Ranked: The 10 most valuable free agents right now
There has been some massive spending in this summer’s transfer window, but plenty of value remains in the free agent market.
A host of quality players are still without a club following the expiry of their contracts, and as clubs miss out on their primary targets, this could prove to be an untapped well of quality that they turn to.
So, who are the most attractive free agents right now? Here are the top 10, ranked by their Transfermarkt value:
10 – Josh Dasilva
Recently left: Brentford
Market value: €5m
Josh Dasilva enjoyed seven years with Brentford, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League and playing 48 top-flight matches for them. However, the midfielder has suffered chronically from knee, ankle and hamstring injuries over the last few years and after failing to play a single match last season, was released this summer. Coventry City are reportedly keeping tabs on the 26-year-old former Arsenal academy graduate.
9 – Thomas Muller
Recently left: Bayern Munich
Market value: €6m
Thomas Muller is quite simply one of Bayern Munich’s greatest-ever players, registering a whopping 250 goals and 276 assists in 756 appearances for the club since his debut way back in 2009. The attacking midfielder has helped the Bavarians to 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues along the way. But all good things must come to an end, and at 35 years old, Muller is past his prime. The 131-time Germany international is still training with Bayern, but looks set to join MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
| Bayern Munich stats | Thomas Muller |
| Appearances | 756 |
| Goals | 250 |
| Assists | 276 |
| Trophies | 33 |
8 – Danny Ings
Recently left: West Ham United
Market value: €6m
Danny Ings boasts a strong Premier League record of 72 goals in 240 appearances and is a three-time England international, so can definitely offer the right team bags of quality and experience, despite his injury record. Ings was thought to be ‘on the verge’ of joining Middlesbrough a couple of weeks ago, but still remains without a club presently.
7 – Sergio Reguilon
Recently left: Tottenham Hotspur
Market value: €6m
Sergio Reguilon’s career has really unravelled in recent years, with failed loan spells at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford, while he was almost completely frozen out at Spurs. The Spain international did manage some sporadic league and cup appearances last season but now must find a new home to get back on track. Everton were understood to be interested in the Madrid-born full-back before they opted to sign Adam Aznou from Bayern.
6 – Abdoulaye Doucoure
Recently left: Everton
Market value: €7m
Speaking of Everton, Abdoulaye Doucoure’s time at the club came to an end this summer, but he’ll always be fondly remembered for his goal against Bournemouth that preserved their Premier League status on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign. The 32-year-old was briefly linked with Sunderland, but now looks set to join Saudi side Neom SC.
5 – Victor Lindelof
Recently left: Manchester United
Market value: €8m
The fact that Victor Lindelof remained at Manchester United for eight seasons is seen by many as a sign of their struggles and lack of direction. However, the player himself always put in a solid shift, without being spectacular. The Sweden international is still only 31 years old and has plenty to offer to the right side, and West Ham have been linked.
4 – Kurt Zouma
Recently left: West Ham
Market value: €10m
Sticking with the Hammers, Kurt Zouma’s contract expired this summer following a loan spell at Saudi side Al-Orabah last season. Saudi Arabia might be where Zouma‘s future lies, but he’s still just 30 years old and has a market value of €10m, so plenty of European sides will be eyeing him up. Spanish giants Valencia are thought to be among them.
3 – Josh Brownhill
Recently left: Burnley
Market value: €14m
Josh Brownhill is one of the most in-demand free agents this summer after captaining Burnley to promotion with 100 points last season — notching 18 goals and six assists in 42 Championship appearances along the way. West Ham, Celtic and Leeds are among the clubs understood to be in the race for the dynamic midfielder.
2 – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Recently left: Everton
Market value: €16m
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s long association with Everton is finally at an end. The England international didn’t always have a completely smooth relationship with supporters, but they’ll still hold him in high regard, not least for scoring in Everton’s last Merseyside derby win at Goodison Park — not to mention being their record Premier League goalscorer. DCL hasn’t hit the heights in the last couple of years, but has a lot to offer in the Premier League still, with Man United, Fulham, Newcastle and Sunderland just a handful of the clubs linked with his services.
1 – Takehiro Tomiyasu
Recently left: Arsenal
Market value: €18m
That Takehiro Tomiyasu maintains an €18m market value despite playing just one game last season through injury is a testament to his quality when fit. The Japan international was highly regarded at the Emirates but simply fell down the pecking order while sidelined, eventually leaving by mutual consent. However, he’s still only 26 years old and has a long career ahead of him.