Still on the market
The transfer window has closed in England, Germany, Spain and Italy. Clubs in the big leagues looking for new players must now look at free-agent signings. Surprisingly, that list includes some big names still looking for a team for the 2023/24 season.
Hazard, Lingard & Co.: The most valuable free agents
One of those players is David de Gea, who left Manchester United after 12 years. Bayern Munich were briefly interested but signed Daniel Peretz from Maccabi Tel Aviv instead. The Spaniard always dreamed of joining Real Madrid one day but is now the most valuable free agent on the planet. But how many teams are interested in De Gea? After all, the 32-year-old left Man United because the club planned to significantly reduce his €22m salary. Perhaps to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where the transfer window remains open?
Despite his salary, De Gea is likely to find a new club. The situation is a bit more difficult for his former teammate Jesse Lingard. Lingard was last under contract at Nottingham Forest, where he failed to score in 17 Premier League appearances. West Ham United were reportedly interested, but a transfer never materialized. Lingard is also open for a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
Eden Hazard & Co.: Free agents still looking for clubs
Another high-profile player still looking for a club is Eden Hazard. The 32-year-old former Real Madrid and Chelsea star has frequently linked to Major League Soccer clubs. But neither the Vancouver Whitecaps nor CF Montréal were ever truly interested. MLS clubs can still sign out of contract players until Sep. 15. Wherever Hazard ends up next, it is likely the last lucrative contract in his career. The same can be said for many other players on the list of free agents still available after deadline day has come and gone in Europe’s top leagues.
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