There are a bunch of bargains to be had this summer with several high-profile free agents on the lookout for new clubs.
Several have the quality to walk in and improve teams at the top level and we’ve looked at five free agents who could improve Champions League clubs.
Adrien Rabiot
Juventus have announced that Adrien Rabiot has left the club after five seasons in Turin, having been unable to agree terms on a contract extension with the midfielder.
The 29-year-old made 212 appearances for Juventus after his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain and won a Serie A title, two Italian Cups and one Italian Super Cup during his time in Italy.
A regular with France at international level, he featured five times as Les Bleus reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 this summer. Manchester United expressed interest in the Frenchman last summer and he is again being touted with a Premier League move. After league titles in Ligue 1 and Serie A, he could reinforce the engine room of one of England’s elite.
???? Adrien Rabiot’s dream is to move to the Premier League this summer.
(Source: @FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/WX03p8zgdR
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 19, 2024
Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay is another name in search of a new challenge after leaving Atletico Madrid this summer.
The 30-year-old endured an injury-hit spell with the Spanish side but departed with a respectable record of nine goals from just 12 league starts.
Depay struggled during a spell in the Premier League at Manchester United earlier in his career but has rebuilt his reputation on the continent. A prolific period at Lyon pre-dated his move to La Liga, while he has scored 46 goals in 98 appearances for the Netherlands. Only Robin van Persie has ever netted more for the Dutch national team.
Happy birthday, @Memphis ???????????? pic.twitter.com/Ye9j4agmzP
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) February 13, 2024
Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels impressed as Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final last season, earning the man-of-the-match award in both legs of the semi-final win over Paris Saint-Germain.
The veteran was named in the Champions League Team of the Season for 2023-24, after becoming just the second defender, and first since Lucio in 2009-10, to record 50+ tackles in a single season.
No defender has made more tackles in a single Champions League campaign than Mats Hummels in 2023/24.
He equals Lúcio’s record of 53 from 2009/10. ???? pic.twitter.com/6AOwheoVeg
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 2, 2024
Despite his performances, Hummels has left Dortmund after his contract was not renewed. The 35-year-old is in the twilight of his career but proved last season that he can still cut it at the top level. Bologna, who secured a shock Champions League qualification in Serie A last season, have been linked with the German as Riccardo Calafiori nears a move to Arsenal.
Joel Matip
Joel Matip’s eight seasons at Liverpool concluded this summer after the Reds opted against renewing the defender’s deal.
The 32-year-old was an important part of the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp but has been plagued with fitness problems during his time in the Premier League.
Matip made just nine league starts last season and the emergence of Jarell Quansah has cleared the path for him to depart, after 201 appearances and six trophies at Anfield.
???????? Bayer 04 Leverkusen is very interested to sign Joel #Matip as a free agent!
First talks took place. Xavi Alonso wants to strengthen the team with an experienced central defender. @berger_pj | @Sky_Marlon89 | @SkySportDE ???????? pic.twitter.com/1JvjKOowR5
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 18, 2024
German champions, Bayer Leverkusen, have been linked with the Bochum-born defender.
David de Gea
Astonishingly, David de Gea has still not found a new club. The Spanish shot-stopper’s time at Manchester United ended last summer as the Red Devils sought a new direction in goal, but 12 months on De Gea remains a free agent.
The 33-year-old has snubbed interest from the Saudi Pro League as he waits for the right opportunity, spending the entire 2023-24 campaign on the sidelines in his search for the next challenge.
Concerns over De Gea’s distribution contributed to his exit from Old Trafford after 12 seasons as number one, but the Spaniard remains a fine shot-stopper.
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— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) May 16, 2024
He won Manchester United’s Player of the Season award on four occasions and the Premier League’s Golden Glove twice during a decorated career in English football.
Read – Seven Premier League transfers you might have missed this summer
See more – How to master FPL: Tips to help you dominate Fantasy Premier League
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