Ten experienced free agents still available after blockbuster summer spending
Record £3.11bn spent in the Premier League this summer, but several notable players released before the window remain eligible to sign
Premier League clubs spent a record £3.11 billion on transfer fees over the summer, yet two weeks after the close of the English transfer window a number of established players remain available as free agents. Because they were released before the deadline, those players are eligible to sign for clubs outside the window and have attracted interest across England and abroad.
Daily Mail Sport highlighted 10 experienced names who could be picked up without transfer fees, offering options for clubs seeking depth, leadership or a low-risk short-term solution. The list ranges from goalkeepers with Premier League experience to out-of-contract forwards who have played at the highest levels of English football.
Fraser Forster, 37, is among the most experienced on the market. The former England international made four appearances for Tottenham Hotspur during their victorious Europa League campaign last season and has amassed more than 480 career appearances with spells at Norwich City, Celtic and Southampton. Forster, a homegrown player with proven Premier League experience, is viewed as a reliable option for clubs seeking an experienced back-up goalkeeper.
Sergio Reguilón, 28, the left-back who has played for Real Madrid, Tottenham and Manchester United, has been linked with a return to Brentford, where he spent time on loan a season ago. West Ham United, Everton and Nottingham Forest were also reported to have considered him while assessing left-back options amid injury issues and departures. Reguilón has been weighing offers from abroad, having been previously linked with moves to Saudi Arabia.
Craig Dawson, 35, who played regularly for West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, found first-team opportunities limited at Molineux following the arrival of coach Vítor Pereira. Championship clubs such as Birmingham City made approaches during the summer, aware of Dawson’s aerial ability and set-piece threat; Wrexham and Blackburn Rovers have also shown interest.
Liam Cooper, the former Leeds United captain and Scotland international, recently cancelled his contract with CSKA Sofia and is exploring a return to the United Kingdom. The 34-year-old has maintained fitness since leaving Bulgaria and has attracted reported interest from Sheffield Wednesday, although any move would depend on EFL clearance and the club’s registration processes.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 32, left Turkish side Beşiktaş at the end of the summer after two seasons in Istanbul. The midfielder, who has 35 England caps, made 44 appearances for Beşiktaş across competitions, scoring five goals. Both Birmingham City and Leeds United have been reported to hold discussions over his availability.
Tom Lawrence, 31, who spent time with Rangers and Ipswich Town earlier in his career, has been linked with interest from Wrexham and Stockport County. There have also been reports of Championship-level interest, notably from Sheffield Wednesday, and approaches from abroad, including a club in Iran’s Persian Gulf Pro League.
Emmanuel Dennis, 27, departed Nottingham Forest by mutual consent toward the end of the transfer window. Dennis, who first made a significant impact at Watford during the 2020–21 season, has attracted attention from a number of leagues but has been reported to be holding out for an opportunity that would allow him to re-establish form at a high level.
Dele Alli, 29, left Italian side Como after a single appearance and has stated a desire for regular playing time rather than early retirement. The former England midfielder has been linked with interest from clubs including Wrexham, West Bromwich Albion—where former teammate Ryan Mason is on the coaching staff—and teams in Spain’s La Liga, as well as clubs in the English Championship.
Nathan Redmond, 31, who left Burnley at the end of last season, has kept his fitness through the summer and trained briefly with Sheffield United alongside other out-of-contract players. Redmond departed the Blades’ training camp without a contract and is exploring other opportunities after manager Rubén Sellés left Bramall Lane.
Patrick Bamford, 32, was released by Leeds United and has attracted varied interest from English clubs, teams in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer. Bamford made 18 appearances for Leeds last season, but recurring niggling injuries and managerial decisions led to his release as the club reshaped its squad.
Clubs weighing options with these players will consider factors such as current fitness, recent playing time, homegrown status and the immediate needs of their squads. With the transfer window closed, signing a released player remains a pragmatic route for teams seeking experience without additional transfer fees. The availability of these players provides a range of tactical and short-term solutions as the season progresses and squads contend with injuries and fixture congestion.