Top 11 best free agents available on free transfer ahead of January window

Published at :December 9, 2023 at 2:58 PM

Modified at :December 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM

The list even features the Premier League 2022-23 Golden Glove winner

In just under a month, the winter transfer window will open for player movements across various clubs. Many a time, clubs end up overpaying for a particular player in the winter than they would have in the summer. It can be due to the fact of demand and a lesser timeframe involved between the operating of this window.

However what better than getting good-quality players on a free transfer? Yes, many players aren’t registered with any club in the world at the moment. Instead of paying straight-up transfer fees to a club that gets them nothing, and later the salary to a player. Clubs can use the same transfer fee money and maybe some more directly into luring the player with wages. Here are the top 11 best free agents available on free transfer ahead of the January window:

11. Darko Velkovski

In the summer transfer window, Al Ettifaq signed players such as Moussa Dembélé, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson. In the outgoings, Darko Velkovski was one player who wasn’t handed a new contract. The 28-year-old centre-back became a free agent after his contract came to an end with Al-Ettifaq FC. Velkovski has 48 international appearances for North Macedonia.

10. Roberto Soriano

If a Serie A side is looking for an experienced attacking midfielder, they should look no further than Roberto Soriano. Soriano has made 279 Italian first-tier league appearances. This includes stints with UC Sampdoria, FC Empoli, Torino FC and Bologna FC 1909. The player also has experience playing in the LaLiga having made 55 appearances in the league with Villarreal CF.

9. Souleyman Doumbia

Born in Paris, France, Souleyman Doumbia is a citizen of the Ivory Coast. The left-back became a free agent on July 1, 2023. His last appearance came for Angers SCO. Angers SCO is now playing in France’s Ligue 2. Doumbia also has played for Italian outfit SSC Bari and Swiss side Grasshopper Club Zurich.

8. Santi Mina

A 2018-19 Copa del Rey winner with Valencia CF during his time in Spain. The centre forward just turned 28 on 7 December and still is quite young to play for a few more good years. Born in Vigo, Spain, Santi Mina came up the youth ranks of Celta de Vigo. His only season outside of Spain came with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab FC.

7. Nemanja Jovic

The youngest player on this 11 player list is Nemanja Jovic. The 21-year-old winger primarily plays on the left flank. Nemanja Jovic came through the ranks of FK Partizan Belgrade and was associated with the senior team before becoming a free agent this August. The Partizan Belgrade outfit plays in the Serbian Super liga Srbije.

6. José Campaña

José Campaña has played his football in several countries playing for top clubs. The central midfielder has played in Spain, England, Portugal, Italy and even Germany. This includes stints with Sevilla FC, Crystal Palace, FC Porto and UC Sampdoria. He is currently at the prime age of 30.

5. Hélder Costa

SL Benfica has produced many talents in world football. Hélder Costa is currently one such talent available on a free. Costa’s footballing journey began with the Eagles. Later the left-footed winger played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and even Leeds United. Before Al-Ittihad Club signed Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and other big names, Hélder Costa played the previous season for the Tigers on loan.

4. Anwar El Ghazi

Still, just 28, Anwar El Ghazi is quite a renowned winger who fortunately or unfortunately is a free agent. Although the winger has played for numerous clubs his time with the English Premier League side Aston Villa was the brightest and lengthiest. Anwar El Ghazi made 119 appearances for the Villans scoring 26 goals and providing 16 assists.

3. Xeka

In Ligue 1, Xeka has made 139 apperances. The player is not big on scoring or providing assists. In those 139 appearances in France’s first tier of club football, Xeka has scored just 9 goals and made 9 assists. Xeka operates as a defensive midfielder capable of holding the play or winning back the ball.

2. Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard Manchester United Saudi Pro League — **Jesse Lingard trained with West Ham over the summer, but he wasn’t offered a contract**

It was reported that Jesse Lingard’s services were of notable interest from West Ham in the summer. Even though Jesse Lingard trained with the Hammers over the summer, he wasn’t offered a contract. Later Lingard even trained with Al-Ettifaq which is coached by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. This January might bring new opportunities for the former Manchester United attacker.

1. David de Gea

It is the same David de Gea whose Real Madrid move fell because of late paperwork submission on the Spanish Giants’ end. The goalkeeper was accustomed to making breathtaking stops in the Premier League for Manchester United. This summer United decided to not continue with de Gea and instead signed André Onana. David de Gea is probably the best footballer out there available on a free.

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