It’s hardly a modern phenomenon thanks to Jean-Marc Bosman’s tireless efforts, but more and more high-level players are seemingly allowing their contracts to run down in order to become free agents.
For clubs, acquiring players for nothing (wages notwithstanding) is a hugely enticing prospect given the financial situation for the vast majority of European clubs in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
While the situation is bound to change in the coming months, there’s currently an abundance of stellar talent who could be free agents at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Here’s the 20 most eye-catching players currently available for nothing come summer 2024…
Will Mbappe finally get his move to Real Madrid? / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages
Barcelona are not going to let Balde go / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/GettyImages
Rabiot has emerged as a key man for Max Allegri’s Juventus / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages
Zielinski almost left for Saudi Arabia in the summer / Ivan Romano/GettyImages
Young Williams has caps for Spain / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
Rodriguez has impressed for Betis / Fran Santiago/GettyImages
Kimpembe is recovering from a long-term injury / Jean Catuffe/GettyImages
16-year-old sensation Yamal is set to earn a bumper new deal / ANDER GILLENEA/GettyImages
Fofana has forged quite the reputation with Monaco / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages
Wan-Bissaka has come into Erik ten Hag’s thinking / Michael Regan/GettyImages
Kroos continues to perform at an incredibly high level / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
Will Newcastle’s project move beyond Wilson? / Lewis Storey/GettyImages
Jorginho will play a peripheral role for Arsenal this season / Alex Pantling/GettyImages
Injuries couldn’t to plague Thiago’s obvious talent / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages
The Benfica stalwart could finally leave the club / Will Palmer/Allstar/GettyImages
Taremi almost joined Milan in the summer / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
The Brazilian forward failed miserably on his previous European venture / Wagner Meier/GettyImages
Morata could be on the move again / Angel Martinez/GettyImages
Meret stood between the sticks during Napoli’s Scudetto triumph / Francesco Pecoraro/GettyImages
Koke will surely retire in the Spanish capital / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
