With just over a month to go in the transfer window in Europe’s major leagues, several stars are still without a club. Soccer players who have lifted the European Cup, participated in multi-million euro transfers or played key roles in some of the continent’s most important clubs are still waiting for an offer that will convince them to take on a new challenge.
According to the latest update from Transfermarkt, these ten footballers are the free agents with the highest market value:
Dusan Vlahovic (35 million)
The Serbian striker is the most valuable free agent on the market after his contract with Juventus expired, the club he joined in the 2022 winter window from Fiorentina, in exchange for 85 “millions”. At the age of 26, the striker faces a crucial moment in his career to choose his next destination while holding onto 35 million. In the previous campaign, he scored 10 goals in 23 games, after missing four months of competition through injury.
Mohamed Salah (22 million)
Egypt led towards the end of a historic season for Liverpoolwhere he became one of the greatest legends after winning every possible title and over 250 goals as “red”. After nine seasons at AnfieldThe “Pharaoh” decided not to renew and is still waiting for his new club. At 34 years old, he still retains a significant market value despite a considerable drop in his numbers. The striker is coming off his lowest season in Englandbut he will not lack suitors to start a new adventure. His next destination could be Besiktas.
Jadon Sancho (18 million)
One of the players who best represents unfulfilled expectations. Having dazzled in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United paid 85 million in the summer of 2021 to make him one of the most expensive purchases in the club’s history. After a few years inhibited inconsistency and conflict with several managers, he decided to return to Borussiawhere he played in the Champions League final. He seemed to have got his career back on track, but loan time at Chelsea and Aston Villa confirmed the stagnation of a career that had promised far more than it ultimately delivered
Bamba Dieng (15 million)
The Senegalese forward’s contract with Lorient finished after scoring 15 goals in all competitions. Full international and WC player included Senegalhe only has experience in Ligue 1. He has already been linked with several Spanish teams such as Seville or Betisbut it seems that his career will continue outside of Europe.
Julian Brandt (15 million)
After 13 years in the Bundesliga, the last seven seasons at Borussia Dortmundhe is one of the options to strengthen the center of several teams. Signed for 25 million in 2019he has been a Germany international and a regular in competitions with “Mannschaft”, although he was not called up for the last two major tournaments. Last season he scored 11 goals and four assists in 41 games.
Diogo Leite (12 million)
Midfield developed at Postagehe has grown as a footballer in Bundesliga the last four seasons at Union Berlin. The Portuguese player has already been linked with Real Sociedad but it seems that their paths will not cross. A former youth international, he is a highly sought after defender for his ability to play from the back.
Franck Kessié (12 million)
The Ivorian midfielder leaves Al-Ahli after being crowned champion Consecutive Asian Champions League (2024 and 2025). The former Milan and Barcelona player, among others, leaves Saudi Arabia after his top-scoring campaign in the Middle East (12 goals) and could be one of the signings of the market. Only have 29 years old, he still has a long way to go.
Fabinho (12 million)
Another midfielder from The Saudi League. The former Liverpool player leaves Al-Ittihad after three seasons and, at 32, he remains one of the center fielders with the strongest resume among free agents. Ancelotti he called up to play in World Cupand although he did not get many minutes, he could be an attractive option for several European clubs. He may return to his native Brazil.
John Stones (12 million)
The result of Guardiola in “triple” achieved in 2023 could not be understood without the English defender. Although that season he played as midfielder. 10 seasons have helped him become a a legend “Citizen“After two difficult seasons, he was fantastic World Cup has led to several clubs showing interest in him, including Chelsea controlled by Xabi Alonso.
Leon Goretzka (12 million)
Another European champion. The former Bayern the player is again a free agent, a situation he knows well. In 2018, he signed on a free transfer for the Bavarian team from Schalkeand he was one of the key factors in the team’s achievementssixty“under Flick in 2020. Several European “giants” such as Juventus have already shown him interest.
A star-studded list that still hides many opportunities for clubs. Proven footballers like Carvajal, Ceballos, Pellegrini, Mahrez, Guerreiro, Brozovic, Zinchenko or Bissouma also be without a team, a sign of the skills still available at zero cost. With a few weeks still to go, all indications are that many of these names will be in the spotlight before the transfer window closes.