It has been three decades since the landmark Bosman ruling, which significantly changed football.
Among the most notable impacts was the introduction of free agency. Players can move to other clubs without transfer fees once their contracts expire.
This means that clubs might lose valuable players without receiving any financial compensation when their contracts end.
Many high-profile names have recently entered free agency, waiting to write the next chapters of their careers.
We have selected a starting eleven using the commonly employed 4-2-3-1 formation.
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GK: Mathew Ryan
Many remember Mathew Ryan for his time at Brighton and Hove Albion, but since leaving the Premier League, he’s embarked on a tour of some of Europe’s top destinations. Among the top clubs he’s played for in various leagues include Real Sociedad, FC Copenhagen, AZ Alkmaar, Roma and Lens.
The Australia international recently left the latter at the end of his contract but at 33, he still has plenty of miles left on the clock. Many will be eyeing up as a starter or experienced back-up.
Honourable mentions: Angus Gunn, Fraser Forster
RB: Vladimir Coufal
Vladimir Coufal ended his five-year association with Premier League club West Ham, despite making over 20 league appearances for the Hammers in a single season once again. The arrival of Kyle Walker-Peters from relegated Southampton, along with the continued presence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, meant that Coufal’s services were no longer required. Now 32 years old, the 55-time capped Czech international possesses a wealth of experience, making him an excellent option for any team in need of a steady and capable player who has proven himself at the highest level.
Honourable mentions: Rick Karsdorp, Juan Cuadrado
RCB: Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma found himself loaned out from West Ham to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Orobah last season and perhaps that’s where his future now lies. However, he’s a very experienced defender and still only 30 years old, so it’s not unrealistic to suggest a few top-five league clubs might look to pick him up.
Honourable mentions: Rob Holding, Cesar Azpilicueta
LCB: Victor Lindelof
In terms of quality and the point in his career he’s at, Victor Lindelof is among the best free agents right now. The Swedish international recently left Manchester United after an eight-year stint, during which he played over 30 Premier League matches in two of his first three seasons at Old Trafford.
Overall, he made more than 280 appearances for the club across all competitions, winning both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. Despite his limited playing time in recent years, Lindelof, who is only 31, still has plenty of energy left. It will be interesting to see where he chooses to go next.
Honourable mentions: Eric Bailly, Samuel Umtiti
LB: Sergio Reguilon
Once a promising prospect at Real Madrid, Sergio Reguilon has experienced a tumultuous journey and currently finds himself without a club after making over 50 league appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, although he has spent the last few years on loan at Atlético Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford.
As he approaches his 29th birthday this season, Reguilon — who earned six caps for Spain, albeit his last appearance coming in 2021 — is entering what is often considered a player’s prime and has much to offer the right team.
Honourable mentions: Arthur Masuaku, Juan Bernat
CM: Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen probably should have left Man Utd a lot sooner but, every now and then, the Dane would show glimpses of his former self and give them reason to keep him around.
The 144-time Denmark international is now 33 years old but in the right league, still has plenty of class to offer on the ball and from set-piece situations. Rangers are the latest club to be linked with his services.
Honourable mention: Josh Brownhill
CM: Miralem Pjanic
Lining Miralem Pjanic up alongside Eriksen at the base of this midfield would leave it seriously short of legs, but that might not matter given how hard it would be to dispossess.
Gone are the days when Pjanic was lighting up the midfields of Roma, Juventus and Barcelona and he is now 35 years old. But some clubs may still value the quality he brings and the experience he’s acquired.
Honourable mention: Jonjo Shelvey
AM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure played a key role in helping preserve Everton’s status as a Premier League club over the last few years, registering 15 goals over the past three seasons — more than any other Toffees player.
However, the two parties couldn’t agree on new terms and the 32-year-old chose to depart following the club’s last game at Goodison Park.
But despite his age, Doucoure has proven he can still have an impact at the highest level. There have also been rumblings of a Saudi move.
Honourable mentions: Ianis Hagi, Rafinha
RW: Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech’s career has been on a slow decline ever since he left Ajax for Chelsea in 2020 but even at 32, his technical brilliance remains unquestioned. You’re not going to get dynamism out of the Moroccan, and perhaps not even a hard day’s work. But you will get quality through-balls and spectacular shots aplenty. For some, that would be enough to take a punt.
Honourable mentions: Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond
LW: Marko Pjaca
Marko Pjaca has never been one to really catch the eye, often playing alongside much more exciting names and talents. However, he’s always proven himself as reliable, hard-working and an underrated winger over the years for Croatia and, at club level, the likes of Genoa, Torino and Fiorentina.
Pjaca has just left Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb at the end of his contract but is still only 30 years old, so will have no shortage of clubs looking to bring him aboard.
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Arguably the best and most valuable player in this team in terms of age, but when it comes to currently abilty, it’s been a while since we’ve seen the real Dominic Calvert-Lewin and that’s because injuries have robbed us and Everton who have often relied upon him for goals to stave off the sepctre of relegation and maintain their Premier League status.
The 11-time England international leaves the Toffees after 71 goals and 22 assists across 273 appearances following his 2016 move from Sheffield United. Atalanta and Newcastle United are among the clubs currently being linked with the 28-year-old, and if he is snapped up, we have a pretty sizeable list of honourable mentions to take his place in this team.
Honourable mentions: Danny Ings, Luka Jovic, Paco Alcácer, Luuk de Jong, Wissam Ben Yedder, Jamie Vardy, Diego Costa