Transfer fees have been on the rise on virtually an annual basis. Yet even in this hyper-inflated transfer market, there are still bargains to be found. There are numerous players still on the lookout for new clubs after being released at the end of last season. And now please let us show you the best XI of out of contract players in this market.
The Squad
Goalkeeper:
David De Gea (Manchester United)
There is still no clarity over the Spanish stopper’s future, with the feeling being that United are sussing out how much it will cost them to replace De Gea with a keeper more suited to Erik ten Hag. The answer likely to be ‘a sodding fortune’, don’t be surprised to see the Red Devils renew their No.1 for a 13th season.
Defenders:
LCB - Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)
We are surely only waiting for the official announcement of his Barcelona contract.
CB - Yerry Mina (Everton)
Actually started the last four Premier League games of the season as Everton survived; they will forever be grateful for his last-gasp equaliser v Wolves. Linked with Fulham and, inevitably, Saudi.
RCB - Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan)
The Slovakian almost left for PSG on deadline day after Inter Milan reportedly accepted their offer but in the end, Skriniar will have to make do with joining in the summer on a free transfer after a serious back injury curtailed his season.
Midfielders:
LW - Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
PSG and Saudi Arabia have both been touted as options but there is a new Palace deal on the table too.
CM - Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt)
There was talk of a verbal agreement with AC Milan but Roma won’t let it lie.
RW - Adama Traore (Wolves)
The greasy speed merchant looks like a prime candidate to take the Saudi Arabian big bucks.
CM - Ellyes Skhiri (Cologne)
The Tunisian has been brilliant in the Bundesliga but now has a choice to make between England (Crystal Palace), Italy (AC Milan), Spain (Sevilla) and France (Lyon).
AM - Reiss Nelson (Arsenal)
According to Romano, he has been ‘on the verge’ of signing a new contract for some weeks but only 589 minutes in 22/23 is surely not enough.
Attackers:
STC - Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Rather disappointingly, according to Romano, he is seemingly bound for Saudi Arabia.
STC - Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
It has now been confirmed that Dembele, who has been linked with half of the Premier League, will leave Lyon after five seasons in Ligue 1. Though his stock might not be quite as high as it once was after only three league goals last term during a campaign spent mostly on the bench. Everton and Fenerbahce are his current level.
Substitutes:
LW - Jonathan Bamba (Lille)
Five years after joining on a free transfer, the winger could be on the move again. Has been linked with Fiorentina, Real Betis and Marseille.
STC - Ben Brereton Diaz (Blackburn)
There has long been talk of a Villarreal move for the Chilean international but nothing is confirmed as yet.
CB - Daniel Amartey (Leicester)
The second Foxes’ centre-back on this list, Amartey is on his bike after eight years at the King Power. Reports suggest AC Milan might have a deal in place. Kudos to his agent.
LW/RW - Nathan Redmond (Besiktas)
The Turkish club are keen to keep him after a successful year but Burnley and Wolves could reportedly offer him a way back into the Premier League. He is still only 29.
CM - Daler Kuzyaev (Zenit St Petersburg)
The Russian midfielder is apparently bound for Besiktas.
CM - Tom Davies (Everton)
The Toffees have confirmed that Davies is up for a new challenge, which might be found in Italy (Monza), Scotland (Rangers) or Sheffield (United).