Pogba, Eriksen, David: The Best Free Agents On The Market Right Now
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Pogba, Eriksen, David: The Best Free Agents On The Market Right Now

Pogba, Eriksen, David: The Best Free Agents On The Market Right Now

With the end of the domestic season for clubs around the world, attention now turns to the transfer talks that will take place over the coming weeks. What big names are up for grabs without a penny being spent on a transfer fee? And what clubs are interested in signing these low-budget gems?

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba is now eligible to play football again after serving his doping ban. The French international was originally scheduled to be banned from football for four years after testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). However after a successful appeal in October 2024, the ban was reduced to 18 months. Since then, the World Cup winner has terminated his contract with Juventus and is available to sign elsewhere as a free agent.

The 32-year-old has attracted interest from AS Monaco, with the French outfit looking to strengthen their squad as they prepare for the Champions League next season. That is one of the many pull factors Monaco have to offer Pogba, as playing in Europe’s biggest competition will allow him to build towards the target of going to the 2026 World Cup. On top of that, Pogba will look to become a mainstay within Adi Hütter’s side, giving him the greatest chance to perform at the best of his ability.

To read more about Pogba's return to football, make sure to read our article for a full breakdown of his ban and imminent return to the game.

Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen will leave Manchester United at the end of June when his contract expires. The Danish international joined the Red Devils in July 2022 from Brentford on a free transfer. However, the midfielder is more renowned for his time at Tottenham Hotspur where, under Mauricio Pochettino, he was a constant source of creativity and spark. With the 33-year-old being a free agent on 1st July, which clubs will be looking to add the experienced player to their cavalry?

A return to the Lilywhites has been rumoured in recent weeks, and maybe going back to his old club has some reasoning behind it as well. With Thomas Frank being appointed as the new Spurs manager, replacing Ange Postecoglou, it begs the question if Eriksen would be keen to link up with his former Brentford boss. The familiarity and comfort of playing at his old club under his old manager might tempt the Dane to re-sign for the Europa League winners.

Jonathan David

Jonathan David has consistently performed well at Lille since his transfer to the French club in 2020. In his first season with the team, he notched up 13 goals in 37 league appearances. In the following campaigns the Canadian scored 15, 24, 19 and 16 goals, speaking volumes about his consistency and quality. And if you needed anymore proof that the forward can do it at the highest level, he scored 7 goals in 10 Champions League games this season.

There’s no doubt that the 25-year-old can perform at the highest level, meaning the club that manages to secure the signature of the prolific forward will significantly improve their strike force. The Canadian international has been linked with plenty of teams since his departure from Lille was announced, with Napoli and Fenerbahçe being the front runners. Despite the lack of transfer fee, a deal for the forward won’t be cheap as David is demanding a huge wage from his next club.

For a deeper dive into which club Jonathan David might be playing for, check out our article which looks at which clubs are interested in the Canadian forward.

Kyle Walker-Peters

Kyle Walker-Peters will leave Southampton when his contract expires on 30th June after spending five years with the club. The full-back first joined the Saints on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020, which then became a permanent move in August 2020. During his time at Southampton the 28-year-old became a regular starter under numerous managers, showcasing his quality and importance to the defence.

It’s no surprise that many Premier League clubs are being linked to the former Southampton man, as he provides a cheap option to strengthen in the full-back department. Teams such as Everton, Fulham, West Ham and Brighton have all been linked with securing the signature of the England international. With so many established Premier League clubs being interested in Walker-Peters, it seems likely that he will land a move back to England’s highest division before the start of next season.

Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey is looking more and more likely to leave Arsenal this summer after failing to reach a compromise with the Gunners over his wage bill. The Ghana midfielder is currently set to be a free agent if the two sides can’t negotiate a contract extension. It would be a big blow to Mikel Arteta, who used the defensive midfield 52 times in all competitions last season.

The 32-year-old has been linked with Fenerbahçe and AC Milan, who are both keen to sign Partey for the upcoming season. With both clubs apparently sending concrete deals to the Ghana international, it remains unclear on what the exact figures are, however, it appears that these proposals sent to the midfielder might be enough to draw him away from the Emirates Stadium. It forces the Gunners to act quickly to ensure they don’t lose a centrepiece of their midfield for next season.

Abdoulaye Doucouré

Abdoulaye Doucouré is another player who has been a mainstay within the midfield of his club, but is going towards the exit door this summer. The Mali international played 33 games for Everton this season and has been an important player for the Toffees since his arrival in 2020. However, now that his five years stay at the club will come to an end, he is looking to secure a lucrative move abroad.

Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab have shown interest in signing the former Toffees player, with reports suggesting they are prepared to offer the 32-year-old £57,500-per-week. With newly promoted side Leeds United also inquiring about a deal for the Mali midfielder, it appears that the Peacocks need to shake off competition by offering Doucouré a bigger wage. It may prove to be a worthwhile signing for the West Yorkshire based team, as the former Toffees player carries a wealth of experience and knowledge in playing within the bottom half of the Premier League.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Charlie Stevens

Content Writer

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