Who are the free agents after transfer deadline day?
September 2, 2026 13:53
The summer transfer window has shut, but a number of high-profile players are currently without clubs and available to sign as free agents. BBC Sport lists several notable names whose contracts have ended or been terminated in recent months.
NOTABLE FREE AGENTS
- Pogba: The former Manchester United midfielder has played very little since his 18-month doping ban ended in March 2025. After joining Monaco last summer he made just six appearances; Monaco terminated his contract last month, one year before it was due to end.
- Benzema: The Ballon d'Or winner left Real Madrid in 2023 and spent three years with Al Ittihad before moving to Al-Hilal. His contract with Al-Hilal was terminated on 31 August, six months after he joined the club. The arrival of Crysencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli has perhaps pushed Benzema out.
- Sancho: After a turbulent period since his £73m move to Manchester United in 2021, during which he spent two-and-a-half years on loan, most recently at Aston Villa, Sancho has reportedly agreed a move to Brazilian club Palmeiras.
- Mahrez: The Algeria winger, who joined Al Ahli from Manchester City in 2023 and scored 37 goals in 122 appearances, has had his contract in the Saudi Pro League terminated. Reports suggest he is close to joining Al-Shabab.
- Sterling: Released by Feyenoord after three months and eight games, the former Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea winger is set to appear in court next month on charges of dangerous driving after crashing his car into motorway barriers in May. Sources told BBC Sport he had faced "an extremely tough couple of years".
- Coutinho: The Brazilian left Vasco da Gama in February, saying he was "tired mentally." He has not officially announced his retirement and has previously been linked with a move to Major League Soccer.
- Carvajal: The right-back has been a free agent since his Real Madrid contract ended in June. Carvajal made 451 appearances for Real across 13 years and has not been linked with a new club; he has reportedly been training at the Spanish Football Federation's facilities over the summer alongside compatriot and fellow free agent Joselu.
- Vardy: After 13 years with Leicester City, Vardy spent last season with Cremonese but the club's relegation to Serie B saw them let him go. He has been heavily linked with a return to English football, with Wrexham, Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham all reportedly interested.
- Alaba: The Austrian left Real Madrid in May following five years at the club. For a spell this summer, Manchester United were the bookies' favourite to sign him, but he remains unsigned.
- Ramos: The defender has been without a club since leaving Monterrey in December 2025. Now 40, he has not announced his retirement and, according to reports, still feels fit enough to compete; earlier this year he led a consortium that attempted to buy a controlling stake in Sevilla, but the bid failed.