The transfer window may be closed, but clubs can still strengthen their squads.
While Premier League sides once again spent huge sums over the summer, there are some surprisingly big names available for absolutely nothing. From Premier League winners and Champions League legends to a Ballon d’Or winner, the free-agent market is stacked with experience.
Here are 10 of the biggest free agents still looking for their next club.
10. Philippe Coutinho
Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho has been without a club since leaving Vasco da Gama in February.
The 33-year-old said he was stepping away to prioritise his mental health after feeling “mentally very exhausted”, although he had remained productive on the pitch with nine goals and eight assists in the previous season.
Whether Coutinho wants an immediate return to football remains to be seen, but his name makes him one of the most recognisable players currently unattached.
9. Raheem Sterling
At 31, Raheem Sterling still has plenty to offer after leaving Feyenoord following the 2025/26 season.
The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea winger has won four Premier League titles and represented England 82 times. With pace, versatility and vast Premier League experience, Sterling could be an interesting option for a club needing another attacker.
8. Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy is looking for his next challenge after leaving Cremonese following their relegation from Serie A.
Now 39, the Leicester legend still managed seven league goals in Italy last season. With 200 goals for the Foxes, a Premier League title and Golden Boot on his CV, few available strikers can match his experience.
7. Marcelo Brozovic
Marcelo Brozovic is available after bringing his three-year spell with Al Nassr to an end.
The 33-year-old previously made more than 300 appearances for Inter Milan and was a key member of the Croatia side that reached the 2018 World Cup final.
An experienced holding midfielder with an excellent passing range, Brozovic could offer a short-term solution for clubs needing greater control in midfield.
6. David Alaba
A four-time Champions League winner available for free.
David Alaba left Real Madrid after five years at the Bernabeu, having previously enjoyed an incredible trophy-laden spell with Bayern Munich.
The 34-year-old’s ability to play in defence or midfield could make him one of the most attractive experienced players on the market.
5. Dani Carvajal
Another Real Madrid legend searching for a new club is Dani Carvajal.
The right-back made 450 appearances during his remarkable spell in Madrid, winning six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles among a haul of 27 major trophies.
At 34, there may still be another chapter to come.
4. Riyad Mahrez
Five-time Premier League winner Riyad Mahrez is back on the market following his departure from Al Ahli.
The Algerian played a starring role in Leicester’s remarkable 2015/16 title win before collecting another four league titles and the Champions League with Manchester City.
Now 35, his creativity and experience could still prove valuable in the right side.
3. Yves Bissouma
Unlike many names on this list, Yves Bissouma is still only 30 and arrives with extensive recent Premier League experience.
The Mali midfielder is available after ending his four-year spell with Tottenham, where he made more than 100 appearances and was part of their 2025 Europa League-winning squad.
For clubs searching for midfield reinforcements, Bissouma could be an obvious name to consider.
2. Paul Pogba
Could Paul Pogba be handed another opportunity to revive his career?
The 2018 World Cup winner is available after his contract with Monaco was terminated by mutual consent following a comeback that produced just six appearances.
Now 33, the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder remains one of the most intriguing names available.
1. Karim Benzema
A Ballon d’Or winner available on a free transfer is always going to attract attention.
Karim Benzema is without a club after leaving Al Hilal, with the 38-year-old now considering the next move of his remarkable career.
The former Real Madrid striker won five Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and the 2022 Ballon d’Or during his time in Spain.
