As the transfer window slams shut you may well think we’ve reached the end of the road for your club’s business this summer.
Well, you could be wrong as teams try to plug any gaps in their squad they weren't able to fill during deadline day.
The free agent market remains open after a wealth of players were let go at the end of last season and there is a lot of talent on offer.
This includes two former England internationals, veteran Premier League stars and even a World Cup winner.
In light of that, We can take a look at an XI of unattached players who could add some much-needed quality, depth and experience to your side.
Goalkeeper - Fraser Forster
The 6ft 7ins goalkeeper left Tottenham over the summer after his contract expired.
Fraser Forster is an experienced stopper, having made more than 480 career appearances across England and Scotland.
Having had his best spells at Celtic and Southampton, his experience at the top level could be useful to many teams looking for a leader both on and off the pitch.
And his status as a home-grown keeper could boost his appeal to clubs struggling to fill their quotas.
Plus, who can forget that time Lionel Messi described him as ‘not human’ after he made 13 saves in Celtic’s famous 2-1 over Barcelona in 2013.
Right Back - Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu was up until recently one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted lieutenants and only had his contract terminated in North London due to his injury record.
At 26, he still has plenty to offer at the elite level.
Although his fitness issues mean that may not be an immediate solution, for some teams his ability to play all across the back line means he could offer some much-needed versatility to sides across Europe.
At 6ft 2ins, he’s not your traditional flying full back, rather Tomiyasu is better known for his aggression and defensive solidity, so he is perhaps best paired with a more attack minded full back on the opposite flank.
Left Back - Juan Bernat![]()
On the other side we've opted for former Bayern Munich and PSG full back Juan Bernat.
Bernat has won eight league titles across his time in France and Germany and has appeared 50 times in the Champions League. At 32 time might not be on his side yet his quality cannot be doubted.
Bernat most recently played for Getafe in his native Spain and he may look to remain closer to home as he enters his twilight years.
Centre Backs - Samuel Umtiti and Craig Dawson
Completing the backline are a pair of veteran defenders in Samuel Umtiti and Craig Dawson.
Umtiti was part of France’s World Cup-winning squad back in 2018 and once cost Barcelona £20m.
However, after an injury-laden spell in Catalonia, Umtiti found himself at Lecce and later Lille, never reaching the heights expected of him having come through the youth ranks at Lyon, albeit he has battled various fitness issues.
His partner, 35-year-old Craig Dawson is the definition of a ‘no-nonsense’ defender and in a career spanning 19 years in the English top flight, very few can offer the experience of the former England international.
Dawson has spent time at West Brom, Wolves, West Ham and Watford so if he does manage to find another home no prizes for guessing what letter their name might begin with!
Defensive Midfield - Miralem Pjanic
Anchoring our midfield is Bosnia’s second most capped player ever, Miralem Pjanic.
A multiple league champion with Juventus, Pjanic also had spells with Barcelona and Roma and in the 2010’s he was one of Europe’s most wanted midfield controllers.
Pjanic cost Barcelona £52m back in 2016, and while he may have slowed down physically but, the ability to orchestrate play and dictate the tempo are traits you don't lose.
Central Midfield - Christian Eriksen and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Ahead of Pjanic, we've gone with Christian Eriksen. Released from Manchester United over the summer the Dane is available for free and is keen to maintain his place at this highest level after rejecting a move to Wrexham during the window.
At just 33, the pinpoint passer has a few years in him yet.
Arriving at Tottenham from Ajax as part of the infamous ‘magnificent seven’ who replaced Gareth Bale, the cultured midfielder was by far the pick of the bunch.
Gaining a reputation for being one of the league’s most creative midfielders. Eriksen then left for Italy winning the Scudetto with Antonio Conte’s Inter.
He later returned to England and won both the Carabao and FA Cup under Erik Ten Hag in Manchester.
Completing the midfield trio is the ’Ox’ - Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain. A Premier League and Champions League winner with Liverpool the former England international has one of the most impressive CV’s on the free agent market.
Still to this day Arsenal’s record sale at £35m, Oxlade-Chamberlain has played under both Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klopp.
Most recently Oxlade-Chamberlain plied his trade for Turkish team Besiktas before leaving last month.
His patchy injury record may put off some of Europe’s truly great sides, however if fit there is no doubt he can still contribute.
Left Wing - Lorenzo Insigne
Beginning the front line is Lorenzo Insigne.
The diminutive Italian was a vital part of Italy's success at Euro 2020, played a year later.
Over a 10-year career in Napoli, he made 430 appearances, registering 122 goals and 95 assists.
His technique, pace and low centre of gravity make him stand out among all other available free agents.
He endured an inconsistent spell in the MLS with Toronto so could a return home be on the cards?
Striker - Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford earned legendary status at Leeds for his service over seven years and although he sometimes struggled for form and fitness during the backend of his time at the club, he is a striker with significant top flight pedigree.
Bamford's work rate is unquestionable, while his versatility to fulfil different roles means he is an appealing prospect to clubs.
He is known for being an all-round good egg too and whoever picks up the former England international up on a free transfer could do a lot worse.
Right Wing - Hakim Ziyech
Completing the forward line and the XI is Hakim Ziyech.
Ziyech, once Ajax’s 2018 player of the season has had an excellent career. He made his name in the Netherlands, where he was part of their glorious run to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018-19 season.
He then moved on to Chelsea in a deal worth £33m and in 2021 won the Champions League, although we never quite saw Ziyech fulfil his potential in west London.
Ziyech also played in all of Morocco’s games at the 2022 World Cup, when they reached the semi-final.