Dele Alli and Memphis Depay named alongside ex-Arsenal and Manchester United stars in best free agent XI
07/08/2024 12:10 PM
Football clubs across the globe may be looking to splash the cash this summer – but they’d be fools in overlooking some high-profile free agents.
Goalkeeper David De Gea is still on the lookout for a new club a year after being released by Manchester United.
He is one of a number of ex-Red Devils stars who are searching for their next adventure.
Meanwhile an Arsenal cult hero, Tottenham fan favourite and multiple Champions League winner with Real Madrid are also all out of contract.
With Euro 2024 set to conclude on Sunday, it is expected that teams across Europe will soon open their purse strings in an attempt to strengthen their squad.
But there are plenty of players available for nothing that would save clubs a fortune.
Here talkSPORT.com have drafted up an XI compiled of free agents in a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
De Gea may have spent a year out of football, but he remains in tip-top shape – as shown by training footage shared by the Spaniard.
The 33-year-old was on Newcastle and Madrid’s radar to provide back-up cover, but no deal came to fruition.
Having departed United with 545 appearances under his belt, the 2013 Premier League champion would be a welcomed addition to any side.
Defence
Slotting in at right-back is Real Madrid veteran Lucas Vazquez, whose nine-year spell at the club appears to have come to an end.
The 33-year-old, who has won five Champions League titles at the Bernaubeu, had been expected to sign a new one-year deal, but nothing yet has been announced.
In the middle of defence is former Real and United man Raphael Varane, who was released by the Old Trafford outfit following his dazzling display in the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City.
He has been heavily linked with a switch to Serie A newcomers Como in what would be a huge coup for the Italian minnows.
Varane would then partner Mario Hermoso at centre-back, with the 28-year-old shockingly allowed to leave Atletico Madrid despite playing in 45 matches last campaign.
And at left-back is Ryan Sessegnon, fresh from his release at Tottenham where he was plagued by numerous injury setbacks during his five-year stay.
But the 24-year-old, who was limited to just 57 outings for Spurs, could soon be on the move with Crystal Palace a potential option.
Midfield
Featuring in a lone defensive midfield role is Adrien Rabiot, who has been in action for France at Euro 2024.
The 29-year-old is available on a free transfer after five successful years at Juventus, where he appeared in 212 games – winning one Serie A title and two Coppa Italias.
Ex-Spurs hero Dele Alli would then play in midfield following his release at Everton.
Though he will be allowed to continue using the Toffees’ Finch Farm training facilities as he targets a comeback to the beautiful game.
And Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus would be the other after he decided not to extend his 12-year stay at Signal Iduna Park – although rumours suggest an MLS deal will materialise quickly.
Attack
Fresh from helping Inter Milan win the Serie A title, former Arsenal and United forward Alexis Sanchez features on the left wing.
The two-time FA Cup winner contributed to seven goals in the Italian top-flight, showing he’s still capable of producing golden moments at the age of 35.
The right winger would then be Anthony Martial – another player United allowed to move on this summer following his injury troubles.
But the 28-year-old is believed to have no shortage of suitors, with a return to France one potential avenue for Martial.
And leading the line is Memphis Depay, who has departed Atletico having scored nine goals in the 2023/24 campaign.
Depay has been Holland’s starting striker at Euro 2024 where he has helped them reach the semi-finals, where they face England on Wednesday – live on talkSPORT.
