The excitement of the summer transfer window has come and gone once again in the Premier League.
An earlier deadline day of August 9 meant many clubs got their business done quickly, or not at all (like Tottenham Hotspur).
While Liverpool and West Ham United splashed the cash, other clubs like Bournemouth were far more conservative in their approach.
As always, the option for Premier League clubs to sign free agents remains a distinct possibility, with a host of top stars available for absolutely nothing.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all done exceptionally well from dabbling in the free agent section before, so there is no reason why history cannot repeat itself.
So who can your club still sign for nothing, and would they be good value? Check out with our handy guide below on the ten best free signings.
Claudio Marchisio
Why is he a free agent?
The Italy international agreed to end his 25-year affiliation with Juventus earlier this month, having been at the club since the age of seven. After suffering a serious knee injury in 2016, the 32-year-old could only make 20 appearances last season. With the signing of Emre Can from Liverpool being confirmed after the World Cup, Marchisio decided to end his career elsewhere.
Who could use him?
Everton have reportedly been linked with a move for the Italian, with central midfield being a position they are rather light after Morgan Schneiderlin’s injury. West Ham’s poor start to the season could also see Manuel Pellegrini make a late move in the transfer window. Level-headed and good in possession, Arsenal could do a lot worse than signing the veteran midfielder to help out their young stars.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
Although Marchisio’s best years may be behind him, there is no doubting his quality. Added to that, he has experience of major tournaments and winning multiple Serie A titles. A short-term deal could prove extremely beneficial for a mid-table club.
Samir Nasri
Why is he a free agent?
After leaving Sevilla at the end of the 2016-17 season, the France international was given a six-month ban (later extended to 18) for doping. The ban backdates to July 2017, and he has made seven appearances for Turkish side Antalyaspor since then. He would be able to start training with a new club in November.
Who could use him?
Blessed with incredible amounts of ability, Nasri still has a lot to give at 31. The former Manchester City man would suit sides that want to keep possession and break down stubborn defences. He has the ability to create something out of nothing, a feat he regularly proved at Arsenal and Manchester City. A club like Newcastle United could benefit from such ingenuity and brilliance, especially since Mike Ashley failed to provide Rafa Benitez with sufficient funds in the transfer market.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
Although there is no doubting Nasri’s talent, he has a penchant for causing trouble wherever he goes. His attitude has often been called into question, sources close to the Manchester City camp last season claimed he was a disruptive influence on the club’s pre-season tour of America.
The ex-Arsenal man would arrive with big wage demands, would probably be unfit and has a whole load of baggage behind him – not worth a gamble.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Why is he a free agent?
The former Newcastle United man started to light up Ligue 1 in 2016 with Nice after leaving England, even earning a recall to the France side. His form earned him a move to giants Paris Saint-Germain, but it all soon turned sour. Under new Arsenal boss Unai Emery, the 31-year-old failed to make a single appearance and was duly released.
Who could use him?
Like Nasri, clubs in need of goals or at least a spark without breaking the bank could be willing to take a punt on the mercurial talent. His dribbling ability is world-class and he has a wand of a left foot. But attitude problems mean he would require a strong-willed manager to get the best out of him. Mark Hughes at Southampton should definitely be keeping an eye out for him, especially since his side managed just 37 goals in the Premier League last season.
Would he be a worthwhile singing?
Although he can be temperamental, Ben Arfa will surely be desperate just to play football again after a year on the sidelines. At his age, he can ill-afford to waste any more time and one final stint in the Premier League could truly motivate him. However, there will be questions about his match fitness levels, so a prospective buyer should not expect an instant impact.
Bakary Sako
Why is he a free agent?
The Mali international was offered a new deal by Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, but chose to seek a new challenge elsewhere. An ankle injury sustained in January effectively ended his season, although he did manage six goals in 19 appearances up until that point.
Who could use him?
Blessed with pace and power in abundance, Sako is a nightmare for defenders. At former club Wolverhampton Wanderers, he made a name for himself as a marauding winger, but showed he had the ability to play in a more advanced role for Palace last season. Such versatility and goal-scoring threat could tempt a club like Burnley into making a move, especially with a Europa League campaign to contend with. The 30-year-old would offer a completely different dimension to Sean Dyche’s side.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
In a word, definitely. Sako’s versatility and threat from a variety of attacking positions make him an ideal Premier League squad player. If a manager were to bring him on with 15 minutes in a tight game, he could definitely prove to be a match winner. Expect him to be snapped up by a club here, or abroad.
Diego Reyes
Why is he a free agent?
The Mexico international decided to run his contract down with Porto this summer in the hope of finding a new club. The 25-year-old has been courted by several Premier League clubs already, although no formal offer is made. He was due to feature at the World Cup for his country, but failed to add to his 53-cap haul because of a hamstring injury.
Who could use him?
There are no shortage of clubs in need of defensive reinforcements but, after West Ham United shipped six goals in their opening two Premier League games, Reyes could be brought into the fold.
