New Delhi: With the transfer market producing some top transfers as clubs look to strengthen their squads, there are a numerous free agents who are yet to be signed. Some of the veterans, who have left their clubs are also a part of this list. There are reports that some of these players might get a move but nothing has been confirmed as of now.
Thiago Alcantara
MAINZ, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 01: Thiago Alcantara of Muenchen celebrates his team’s third goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Bayern Muenchen at Opel Arena on February 01, 2020 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Thiago Alcantara is one of the most elegant and gifted midfielders of this generation and it just feels harsh not to see the ageing midfield gem on the pitch these days. The 33-year-old maestro has had a tremendous career where he was always considered to be an instrumental player for any team that he played for. These teams include three European giants, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich and Liverpool, where in each of the teams, Thiago was an integral part of the squad.
The Spanish international also has 46 appearances for his national side. With over 500 appearances for club and country, Thiago is one of the most decorated midfielders, winning the Laliga title four times with Barcelona, Bundesliga title seven times with Bayern Munich and also a two time UEFA champions league winner with Barcelona and Bayern. His elegance on the pitch is something to watch, as is a technically gifted footballer who knows how to command the midfield, has a silky smooth close control ability and creative intelligence.
His contract with Liverpool recently got expired and the Klop decided not to renew his contract. Ever since he is without a club and hasn’t played proper football since Feburary 2024, where he was brought on for just five minutes against Arsenal.
David De Gea
LEEDS, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: David De Gea celebrates after Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scored their sides second goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on February 20, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
David de Gea has established himself, over the years, as one of the very finest goalkeepers of this generation. A true Manchester United legend who has a total of 147 clean sheets in the Premier League, making him the fourth highest goalkeeper with most number of clean sheets. The Spaniard has played over 500 matches for Manchester United ever since he signed for the legendary club in 2011 from Atletico Madrid. He was one of the markee signings under Alex Ferguson, who was in charge of a squad filled with legendary top class players.
De Gea’s final few seasons didn’t go as planned, after he was criticised a lot for his errors that costed United a lot of big matches. However, those phases have nothing to do with the legendary career he has had at Manchester United, where he won the premier league once and other domestic titles. Additionaly, he was named player of the year four times, made it into the PFA team of the year on five occassions and won the golden gloves award twice. Currently, de Gea has stayed a free agent for more than a year now, and the 33-year-old still has a lot to offer.
Joel Matip
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Joel Matip of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-1 during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Liverpool FC and AFC Ajax at Anfield on September 13, 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/2022 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
Another influential player who has been a part of the Liverpool squad since 2016, making over 200 appearances for the Reds. Matip confirmed his departure last month as the 32-year-old was out of contract and Liverpool decided not to renew it. Matip’s performances often went under the radar, proving that he is one the most underrated centre backs of this generation. The forward ball playing defender was a great asset for Jurgen Klopp and the long serving defender has always been a crucial part of Liverpool squad.
Besides, Matip has all the abilities that a good defender needs that involve the physicality, game reading ability, hard tackling and intelligence. Over the years, Matip has done silently done his job being a part of the Liverpool squad and is adored by the fans. During his time at Liverpool, he won the champions league and the Premier League. The defender is now a free agent and will be planning to make a return with a different challenge at a new club.
Memphis Depay
MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 25: Memphis Depay of Atletico de Madrid celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Depay has had a very complicated career where he has achieved the highs as well as the lows. The Dutch international signed for Atletico Madrid last season after an underwhelming loan spell at Catalunya where he couldn’t manage to get proper game time in two years. However, he did his job at Atletico, finding the net 14 times in his 40 appearances for the club. His best season came at Lyon, before signing for Barcelona, where he was the player to watch out for. The Dutch scored a mammoth 76 goals for Lyon, making over 150 appearances in five seasons for them.
However, the 30-year-old was released by Atletico Madrid and after consistently starting for the Dutch side in Euros, a transfer move looks very much possible. There are chances that he might join the Italian giants AC Milan for next season.
Adrien Rabiot
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 14: Adrien Rabiot of Juventus applauds the fans after the Serie A match between Juventus and US Cremonese at Allianz Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Adrien Rabiot had a more than decent season with Juventus, where he appeared in 31 Serie A games. The French midfielder has had his ups and downs but he has established himself as a solid box to box midfielder who gets the job done for his side. After having a decent Euro campaign with the French side, it is likely to see that he might get offers for the next season. It has not been confirmed that Juventus are ready to let him go, as Rabiot is fully focused on semi final of this Euro campaign.
However, the 29-year-old will be looking to make the best possible decision, whether to move or stay at the Bianconeri. As of now, his contract with Juventus has expired which might get sorted in the upcoming weeks.
Here’s a look at the top free agents as UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America progress through to the final stages and the players inch closer towards club football again. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
