The 13 biggest free agents this summer and which clubs will sign them
With the summer transfer window open, European clubs will all be trying their best to sign the best players and for the best possible price.
Finding value for top talent is not all that easy these days, but the free transfer is one way of clubs getting the best bang for their buck.
There are a dozen or so high-quality players who are available and out of contract, and we assess where some of these big names are likely to end up.
Christian Eriksen
Current club
Brentford
Current situation
Eriksen was superb for Brentford in the second half of last season, and Thomas Frank is desperate to keep the playmaker in west London. Brentford have made it clear to Eriksen that they are willing to shatter their wage structure for him, but Manchester United (and others) are also interested.
Most likely destination
At this stage, it seems to be between Brentford and United.
Fabian Delph
Current club
Everton
Current situation
Delph’s Everton career was wrecked by injury. He made only 11 appearances last season, so although Frank Lampard would have liked to retain him, the price-per-appearance does not add up.
Most likely destination
Any interested club will need assurances Delph can spend more time on the pitch than in treatment. Delph's situation screams 'agent currently sounding out teams in Major League Soccer'.
Paulo Dybala
Current club
Juventus
Current situation
The 28 year-old is one of the most high-profile out-of-contract players this summer, having been one of Serie A’s standout players for years. Inter Milan are known to be especially keen to sign the Argentina international.
Most likely destination
Inter Milan, but do not rule out another club making a move.
Loris Karius
Current club
Liverpool
Current situation
He has not played for Liverpool since his two Real Madrid assists in the 2018 Champions League final. After an inauspicious couple of loan spells, interest in his permanent services has been thinner than one of his highlights reels.
Most likely destination
Given his commitment to the social media platform, major shareholder in Instagram? Or the German second division.
Jesse Lingard
Current club
Manchester United
Current situation
The decision not to sell Lingard was a silly one given the England international could have brought in as much £25 million last summer. He hardly played last term and the club also refused to let him go to Newcastle on loan in January.
Most likely destination
West Ham United remain keen.
Ousmane Dembele
Current club
Barcelona
Current situation
Barcelona want to keep Dembele but, according to reports in Spain, the winger wants a better offer from the Spanish club. Chelsea have shown interest but they have prioritised moves for Raphinha and Raheem Sterling.
Most likely destination
Staying put at Barcelona.
Juan Mata
Current club
Manchester United
Current situation
Left to heartfelt thanks from both club and supporters, in stark contrast to Paul Pogba whose departure was welcomed by many. For all the problems at Old Trafford, Mata was not one of them and he still has the ability to play at a high level.
Most likely destination
Has been offered a lucrative contract by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal but may prefer a move to the MLS instead.
Joao Moutinho
Current club
Wolves
Current situation
Moutinho's contract expires in a few days and Bruno Lage, the Wolves head coach, has made it abundantly clear that he wants the midfield master to stay at Molineux. Moutinho has promised a decision this week after emerging as a target for Jose Mourinho at Roma and his one of his former clubs, Porto.
Most likely destination
He will be 36 in September but remains an outstanding Premier League performer and, with his young family settled, a one-year contract at Wolves seems the most realistic option.
Ben Mee
Current club
Burnley
Current situation
Mee is leaving Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League last season, and there is plenty of Premier League interest in the experienced centre-back. James Tarkowski, his centre-back partner, is also leaving on a free and is expected to join Everton.
Most likely destination
A mid to lower-table Premier League club.
Isco
Current club
Real Madrid
Current situation
Once a key part of Madrid’s attack, Isco has since fallen out of favour in the Spanish capital. Real Betis and Sevilla are reported to be at the front of the queue to sign the 30 year-old. There are also suggestions that he could move to Galatasaray in Turkey. Might there be Premier League interest?
Most likely destination
Another Spanish club.
Daniel Sturridge
Current Club
Perth Glory
Current situation
Sturridge’s contract in Perth will not be renewed, having made only six appearances over the course of eight months, injuries preventing him from making the desired impact.
Most likely destination
Will MLS finally call? If the mind is willing and body is able, at 32 Sturridge still has time to succeed somewhere. But his lack of game time is sure to make interested clubs cautious.
Cenk Tosun
Current club
Everton
Current situation
A £27m Sam Allardyce signing, the four subsequent Everton managers tried to offload Tosun. He will inevitably have to accept a pay cut to continue his career.
Most likely destination
If Besiktas can afford his contract, they seem the logical choice. There are some suggestions he has already agreed terms, although clubs in Greece are also thought to be interested.
Ashley Young
Current club
Aston Villa
Current situation
The former Manchester United and England star was revitalised under Steven Gerrard and his leadership both on and off the field was invaluable. Gerrard wants him to stay, but first-team opportunities may be limited with Villa scouring Europe for left-back cover behind Lucas Digne.
Most likely destination
Unknown at this stage, though the promise of more regular football could appeal with Watford weighing up a contract offer.