Fulham may find it tough going on their return to the top flight and an experienced head at the back could be exactly what the club needs.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
If he can prove his fitness, then signing the 25-year-old could be a shrewd piece of business. He is the youngest player on this list, so clubs know they are getting a defender not yet in his prime.
Balázs Dzsudzsák
Why is he a free agent?
Dzsudzsák was, at point, considered to be the next big thing to break out of Dutch football. The Hungary international is technically superb with an eye for goal, but his decision to leave PSV Eindhoven for Anzhi Makhachkala left critics dumfounded. Since then, he moved to Dubai-based side Al Wahda and has just run his contract down. After a series of financially motivated moves, a return to top-flight European football surely beckons.
Who could use him?
Particularly adept at set-pieces, the 31-year-old would suit a side like Cardiff City who will surely have to rely on scoring from dead-ball situations. His ability to beat a man and get a cross in would surely entice Neil Warnock who is not afraid to go direct to get results.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
Although there is no doubting his ability, you would have to question Dzsudzsák’s desire. After two lucrative years in the United Arab Emirates, the Hungary international may perhaps struggle to motivate himself for a potential relegation scrap. But, of all the players on this list, his record would suggest he would be best placed to offer something special.
Claudio Yacob
Why is he a free agent?
After enduring one of the most calamitous seasons in Premier League history, West Bromwich Albion had to trim the wage bill drastically. Alongside Yacob, Boaz Myhill and Gareth McAuley were also allowed to leave the Hawthorns ahead of life in the Championship.
Who could use him?
The Argentine is extremely dependable and operates very efficiently in front of a compact back four. A club like Huddersfield will be keen to avoid the dreaded ‘Second Season Syndrome’.
The Terriers have suffered two crushing defeats thus far (admittedly against top-class opposition) and are firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. A move for someone like Yacob, with a wealth of Premier League experience, would make a lot of sense.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
The former Baggies enforcer has only just turned 31 and would have plenty of miles left in the proverbial tank. Having never relied on pace, Yacob’s reading of the game and clever positioning allow him to stay one step ahead of the opposition.
Yaya Toure
Why is he a free agent?
After multiple spats with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and a severely limited number of appearances last season, Toure left the Etihad as a hero for his efforts during his eight-year stay in Manchester. With Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho, David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and the emerging Phil Foden all preferred by Guardiola, the 35-year-old was released.
Who could use him?
West Ham United have been linked with a move for the midfielder, although sources within the club have been quick to quash rumours of a move for the Ivory Coast legend.
The former Barca man may no longer be the marauding force he once was, but a club like Everton could certainly make use of his vast experience in their engine room. There is a real disparity in the amount of experience in the Toffees’ midfield ranks, and Toure could be the perfect man to help guide youngsters like Tom Davies.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
Although he could still do a job for the majority of Premier League sides, the problems with Toure are almost completely off the pitch. Agent Dimitri Seluk caused City endless amounts of trouble while his client was at the club. Quite frankly, Toure did little to help the situation and any side looking to sign him would be painfully aware of the risk signing him.
Lacina Traore
Why is he a free agent?
Nicknamed ‘The Tree’ for his 6ft 8ins frame, Traore has actually played in the Premier League before. In 2014, he was loaned out to Everton shortly after completing a move to Monaco. Despite scoring on his debut, the Ivory Coast international then suffered an injury which ruled him out until the final game of the season.
Upon his return to Monaco, he never really settled and had largely unsuccessful loan periods at CSKA Moscow, Sporting Gijon and Amiens in France.
Who could use him?
Despite his hulking frame, Traore is not actually the strongest in the air. This would effectively make moves to clubs playing a direct style of play virtually useless. However, he does hold the ball up well and has smart feet. Given their goalscoring problems last season, Southampton boss Mark Hughes could certainly pair Traore alongside new signing Danny Ings for one of the more obvious ‘Little and Large’ partnerships.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
At just 28, the striker should be entering his peak years. However, his succession of failed loan moves meant his career has stalled somewhat. A period of consistency could do wonders for his confidence and, given he would have a point to prove after his previous Premier League experience, could work in a club’s favour no end.
Miguel Veloso
Why is he a free agent?
The Portugal international left Genoa after two seasons with the Serie A side at the end of last season. His second spell at the club was largely successful, playing in a holding midfield position in a 3-5-2 formation. After watching the Italian side sign former Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers man Sandro in the summer, Veloso decided to try his hand elsewhere.
Who could use him?
Given his Portuguese links, it is no surprise to see Wolverhampton Wanderers linked with a move for the 32-year-old. Although the majority of his 56 caps for his country came from midfield, he can also play as as centre-half or as a left-back. Experiences of two World Cups and two European Championships, as well as multiple Champions League appearances for Sporting Lisbon and Dynamo Kiev mean Veloso could provide invaluable knowledge on the Premier League rookies.
Would he be a worthwhile signing?
Given his undoubted quality and experience, it would seem as though this deal would be a no-brainer. However, with Veloso never having played in the Premier League, a move for the 32-year-old could be quite a gamble.
