The closure of the transfer window in Europe’s five major leagues has left a group of high-profile players without clubs, with Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho and Riyad Mahrez among those still able to negotiate a move.
Although the deadline passed on Tuesday evening, clubs can continue to sign free agents. Because the players are no longer tied to their previous employers, any agreement would not involve a transfer fee, despite several of them retaining market values worth millions of euros.
Benzema is the most prominent name on the list. The former Ballon d’Or winner is 38 and recently ended his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal by mutual consent. His next career move has not yet been confirmed.
Pogba, who helped France win the 2018 World Cup, also remains available after his attempt to revive his career at Monaco did not succeed.
Sancho is currently the most valuable free agent, according to Transfermarkt, with a market value of €18m. The England winger became available after Borussia Dortmund decided not to keep him.
His spell without a club may be short-lived, however, with a possible move to Brazil being discussed. Sancho has been linked with Palmeiras.
Two former Real Madrid defenders are also searching for new clubs. Austria international David Alaba, 34, has left the Spanish club, while his former team-mate Dani Carvajal, regarded as one of the club’s legends, is in the same position.
Mahrez could also be close to beginning a new chapter. The Algeria winger is reportedly considering a move to another Saudi club, Al-Shabab.
The list includes several other familiar faces from the Premier League. Former England winger Raheem Sterling is available, as are Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha, Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
Among the free-agent defenders is Portugal international Diogo Leite. The 26-year-old is valued at €12m by Transfermarkt.
Leite was linked with Paris Saint-Germain during the summer of 2025 and was also considered by Marseille in recent weeks. Despite that interest, he remains without a club.
Other recognised names still on the market include midfielder Yves Bissouma and left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who previously played for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is another available player. The versatile Ukraine international is currently recovering from surgery on knee ligaments, an operation he underwent in February.
Argentina forward Mauro Icardi, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, is also unattached. French striker Anthony Martial became available after an unsuccessful spell in Mexico.
Based on the players listed, a possible free-agent XI would be:
Goalkeeper: Neto.
Defence: Dani Carvajal, Diogo Leite, David Alaba, Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Midfield: Paul Pogba, Yves Bissouma, Riyad Mahrez, Jadon Sancho.
Attack: Karim Benzema, Mauro Icardi.
The availability of such experienced players means clubs can still strengthen their squads after the main transfer deadline, although any potential move will depend on individual negotiations and the players’ physical condition.
