The top free agents still available for clubs to sign

With the new season fast approaching, clubs across Europe are continuing to scour the market for bargains, and there are still some very impressive players available without the need to pay a transfer fee.

While a free transfer does not necessarily mean a player comes cheaply, given wages and signing on fees, they can still provide better value than players that require big money transfer fees.

Here are some of the best free agents currently available…

Dušan Vlahović

The Serbian striker is only 26 and is available after leaving Juventus, where he scored 68 goals in 168 games.

He has had his struggles with injury in Italy which might put off potential suitors, but he has the potential to be a top signing for any club in needed of attacking reinforcements.

Mohamed Salah

The 34-year-old is still one of the most recognisable and decorated forwards in world football, and his availability represents a huge opportunity for any club looking for immediate attacking quality.

Age will obviously be a consideration, particularly when it comes to the length of any potential contract, but Salah’s experience and ability to decide matches mean he could still be a transformational signing, following his departure from Liverpool.

Jadon Sancho

At just 26, the England international still has plenty of time to rediscover the form which made him one of the most exciting young attackers in European football during his time at Borussia Dortmund.

A club able to give Sancho the right environment could get a bargain deal.

John Stones

The England international’s injury history will inevitably be a consideration, but when fit, his ability to defend, pass out from the back and operate in different positions makes him one of the most attractive free agents available.

Chelsea and Arsenal have both been linked with the 32-year-old, who proved he can still contribute at a high level at the World Cup with England.

Fabinho

The former Liverpool star has won almost everything available at club level and remains a player with enormous experience in defensive midfield.

At 32, he would represent a short-term signing rather than a long-term project, but a club looking for leadership and experience in midfield could see him as a worthwhile signing.

Leon Goretzka

The Germany international is available after leaving Bayern Munich and while he would command significant wages, boasts incredible experience and quality at the top level, having won everything there is to win with Bayern Munich.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

The Ukraine international is capable of playing at left-back or in midfield, making him an appealing option for clubs looking for versatility.

He most recently played for Ajax, but had his season cut short by a knee injury.

Julian Brandt

The Germany international can play across the front line. He is a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund, scoring 57 goals and setting up a further 70 in 307 games.

Leeds United are among the clubs to have been linked with a move for the 30-year-old.

Franck Kessié

The Ivory Coast midfielder impressed at the World Cup and is available after leaving Al-Ahli.

At 29, he is still at a good age and would bring physicality to the middle of the pitch for a club light on midfield options.

Raphaël Guerreiro

The Portugal international can play at left-back or in midfield and has left Bayern Munich after three years at the club. He is now 32 but still has plenty to offer at the top level.

Dani Carvajal

Carvajal has left Real Madrid after 23 years at the club and while 34, his experience and defensive knowhow could prove invaluable for a side in need of a right-back.

Riyad Mahrez

At 35, Mahrez is coming to the end of his career but could still offer some of the spark and creativity which made him one of the Premier League’s top wingers for many years.

Dani Ceballos

The former Real Madrid midfielder is still only 29 and while he has not played a great deal of football over the past couple of years, has the quality on the ball to contribute at a high level.

Marcelo Brozovic

The 33-year-old has spent the last three years at Al Nassr and while there may be doubts about whether he can still do it at the top level, he represents a budget friendly option in holding midfield.