Free agents: The 20 best out-of-contract players headed by Man Utd rejects
We are now down to the dregs of footballers available on a free with the season well underway. Anybody desperate?
We have ranked by ‘value’ according to Transfermarkt but that’s just a guide.
1) David De Gea (Manchester United)
Gone from Old Trafford with no fanfare after 12 years and we’re past the stage where he is posting training videos on social media to remind everybody that he is still alive. Seems to be hanging around Manchester just to please headline-writers from tabloid websites.
2) Jesse Lingard (Nottingham Forest)
When your wage demands are too high for Saudi Arabia, you know there’s a problem.
3) Xeka (Rennes)
Portuguese former Lille midfielder who was restricted to just six Ligue Un starts by injury last season. Everton were said to be sniffing.
4) Anwar El Ghazi (Mainz)
The ex-Villa winger has joined and left Mainz since he was linked with move to Manchester United in September when Erik ten Hag was struggling for wingers.
5) Helder Costa (Leeds United)
Released by mutual consent over two years since his last appearance for the club.
6) Jose Campana (Levante)
Out with a ruptured cruciate ligament, the Spaniard is not leaving this list any time soon.
7) Santi Mina (Celta Vigo)
Convicted of a sex attack but is currently appealing the decision, leading to Sampdoria pursuing a deal but then backing out after fan protests.
8) Tanguy Coulibaly (Stuttgart)
Coulibaly was at PSG until 2019 before spending four years with Stuttgart.
9) Souleyman Doumbia (Angers)
Ivory Coast international left-back born in France.
10) Almamy Toure (Frankfurt)
After spells with Monaco and Frankfurt, the Malian international is available.
11) Nemanja Jovic (Partizan)
Capped twice by Serbia but without a club.
12) Darko Velkovski (Al Ettifaq)
North Madedonian centre-half unwanted by Steven Gerrard.
13) Roberto Soriano (Bologna)
Nine times capped by Italy but released by Bologna after a serious injury.
14) Douglas Costa (LA Galaxy)
Ex-Bayern and Juventus winger recently left LA Galaxy after a season and a half in MLS.
15) Jean Pyerre (Gremio)
Attacking midfielder. Brazilian. What more do you want?
16) Mamadou Sakho (Marseille)
“You have to know how to leave the table when respect is no longer served,” said the ex-Liverpool defender upon leaving Marseille following a clash with coach Michel der Zakarian.
17) Tarique Fosu (Brentford)
Ghanaian winger who once (literally) appeared in the Premier League.
18) Yann M’Vila (Olympiakos)
Once briefly of Sunderland, the former France midfielder is on the market again.
19) Ismael Silva (Al-Faisaly)
The Brazilian midfielder is a free agent after leaving Saudi just as everyone else was arriving.
20) Opa Nguette (FC Baniyas)
Senegalese international winger last seen playing in the UAE.
NEXT: Mbappe, Man Utd and Liverpool targets among 20 best players out of contract in 2024…
