Clubs across the country are dabbling in the transfer market to get their squads in the best shape for the 2023-24 campaign. We have seen various outfits splashing the cash but there are some teams yet to make any acquisitions.
This summer there are quite a few high profile names who are free agents seeking a new club, effectively forming a list that you might expect to see on Football Manager.
Here are some of the most interesting free agents on the market.
Eden Hazard - Age: 32
Eden Hazard’s time at Real Madrid may have been forgettable, with injuries and bad form turning an outstanding move on paper into one of the biggest flops in football. But remember just how magical the Belgian was to watch at Chelsea. He was consistently brilliant, one of the best players in the Premier League and arguably the world. There have been rumours swirling around that he might retire but if he can stay fit and find the right club for his talents, he could be a steal.
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Daichi Kamada - Age: 26
Japan international Daichi Kamada is a free agent after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt and he has been courted by some of the best clubs around Europe. The midfielder has an eye for goal and creates them too, becoming a key figure for Oliver Glasner’s side over the past few years. At 26, he would be a great long-term investment for a lot of clubs because he will be entering the best years of his career.
Wilfried Zaha - Age: 30
Wilfried Zaha has been Crystal Palace’s stand-out star for many years now but it remains up in the air whether he is going to renew his contract at the club, with a record deal on the table. Zaha has never shied away from saying he has ambitions to play in Europe, and judging by his contributions at Selhurst Park he could make the step up to that level.
David de Gea - Age: 32
After an absolute calamity of a contract saga, David de Gea is no longer affiliated with Manchester United after his 12-year spell at Old Trafford came to an end. He may not possess the skills required of the modern ball-playing goalkeeper but the Spaniard is still a remarkable shot-stopper, as evidenced by his recent Premier League Golden Glove award.
Adama Traore - Age: 27
Renowned for his pace, strength and dribbling, Adama Traore is one of the best driving forces in football. The only thing that has held him back in his career is his end product. He did find it for a time at Wolverhampton Wanderers but he couldn’t build the consistency. His strengths still make him an attractive investment because, combined with his speed and trickery, there aren’t many defenders who can handle him running at them.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - Age: 29
When Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Liverpool from Arsenal it took him a while to get into a rhythm but he did have an impact and started to have a prominent role in Jurgen Klopp’s side. Injuries hampered him but there is still a talented player there, who, if kept fit, could make a smart signing for someone.
Alfredo Morelos - Age: 27
He may be a hothead but there’s no denying Alfredo Morelos’ quality in front of goal. It wasn’t so long ago that he was being branded as a £20-25 million player. With 124 goals and 58 assists in 269 appearances for Rangers, the Colombian’s goal-scoring prowess could be of benefit to many clubs across Europe.
Samuel Umtiti - Age: 29
World Cup-winning French defender Samuel Umtiti is a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Barcelona. The centre-back has been sidelined through injury several times in recent seasons, the potential knock-on effects of which would pose a risk for any potential suitors. But his experience at the highest level both domestically and internationally could make him a risk worth taking for many clubs on the continent.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
