Best free agents: Players out of contract 2024

It's hardly a modern phenomenon thanks to Jean-Marc Bosman's tireless efforts, but more and more high-level players are seemingly allowing their contracts to run down in order to become free agents.

For clubs, acquiring players for nothing (wages notwithstanding) is a hugely enticing prospect given the financial situation for the vast majority of European clubs in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

There was an abundance of stellar talent who entered the summer as free agents, and while new employers have mopped up some of the biggest names during the transfer window, there are several high-profile figures still available on the market.

Here are the 10 most eye-catching free agents.

1. Adrien Rabiot

Previous club: Juventus
Age: 29
Position: Midfielder

Once frequently chastised by Juventini, Rabiot slowly built up his reputation in Turin and 2022/23 was undoubtedly his best in Serie A.

The Frenchman has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, and the Red Devils continue to be associated with the free agent following the conclusion of the summer window. Newcastle are also reportedly showing an interest, while Saudi Arabia could be an option.

2. Memphis Depay

Previous club: Atletico Madrid
Age: 30
Position: Forward

Depay initially joined Atletico Madrid from Barcelona in January 2023, but he will not be on the club's books for 2024/25 after failing to meet the requirements to trigger a contract extension.

The Dutchman offered glimpses in the Spanish capital, but started just 14 games for Diego Simeone's side.

Many suspected his future would become clear after Euro 2024, but has not been the case with Depay still on the hunt for a new club.

3. Anthony Martial

Previous club: Man Utd
Age: 28
Position: Forward

It's fair to say that Anthony Martial's career didn't quite go to plan at Old Trafford. The often injured centre-forward struggled to make a significant impact on a consistent basis for Man Utd.

Given the Frenchman's fitness history and his often frustrating performances, it's no surprise that United didn't renew his deal.

The 28-year-old has not yet found a new home, although there are murmurs of a switch to Greece with AEK Athens willing to hand Martial a monster contract.

4. Joel Matip

Previous club: Liverpool
Age: 33
Position: Defender

Joel Matip's season-ending ACL injury meant the defender endured a premature conclusion to his Liverpool career.

While Jurgen Klopp had hinted at a contract extension for the veteran defender, Matip's long-term setback reduced any chances of the Reds retaining him.

5. Yusuf Yazici

Previous club: Lille
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder

Yazici, who won the Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2021, drifted in and out of Paulo Fonseca's starting XI last season. However, the versatile operator has continued to produce in the final third.

Yazici was particularly impressive during the club's Europa Conference League campaign, and his departure on a Bosman is doubtlessly a blow.

6. Andre Gomes

Previous club: Everton
Age: 31
Position: Midfielder

While undoubtedly talented, it's understandable as to why Everton moved on from Gomes in the summer. The Portuguese midfielder has been plagued by multiple injury setbacks, and he made just 12 Premier League appearances last season.

Clubs were reluctant to gamble on Gomes over the summer, but it seems as if the midfielder has finally found his next destination. Lille are willing to take a punt on the 31-year-old, with Gomes set to return to the club where he spent the 2022/23 season on loan.

7. Wissam Ben Yedder

Previous club: Monaco
Age: 34
Position: Forward

After five seasons and over 200 appearances in red and white, Ben Yedder has departed Monaco as a modern-day club legend.

The canny forward leaves Monaco as their second all-time leading scorer having struck 118 times, and it was a surprise, despite his age, that he wasn't snapped up over the summer.

8. Anton Miranchuk

Previous club: Lokomotiv Moscow
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder

Miranchuk has spent the entirety of his senior career in Russia, and the past 11 years with Lokomotiv Moscow. He's also earned 29 caps for the national team since making his debut in 2017, scoring seven times.

The versatile operator has a twin brother in Aleksey who's plying his trade in one of Europe's premier divisions with Atalanta, and it won't be long until Anton is snapped up after he opted to cut ties with Lokomotiv in July.

9. Dele Alli

Previous club: Everton
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder

Dele Alli remains on the comeback trail, with his next destination unknown.

The former England international is still only 28, but he's barely played any football since he swapped Tottenham for Everton in 2022. Injuries and mental health issues have set the once precocious superstar back considerably, but there's plenty of time for the instinctive midfielder to perform at the highest level once more.

10. Keylor Navas

Current club: PSG
Age: 37
Position: Goalkeeper

The Costa Rican has been Gianluigi Donnarumma's understudy ever since the Italian moved to Paris, having to settle for the odd cameo and a loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

However, his four-year spell has France come to an end.

READ THE TRANSFER RUMOURS OF THE PAST WEEK HERE