As the summer transfer window begins to heat up, the attraction of a free agent signing becomes ever more enticing for clubs across the globe. This year, as every other, the English Premier League has seen an exodus of talent, with several high-profile players reaching the end of their contracts on 30 June.
In this article, we take a look at the best XI of out-of-contract EPL players, a dream team of seasoned professionals who are now available for free:
GK – Marek Rodak
Rodak leaves Fulham after initially joining the club’s under 18’s on loan in January 2013 before making the move permanent in the summer. While Rodak has featured just 93 times for the senior side in that time, only making four appearances in the Premier League, the goalkeeper will have plenty of experience around a top-level squad and could be a great addition for a number of clubs this year.
RB – Reuell Walters
The 19-year-old centre-back or right-back was once tipped to be the next immensely talented defender to come through at Arsenal, but Walters now finds himself out of contract moving into July.
Walters failed to make a first-team appearance for Arsenal but his experience of being in and around the club throughout his youth career, as well as enough potential that the Gunners held on to him for a number of seasons, means Walters is likely to find a club very soon.
CB – Raphael Varane
One of the best defenders of his generation, Varane was unbelievably allowed to leave for free by Manchester United despite being one of the best-performing players for their side since joining from Real Madrid.
The legendary French defender is sure to have a whole host of clubs in search of his signature, and we expect Varane to be able to choose his next home as he pleases.
CB – Joel Matip
Another fantastic central defender who has left a top club for free this year is Matip, who departs Liverpool after a brilliant nine years at the side.
A number of injuries have disrupted his time in England and are a large reason for his departure from Liverpool as he currently deals with a cruciate ligament injury, but Matip is sure to be sought after with a wealth of experience of playing at the top level.
LB – Angelo Ogbonna
The once-tipped superstar defender during his days at Torino and Juventus may have failed to live up to his world-class potential, but he certainly made the most of his career with a 10-year stay at West Ham United.
Despite still making 17 appearances for the club this season, they have decided to not extend his contract, but the veteran is sure to find a new club soon.
CM – Jack Cork
Cork has made an incredible 304 appearances in the Premier League over his career and was a major part of Burnley’s promotion back into the top flight in 2022/23 before featuring just six times last season.
The English midfielder may be nearing the end of his career at 35-years-old, but the incredible experience and leadership he brings could be invaluable to many teams, leaving Cork as a fantastic option to bolster a squad.
CM – Andre Gomes
Gomes is another whose career did not live up to the fantastic promise he showed earlier on in his footballing career, failing to impress at Barcelona before making the move to Everton that has kept him in England for the best part of seven years.
The midfielder may not have reached the heights that many believed he would, but he is still immensely talented and could prove to be a brilliant transfer to a host of potential new clubs.
CM – Thiago
Thiago’s time at Liverpool was very impressive outside of a number of injuries that disrupted his playing time and availability, especially this season as he made just a single appearance for the side.
Despite his injury issues, Thiago is clearly still more than capable of playing at the very highest level and we do not expect it to be long before a top club adds him to their squad.
RW – Matt Ritchie
There may not be the same level of out-of-contract talent in the forward areas compared to the rest of the team, but Ritchie is still not someone that many clubs should turn their nose up at.
The former Bournemouth and Newcastle United man can play a number of positions across the defence, midfield and attack and could be a brilliant squad player for teams at the top level.
ST – Oliver McBurnie
A brilliant season in the EFL Championship for Swansea in 2018/19, scoring 24 times in 44 appearances across all competitions, earned McBurnie a move to Premier League side Sheffield United.
Unfortunately for the striker, he failed to find his goalscoring form in England’s top division scoring just 13 times in the three seasons that Sheffield United have been in the Premier League since joining.
Despite that, McBurnie has shown in the past that he knows where the goal is and he could be a top option for some clubs further down the English footballing pyramid.
LW – Anthony Martial
The final player making up this team is Manchester United’s cult hero Anthony Martial.
The forward that once had so much potential that Manchester United added a Ballon d’Or clause to his transfer from AS Monaco unfortunately failed to find the consistency needed to become the great that he should have been.
Martial may not have made it as that world-class star, but the Frenchman is certainly still an extremely talented forward and should easily find a new home at the very highest level of European football.
Which player do you want your club to sign? Comment below!
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