The summer transfer window has thrown up a tantalising array of free agents, with Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool among the clubs parting ways with high-profile stars.
As clubs across Europe look to strengthen their squads without spending a fortune, we look at seven experienced players who could be shrewd acquisitions this summer.
David de Gea
David de Gea’s year-long sabbatical from professional football has been a peculiar chapter in the career of a once-formidable goalkeeper.
The Spanish shot-stopper found himself unexpectedly adrift after a trophy-laden 12-year stint at Man United.
He was determined to play at the highest level, turning down offers from the free-spending Saudi Pro League and Nottingham Forest.
He has maintained his fitness through private training sessions at non-league club Altrincham and has declared his readiness to return to action.
Rumours have linked De Gea with Genoa, but nothing concrete has materialised, with the keeper still holding out for a high-profile move.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial’s Man United exit marked the end of a chapter that promised so much but ultimately delivered so little.
Injuries undoubtedly played a telling role in Martial’s stuttering career at Old Trafford, but the raw talent that once made him one of the most coveted young strikers in Europe was never fully realised.
The 28-year-old is now waiting for his next chapter, although not even clubs in the Saudi Pro League are convinced of his sketchy injury record.
It remains to be seen where he will end up or if he still has what it takes to make a difference at the top level.
Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot has been flirting with a move to the Premier League for the past two seasons, with Man United particularly on his tail.
Juventus have managed to keep him tied to the club, but after five years at the Allianz Stadium, the Frenchman is finally ready to explore a fresh chapter in his career.
With seven league titles to his name, Rabiot is an experienced midfielder and could finally get his long-awaited move to the Premier League.
Man United are still interested in the France international, who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Joel Matip
Joel Matip might go down as one of the best free transfer purchases in Liverpool’s history.
He won seven trophies with Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League, so it was only fair that the experienced centre-back departed the club the same way he had joined.
The Cameroonian defender was instrumental in Liverpool’s domestic and European success. His commanding presence and aerial prowess proved invaluable to Jurgen Klopp’s brand of football.
A cruciate ligament injury may have limited him to just 14 appearances last season, but there can be no doubt about the 32-year-old’s talents and experience.
Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels is as experienced as they come. The centre-back called time on a 12-and-a-half-year spell at Borussia Dortmund after captaining the club to the Champions League final.
A dashing 2-0 defeat by Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium may not have been the ideal way to bow out, but Hummels proved to be a faithful servant to Der BVB.
The 35-year-old left Signal Iduna Park having won two Bundesliga titles, two DFB Pokals and two League Cup trophies.
The World Cup winner wants one last dance before hanging up his boots after an illustrious career, leaving Bayer Leverkusen and Bologna to compete for his signature.
Memphis Depay
After helping the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship in Germany, you’d expect Memphis Depay to have his pick of the bunch following his exit from Atletico Madrid.
However, the 30-year-old remains a free agent, exploring his options and waiting for the right opportunity as he prepares to enter the back end of his career.
Depay has been a consistent performer for the Netherlands, but his club career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
However, having played for Man United, Barcelona and Atletico, his impressive CV could earn him a move to a top European club.
