With the 2026-27 Premier League season on the horizon, a significant number of players who graced the English top flight last campaign are still without a club, creating a buzz in the transfer market. These out-of-contract stars, ranging from seasoned internationals to promising talents, are now free to negotiate with any team, potentially offering valuable experience or a fresh start for their careers.
Among the most prominent names is John Stones, the 32-year-old defender who recently departed Manchester City after a highly successful decade. During his time at the Etihad, Stones secured an impressive 15 major trophies. Despite recent injury concerns, he was still selected for England by manager Thomas Tuchel. Speculation suggests a potential return to his former club Everton or a move to Italian giants AC Milan could be on the cards for the central defender.
Mohamed Salah, 33, also finds himself in a similar situation after a turbulent conclusion to his Liverpool career. The Egyptian forward's final months at Anfield were reportedly strained, with his relationship with former boss Arne Slot said to have deteriorated. Both have since left the club. While a move to the Saudi Pro League was widely anticipated following the World Cup, Salah has more recently been linked with a switch to Turkish club Besiktas.
Jadon Sancho, at 26, represents another high-profile player seeking a new chapter. His tenure at Manchester United, following a £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, has been challenging. Sancho spent the last two and a half years on loan, including spells at Chelsea and Aston Villa, and made just 30 Premier League appearances for United. Reports indicate he has received an offer from Qatari side Al-Rayyan.
Other notable free agents include Yves Bissouma, the 29-year-old Mali midfielder, who made just 11 top-flight appearances for Tottenham Hotspur last season due to injury and off-field issues. Bissouma is reportedly keen to remain in the Premier League, with Fulham said to be interested. Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, 33, formerly Manchester City's number two and most recently at Nottingham Forest, is reportedly close to a move to Greek side Olympiacos. Tyrell Malacia, a 26-year-old Dutch left-back, endured a difficult four-year spell at Manchester United marred by a chronic knee injury that kept him out for over 500 days, limiting him to just 11 appearances since. Adama Traore, 30, was released by West Ham following their relegation to the Championship, just six months after joining, and has been linked with a return to former club Wolves.
The list of out-of-contract players also includes several familiar faces from other Premier League clubs. Brighton & Hove Albion has seen Solly March, 32, Adam Webster, 31, and Joel Veltman, 34, depart. Nathaniel Clyne, 35, from Crystal Palace, and Everton stalwart Seamus Coleman, 37, are also available. Newcastle United's Emil Krafth, 31, Nottingham Forest's Willy Boly, 35, and Bertrand Traore, 30, formerly of Sunderland, complete the list of players hoping to secure their futures ahead of the new season.