Free agents XI: Best out-of-contract players by position including ex-Man United stars

The Bosman market operates outside the traditional transfer calendar, offering clubs an ever-open window to reinforce without paying a fee. With squads often stretched by injury or suspension, savvy sporting directors keep a rolling shortlist of unemployed talent who can step in at short notice. Below, assembled in a 4-3-3, is a position-by-position pick of the most eye-catching names currently searching for their next employer.

Goalkeeper – Sergio Romero At 39, the former Manchester United keeper is back on the market after a three-month stint at Argentinos Juniors. Romero’s six-year Old Trafford résumé includes a Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup treble, while his 88-game spell at Boca Juniors yielded 36 clean sheets and an Argentine Super Cup.

Right-back – Timothy Fosu-Mensah Released by Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, the 28-year-old was part of Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-and-cup double-winning squad despite not playing a minute in the title run-in. A United academy graduate, Fosu-Mensah spent five seasons in the first-team picture but never nailed down a starting role.

Centre-back – Craig Dawson Dawson’s 300-plus Premier League appearances for Wolves, West Ham, Watford and West Brom make him the most experienced English top-flight defender currently unemployed. The 35-year-old’s last competitive outing came for Wolves against Tottenham in December 2024.

Centre-back – Sergio Ramos After 16 glittering years at Real Madrid, Ramos collected five La Liga titles and four Champions League medals. Following stints at Paris Saint-Germain and Monterrey, the 39-year-old is again a free agent, leaving clubs to weigh his leadership against his ageing legs.

Left-back – Brandon Williams Once heralded as United’s next home-grown star, Williams amassed 51 appearances before loans to Norwich and Ipswich failed to yield permanent moves. A brief 2024-25 Championship contract at Hull City ended after six months, returning the 25-year-old to the availability list.

Central midfield – Dele Alli Tottenham have opened their training ground to the 29-year-old as he rebuilds fitness. Alli scored 67 goals and laid on 59 assists in 269 competitive games for Spurs, but subsequent spells at Everton, Besiktas and Como have been blighted by injury and form issues.

Central midfield – Philippe Coutinho Once a £142 million Liverpool departure, Coutinho’s peak Anfield numbers read 54 goals and 44 assists in 201 matches. Trophies followed at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, yet a second homecoming at Vasco da Gama has ended with the 31-year-old seeking a new chapter.

Central midfield – Tiemoue Bakayoko The 2017 move from Monaco to Chelsea stalled the Frenchman’s trajectory; five loan assignments across Europe never recaptured his Ligue 1 form. Now 31, Bakayoko is hoping a fresh environment can revive a career that once promised elite-level dominance.

Right wing – Nathan Redmond A summer release by Burnley preceded a short-term Championship deal at Sheffield Wednesday, where injuries restricted the former England international to seven substitute appearances. Redmond left at the end of January when the club opted against an extension.

Left wing – Malcolm Ebiowei Hyped after swapping Derby County for Crystal Palace, the 20-year-old managed only five senior games. A subsequent two-year contract at Blackpool was terminated by mutual consent in September, leaving the winger back on the open market.

Centre-forward – Divock Origi The Belgian’s dramatic Liverpool moments are well documented, but a move to Milan stalled and a Nottingham Forest loan brought no lifeline. Milan demoted Origi to their reserve squad before releasing him in December, and the 30-year-old is now plotting a route back to relevance.

For clubs hunting experience without a transfer outlay, this XI offers a blend of proven pedigree and untapped potential, all available for nothing more than a signature.