10 former Premier League stars we can’t believe are available on a free transfer
The January transfer window is now officially open and you’d be surprised by just how many former Premier League stars are currently without a club.
Former stars from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all seeking their next opportunities in the new year and we’ve found some of the biggest names on the free agents market.
Here are 10 former Premier League stars who we can’t believe are available on a free transfer in 2024.
David De Gea
It does seem strange that the former Red Devils shot-stopper has been without a club since the summer. Despite plenty of transfer speculation, the 33-year-old has bided his time since leaving Old Trafford in July.
While he is no longer at the peak of his powers, he could still do a job for a number of top European clubs – he did win the Premier League Golden Glove last year after all.
De Gea has kept himself busy despite his lack of football of late as according to The Athletic, the goalkeeper has been busy running his esports team, Rebels Gaming.
Jesse Lingard
Despite having trails with West Ham and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in recent months, Lingard is still without a club following his departure from Nottingham Forest.
The former Red Devil only turned 31 last month and clearly still has something to offer at the top level. Time will tell if a Premier League club does decide to take a punt on the attacking midfielder in the coming months.
Ryan Bertrand
Most known for his spells with Chelsea and Southampton, the 34-year-old full-back is now without a club. He most recently played for Leicester City where he made just 11 appearances across two seasons.
The experienced full-back was linked with a surprise move to Old Trafford in the summer, but this didn’t materialise in the end. If any Premier League club is looking for some experience at left-back, Bertrand could be your man.
READ: 6 former Chelsea players we can’t believe are currently free agents
Danny Rose
The former Tottenham full-back has taken up some punditry roles of late, but he is yet to announce his retirement officially. At his peak, Rose was one of the best full-backs in the league, but injuries have caught up to him in his later years.
He was last spotted training with National League side York City in March last year, but a contract didn’t follow.
Shkodran Mustafi
Having most recently played for Levante, Mustafi has been without a club since his release in the summer. The former Arsenal man is still only 31 and we’d imagine the former World Cup winner will be picked up eventually.
Since leaving Arsenal in 2021, Mustafi hasn’t had the best of times as he has suffered back-to-back relegations with Schalke and then Levante the following year.
Marouane Fellaini
If your club is looking for a towering presence in the middle of the pitch, then look no further. Fellaini has spent the last five years playing in China for Shandong Taishan but is now a free agent upon his contract expiring.
His agent has denied reports claiming Fellaini would be retiring upon leaving China, so the 36-year-old clearly still has some life in those legs yet.
Lewis Grabban
The former Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest striker has been without a club since leaving Al-Ahli in 2022. He might not be up to Premier League standard these days, but an EFL club will surely roll the dice on Grabban this year.
Wilfried Bony
His first stint at Swansea City was absolutely iconic as he scored 25 goals during his debut season in England. However, following his big-money move to Manchester City in 2015, he’s never quite been able to reach the same heights since.
Following short stints in Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands and Bolivia, Bony is now on the free agents market at the age of 35.
READ: 5 former Man City players we can’t believe are currently free agents
Hatem Ben Arfa
The ultimate streets won’t forget Premier League baller. On his day for Newcastle, Ben Arfa was capable of conjuring up some of the most ridiculous pieces of skill. However, he now finds himself as a free agent.
Having most recently played for Lille, Ben Arfa has been forging a career for himself away from football as plenty of his time these days is taken up by Padel. Time will tell if he does decide to return to football after an 18-month absence.
Javier Hernandez
Following a three-year stint with LA Galaxy, Hernandez is now seeking his next opportunity. The former Man Utd and West Ham forward could be in for a Liga MX return, although his next club is currently unknown.
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