Summer Transfer Window Closes: Premier League Clubs Make Significant Squad Strengthening Efforts
The summer transfer window has come to a close, and Premier League clubs have spared no expense in bolstering their squads. However, for teams that missed out on their primary targets, there is still hope in the form of free agents. These players are not under contract and are available to sign, providing an opportunity for clubs to add quality to their rosters.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable free agents still on the market:
Goalkeeper – Keylor Navas:
Keylor Navas, 37, announced his departure from Paris St-Germain in May and was set to join Italian side Monza on a free transfer. However, the deal fell through, leaving Navas without a club. The former Costa Rica goalkeeper has an impressive resume, having spent five years at Real Madrid and a further five at PSG. He also had a loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the 2022-23 Premier League season, making 17 appearances.
Right-back – Serge Aurier:
Former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest full-back Serge Aurier, 31, played alongside Wilfried Zaha at Galatasaray before leaving in the summer. Aurier brings a wealth of experience, having won the Ligue 1 title twice with Paris St-Germain.
Centre-back – Joel Matip:
Joel Matip bid farewell to Liverpool in the summer after eight successful seasons. During his time at the club, Matip played a crucial role in helping Liverpool win the Premier League and the Champions League. The 33-year-old defender has been linked with several clubs, including West Ham.
Centre-back – Mats Hummels:
Mats Hummels, a 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, recently played in the Champions League final for Borussia Dortmund. The 35-year-old defender is seeking a new challenge after leaving Dortmund and has been strongly linked with a move to Roma. Hummels’ experience and leadership would be valuable for any team.
Left-back – Brandon Williams:
At just 24 years old, Brandon Williams has already made a name for himself. The young left-back scored for Manchester United in a Premier League draw with Sheffield United in 2019. Williams, who had been with United since the age of nine, was released by the club in the summer after 51 first-team appearances.
Winger – Victor Moses:
Victor Moses, 33, is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Spartak Moscow. The Nigerian winger has played 220 Premier League games for five different clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool. Moses’ experience and versatility make him an attractive option for teams in need of attacking reinforcements.
Central midfield – Adrien Rabiot:
Adrien Rabiot, 29, left Juventus at the end of his contract, having made over 200 appearances for the Serie A side. The French midfielder was part of the national team that reached the 2022 World Cup final. Rabiot’s technical ability and midfield presence have caught the attention of clubs, with Manchester United being linked as a potential destination.
Central midfield – Andre Gomes:
Andre Gomes, 31, recently left Everton after his contract expired. The Portuguese midfielder has had stints at Barcelona, Valencia, and Lille. Gomes’ experience and vision in midfield could be an asset to any team in need of creative playmaking.
Winger – Robert Skov:
Robert Skov, 28, was once dubbed Denmark’s answer to Gareth Bale. The goalscoring winger has played in Germany with Hoffenheim for the past five years. Skov’s ability to find the back of the net has garnered interest, with Tottenham being previously linked to the player.
Forward – Anthony Martial:
Manchester United announced in May that Anthony Martial would be leaving the club after scoring 90 goals in 317 appearances. The French striker, at just 28 years old, still has plenty to offer. Reports suggest that Lille, who will face Liverpool in the Champions League this season, are interested in securing Martial’s services.
Forward – Memphis Depay:
Memphis Depay, 30, played a key role in helping the Netherlands reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024. The forward missed a significant portion of Atletico Madrid’s 2023-24 season due to injury. Depay’s versatility and attacking prowess have seen him play for top clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, and Lyon.
In conclusion, while the summer transfer window has closed, there are still opportunities for clubs to strengthen their squads by signing free agents. The players mentioned above bring a wealth of experience and quality, making them attractive options for teams in need. It will be interesting to see where these free agents end up and how they will impact their new clubs.