On July 18th, French newspaper L’Équipe published an article summarizing 11 free agents to watch this summer.
Goalkeeper: Navas
The Costa Rican only made six appearances this season, losing the battle with Donnarumma. Navas might move to Saudi Arabia to continue his career. Considering no transfer fee is required, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper’s personal salary and signing bonus will not be low, which is a major incentive for a move to Saudi Arabia.
Left Back: Hermoso
The Atlético Madrid defender is very versatile, capable of playing left back, left center-back, or even as a left-sided defensive midfielder. As a free agent, he is being pursued by Inter Milan, Juventus, and Napoli, as his style suits Serie A perfectly.
Center Backs: Varane + Matip
Last season, Varane made 32 appearances, scoring two goals, and was consistently solid in defense. According to Italian media, he could join promoted club Como, but as a former French international, whether he can accept the transition from a Premier League giant to a Serie A relegation battler is uncertain.
Matip, a center-back with plenty of experience at the highest level, is also now a free agent. He doesn’t seem to lack suitors, with clubs from England, Italy, and Germany interested in signing him.
Right Back: Aurier
Aurier, who has played for Toulouse, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham, and Villarreal, remains without a new club. Last season, after joining Galatasaray from Forest, he only appeared four times, with inconsistent form.
Central Midfielders: Rabiot + Elneny
Rabiot has yet to renew his contract with Juventus and is negotiating with Real Madrid, Liverpool, AC Milan, and Roma. Notably, Rabiot’s agent is notoriously difficult to deal with in the industry, which could hinder the French midfielder’s transfer.
Elneny’s situation is much more complicated. Last season, he only played six games for Arsenal, and few clubs are interested in him. If Arsenal do not extend his contract, he is likely to depart the top five leagues.
Wingers: Sánchez + Pepe
Sánchez’s contract with Inter has expired. Having scored four goals and provided five assists, he is expected to return to Marseille. With Greenwood set to officially join Marseille, the prospect of two former Manchester United stars flying on either wing is exciting.
Pepe transferred from Lille to Arsenal for €80 million, and what happened afterward is well-known to fans—his poor performance was widely recognized. Now, he is still struggling to find a living.
Strikers: Depay + Martial
Depay, now 30 years old, announced his departure from Atlético Madrid at the end of June to seek new challenges, but his next destination is still unknown. It’s understood that promoted Serie A club Como wants to sign him, but he is reluctant to go there.
Martial did not play any football in 2024, with his poor availability deterring top clubs from working with him. Beşiktaş and Como are reportedly interested in him.