The summer transfer window might be shut, but there are still a slew of footballers – some of whom are Premier League alumni – who are still without a club.
Today, we’ll look at seven of the highest-value free agents in football at the moment. Among them are former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur players – would you take any of them at your club?
Josh Brownhill
After a five-year spell with Burnley, Josh Brownhill was released by the Clarets in the summer. Aged 19, Brownhill isn’t over the hill just yet.
An indefatigable runner who can provide energy at the heart of midfield, the former Manchester United academy graduate could have a part to play for a Premier League or Championship club this season.
Hakim Ziyech
Once a Chelsea player, Hakim Ziyech is now a free agent after his existing contract at Al-Duhail expired. He spent just four months with the club, making nine appearances.
He certainly presents a risk to any club who might bring him on board – but if he can recreate his Ajax glory days, he could prove to be an excellent bit of business for those willing to take a gamble.
Sergio Reguilon
Sergio Reguilon looked very promising when he joined Tottenham in 2020. However, numerous changes in management often saw him frozen or even loaned out – now, he is a free agent after the expiration of his contract.
Defending is not Reguilon’s strong suit, but he is excellent on the ball and is proficient at whipping crosses into the area. In many ways, Reguilon is the archetypal wing-back in the modern game.
Lorenzo Insigne
Lorenzo Insigne’s best days are certainly behind him, but his class is permanent. Previously, he was one of the best wingers in the world during his time at Napoli.
An excellent dribbler of the ball, he most recently played for Toronto FC in the MLS. He also has 54 caps for Italy under his belt, scoring 10 goals on the international stage.
Miralem Pjanic
Another player who may be past his best, but still could have something to offer – Miralem Pjanic was an effective presence in midfield for CSKA Moscow last season.
Now aged 35 and with a history of injury problems, bigger clubs may look elsewhere in Pjanic’s case. A world-class operator in his prime, he made 281 Serie A appearances for Roma and Juventus.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
A common theme is emerging in this list – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s prime years are certainly in the past now. With that being said, it’s hard to forget how prodigious of a talent the former Arsenal and Liverpool man was as a youngster.
Injury problems have haunted Oxlade-Chamberlain throughout his career and stunted his progression. He will forever be a ‘what could’ve been’ story, but could still have one last Premier League run in him at the age of 32.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Perhaps the most desirable free agent on the list, Takehiro Tomiyasu is an adaptable defender who is best played as a right-back, he was released by Arsenal this summer amid a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.
He was limited to just one Premier League appearance last year due to this. As such, it’s hard to determine if it will have a long-lasting effect on his career – will he be the player he once was when he returns? At 26 years old, his best years should still be ahead of him.