Pogba, Benzema, Sterling Lead Star-Studded List Of Top Free Agents

Although the summer transfer window has closed, several high-profile footballers remain without clubs and are still eligible to join new teams as free agents.

Among the biggest names currently available are former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Jadon Sancho and Dani Carvajal.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Pogba, 33, became a free agent after Monaco terminated his contract last month, despite the agreement having another year to run. The French midfielder joined Monaco last summer after serving an 18-month doping suspension but made only six appearances during his time at the club because of recurring injuries.

Benzema, 38, also became available after ending his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on August 31. The Ballon d’Or winner joined the club six months earlier after spending three years at Al-Ittihad and had already featured three times this season before his departure.

Al-Hilal’s decision to reshape its attacking options, including the arrivals of Crysencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli, may have contributed to Benzema’s exit, according to reports.

Mahrez, 35, is another experienced player currently without a club following the termination of his contract with Al-Ahli. The former Manchester City winger joined the Saudi Arabian side in 2023 and scored 37 goals in 122 appearances across all competitions.

Reports indicate that the Algeria international could remain in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Shabab reportedly close to reaching an agreement with him.

Sterling, 31, is also searching for a new club after Feyenoord ended his three-month spell in the Netherlands. The former Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea winger made eight appearances for the Dutch side before his departure.

Sterling is also expected to appear in court next month over dangerous-driving charges linked to a crash that occurred in May.

Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 34, is another prominent free agent. The Brazilian left Vasco da Gama in February after reportedly admitting that he was mentally exhausted.

Coutinho has not announced his retirement and has previously attracted interest from clubs in Major League Soccer.

Sancho, 26, remains without a club following a difficult period at Manchester United. The winger joined the Premier League giants from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021 but spent the final two and a half years of his United career away from the club on loan.

His most recent loan spell was at Aston Villa after an underwhelming stint at Chelsea. Sancho made 30 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, while reports suggest Borussia Dortmund are interested in bringing him back to Germany.

Carvajal, 34, has also been without a club since his Real Madrid contract expired in June. The veteran right-back spent 13 years with the Spanish giants and made 451 appearances in all competitions.

The Spain international has reportedly continued training at facilities operated by the Spanish Football Federation alongside fellow free agent Joselu while considering his next career move.

Veteran striker Jamie Vardy, 39, is another experienced player available after leaving Cremonese following one season in Italy. The former Leicester City forward spent 13 years at Leicester before moving to Italy, but Cremonese’s relegation to Serie B reportedly contributed to his departure.

Reports have linked Wrexham, Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham with interest in the veteran striker as he considers a possible return to English football.

David Alaba, 34, also remains without a club after leaving Real Madrid in May following five years with the Spanish side. The Austrian defender attracted interest from several clubs during the summer, with Manchester United previously reported to be among the teams interested in him.

Alaba enjoyed a decorated career with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, winning 12 league titles and four Champions League trophies.

Former Real Madrid and Spain captain Sergio Ramos, 40, is another high-profile veteran still available. Ramos has been without a club since leaving Mexican side Monterrey in December 2025 but has not announced his retirement.

Reports indicate that Ramos believes he is still capable of competing at a high level. Earlier this year, he was also part of a consortium that attempted to acquire a controlling stake in Sevilla, although the bid was unsuccessful.

Because free agents are not tied to existing contracts, they remain eligible to negotiate with clubs even after the transfer window has closed.

Other notable players currently available include Jordan Ayew, Dele Alli, Joselu, Anthony Martial, Conor Coady, Wilfried Zaha, James Rodriguez, Tyrell Malacia, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Solly March, Georginio Wijnaldum and Yves Bissouma.