea and most recently at Aston Villa, he has only made 30 Premier League appearances for Manchester United. Reports indicate that the winger has already agreed terms with Brazilian club Palmeiras.
Dani Carvajal, 34 (last club – Real Madrid)
One of the best right-backs of his generation has been without a club since the end of his contract with Real Madrid in June. Carvajal served the 'Royal Club' for 13 years, making 451 appearances. This summer, he kept fit training with the Spanish Football Federation alongside his compatriot Joselu.
Jamie Vardy, 39 (last club – Cremonese)
After giving 13 years to Leicester City, the legendary forward had a season at Cremonese, but their relegation to Serie B ended that partnership. Several clubs in the English leagues are vying for his signature, with interest shown by Wrexham, Sheffield Wednesday, and West Ham United.
David Alaba, 34 (last club – Real Madrid)
The decorated Austrian departed from the Santiago Bernabeu in May following five years at the club. With 12 league titles and four Champions League trophies to his name, bookmakers have tipped Manchester United as the favourites to secure the experienced defender, though a deal remains elusive.
Sergio Ramos, 40 (last club – Monterrey)
The legendary Spanish defender has been without a club since leaving Mexican side Monterrey in December 2025. At 40, Ramos has no intention of hanging up his boots, feeling ready to compete at the highest level. Earlier this year, he attempted to lead a consortium to buy a controlling stake in his beloved Sevilla, but that attempt fell short.
Other available free agents
- Jordan Ayew, 34 (last club – Leicester City)
- Dele Alli, 30 (last club – Como)
- Joselu, 36 (last club – Al-Gharafa)
- Anthony Martial, 30 (last club – Monterrey)
- Conor Coady, 33 (last club – Wrexham)
- Wilfried Zaha, 33 (last club – Galatasaray)
- James Rodriguez, 35 (last club – Minnesota United)
- Tyrell Malacia, 27 (last club – Manchester United)
- Alexander Zinchenko, 29 (last club – Ajax)
- Solly March, 32 (last club – Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Georginio Wijnaldum, 35 (last club – Al-Ettifaq)
- Yves Bissouma, 30 (last club – Tottenham Hotspur)
