Online Reporter
Despite having three months to conduct their business, several clubs scrambled right up to the deadline as they aimed to complete their squads.
For those that failed, and perhaps are short of a few quid, plenty of high-profile players remain without a club after being released. Among them is former Manchester United superstar Paul Pogba, who cost the Red Devils a then-world record £89million in 2016.
The midfielder attempted to revive his career at Monaco following a drugs ban, but finds himself without a club after being released aged 33 following just six appearances for the Ligue 1 side.
Also seeking employment are former Arsenal stars Oleksandr Zinchenko, Raheem Sterling and Neto. Zinchenko, 29, left Arsenal for Ajax in February following an ill-fated loan at Nottingham Forest. The Ukrainian managed just 20 minutes of action for Ajax before suffering a knee ligament injury, with the Amsterdam side subsequently declining their option to extend his deal by 12 months. Sterling, meanwhile, spent the 2024-25 season on loan at the Emirates from Chelsea before finally leaving Stamford Bridge last year.
After a disappointing spell at Feyenoord, the former England stalwart is now available again.
Goalkeeper Neto spent the 2024-25 campaign backing up David Raya at the Gunners before heading to Botafogo. The veteran has since left the Brazilian side and finds himself available again. Jadon Sancho has found himself without a club since leaving Manchester United, with neither Chelsea or Aston Villa deciding to make loan deals permanent in recent seasons.
The ex-England winger may not find himself without a club for much longer, however, with reports claiming that he is set to join Brazilian side Palmeiras. Another ex-United wide man available is Anthony Martial, following a spell in Mexico. The Frenchman bagged just one goal in 21 appearances for Monterrey, but still just 30-years-old, he could pop up again in European football. artial’s fellow former wonderkid Renato Sanches is free to find a new team after having his contract terminated at Paris Saint-Germain.
Sanches, who infamously passed to an advertising board during his Swansea stint in 2017, managed just 27 appearances in four years at PSG and spent recent campaigns on loan at Roma, Benfica and Panathinaikos.
Yves Bissouma is also a free agent after being released by Tottenham at the end of last season.
The Malian, 30, played 11 times for Spurs last term and was linked with Fulham earlier this summer. Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are both available after being released by Real Madrid at the end of last season.
The former, 34, has been linked with hometown club Leganes, while the latter has been at a loose end since playing for Austria at the World Cup. Their former Los Blancos team-mate Karim Benzema is also available after leaving Al-Hilal. — Sun.
