The summer transfer window has slammed shut across Europe, yet a striking list of high-profile players remain free agents, available to any club willing to offer them a contract outside the usual window restrictions.
Among the most notable names is Paul Pogba, the 33-year-old World Cup winner whose career has stalled since his doping suspension ended in March 2025. After joining Monaco last summer, the Frenchman managed only six appearances before a string of injuries prompted the Ligue 1 club to terminate his contract early, a year ahead of schedule.
Also searching for a new home is Karim Benzema. The 38-year-old former Real Madrid and Ballon d'Or-winning striker left Al Hilal on 31 August, just six months after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Benzema had made three appearances for the club this season, but the signings of Crysencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli appear to have squeezed him out of the attacking picture.
Riyad Mahrez is another player whose Saudi Pro League deal was cut short. The 35-year-old Algerian winger, who scored 37 goals in 122 appearances for Al Ahli after leaving Manchester City in 2023, has had his contract terminated but is reportedly closing in on a switch to Al-Shabab, meaning he could remain in the Gulf.
Raheem Sterling's situation looks considerably more uncertain. The 31-year-old winger was let go by Feyenoord after a brief stint of just three months and eight appearances. He is also due in court next month over dangerous driving charges stemming from a car crash in May. Sources close to the England international told the BBC that Sterling has endured