The summer transfer window for the Premier League wrapped up in dramatic fashion on September 1, marking a historic spending total of £3.11 billion ($4.16 billion). This summer saw an unprecedented level of financial activity in English football, breaking previous records.
Although transfers are closed until January, clubs can still enhance their squads by signing free agents. These acquisitions come without transfer fees, although salary expectations could pose a challenge.
Below is The Athletic’s selection of current free agents, all of whom have experience in the Premier League and may be eager for another opportunity in the top division. It will be interesting to see where their careers lead next.
Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster
At 37 years old, the towering goalkeeper at 6ft 7in (201cm) is no longer a guaranteed starter but did contribute with four appearances for Tottenham Hotspur during their Europa League-winning campaign last season. After becoming expendable at Spurs, he may find interest from clubs looking for depth, particularly as he qualifies as a Premier League homegrown player with 155 appearances to his name.
Defenders
Takehiro Tomiyasu
At 26, Tomiyasu has shown his versatility as a backup player, having made 65 Premier League appearances for Arsenal. However, his prospects have been hindered by a series of knee injuries, limiting him to just six minutes on the field last season. His contract was prematurely ended, and while teams like Everton and Brighton could use a right-back, his injury history raises concerns.
Sergio Reguilon
After loan stints at Manchester United and Brentford amidst his time with Tottenham Hotspur, Reguilon has yet to find his rhythm in the Premier League. The former Real Madrid left-back, who has represented Spain six times, might look to reignite his career in European football following his time at Spurs.
Craig Dawson
Following his exclusion from Wolverhampton Wanderers under manager Vitor Pereira, Dawson has not featured in first-team football since June. A seasoned competitor with 303 Premier League appearances for clubs like Watford and West Ham United, the 35-year-old may find opportunities in lower-tier English football.
Midfielders
Christian Eriksen
Seeking a return to first-team action post his Manchester United contract, Eriksen is known for his pinpoint passing ability. The 33-year-old, recovering from a serious health scare during Euro 2020, has shown interest in remaining in top-tier European football and has received inquiries from Championship team Wrexham.
Dele Alli
Once a standout at Tottenham, Alli’s form has declined over recent years, leading to spells at both Everton and Como in Serie A, where a tumultuous start resulted in a contract termination. As an ex-England international, he may still draw interest from clubs willing to take a risk on the 29-year-old.
Forwards
Patrick Bamford
Leeds United’s Daniel Farke recently noted Bamford’s potential to be a leading striker, but after a difficult few seasons plagued by injuries, it remains to be seen if he attracts interest from Premier League clubs. Bamford had his best season in the top flight during 2020-21, scoring 17 goals.
Michail Antonio
After concluding his career at West Ham as their all-time leading scorer with 68 Premier League goals, Antonio hopes to find a new club. Following a serious car accident last December and a swift recovery, the 35-year-old has also taken on a role as a pundit for the upcoming season.
Free Agent XI Substitutes:
Joel Ward (35, right-back, last club: Crystal Palace), Lukasz Fabianski (40, goalkeeper, last club: West Ham United), Hakim Ziyech (32, winger, last club: Al Duhail, Qatar).
(Top Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
