With the Premier League’s summer spending spree still in full swing, clubs are scouring the market for bargains before the window slams shut. Free transfers remain one of football’s most underrated routes to value, and this summer offers a deeper pool than most. From World Cup-winning centre-backs to out-of-favour Premier League stars, the list of unattached talent reads like a who’s who of top-level football. Here’s a XI of players who could walk into a starting line-up tomorrow—without a transfer fee.
Why now is the time to act
The final month of the transfer window is when free agents become urgent business. Clubs with late injuries or tactical pivots often turn to the market’s forgotten names, and this summer’s crop includes players with recent pedigree. John Stones, for example, started England’s last two major tournament games despite limited club football in 2023-24, while Dani Carvajal remains one of the most decorated right-backs in Europe. Their availability isn’t a reflection of their quality—it’s a quirk of timing.
For clubs like Chelsea or Arsenal, both linked with Stones, the risk-reward is stark. His fitness record is patchy, but his composure under pressure and Champions League experience could shore up a shaky backline. Meanwhile, Carvajal’s versatility and leadership make him an ideal short-term fix for a side chasing European football. The Premier League’s relentless calendar demands squad depth, and these players offer instant solutions.
Premier League pedigree meets global experience
Three English internationals headline this XI, each with recent top-flight experience. Stones, 30, played every minute of England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final and semi-final, while Oleksandr Zinchenko—despite a disastrous loan spell at Nottingham Forest—remains a technically gifted left-back with Champions League-winning pedigree. Stefan Ortega, who made 122 appearances for Manchester City between 2017 and 2022, was a reliable deputy at the Etihad and could reprise that role at a club needing a steady hand between the posts.
Beyond the Premier League, David Alaba’s World Cup cameo proved he still has the nous to operate at the highest level, even after three years blighted by injury. His ability to play as a midfield pivot or centre-back adds tactical flexibility. At right-back, Carvajal’s trophy haul—27 major honours across two spells at Real Madrid—speaks for itself. These aren’t stopgaps; they’re players who could elevate a squad’s ceiling.
Who fits where—and why it matters
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Ortega (GK) – A Premier League-proven shot-stopper with 122 appearances for City, Ortega’s reflexes and command of his box make him a shrewd free-agent signing. His experience in high-pressure games is invaluable for a side chasing silverware. Clubs like Aston Villa or Newcastle United, both in need of defensive stability, would benefit from his composure.
Carvajal (RB) – The Spanish full-back’s departure from Real Madrid this summer underscores his value; clubs from Inter Milan to MLS sides pursued him, but Europe’s elite still see him as a starter. His overlapping runs and defensive discipline are rare in a single player. A club like Manchester United, currently linked with a right-back, would find his leadership and Champions League-winning mentality transformative.
Stones (CB) – England’s centre-back pairing against Switzerland and the Netherlands was Stones and Marc Guéhi. That trust from Gareth Southgate, despite just 38 league appearances for City in 2023-24, suggests his reputation remains intact. Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked, and either would benefit from his ball-playing ability. His ability to progress play from deep could be pivotal for a side like Liverpool, who have struggled with build-up play under Arne Slot.
Alaba (CB) – Another Madrid discard, Alaba’s World Cup minutes show he can still perform at a World Cup level. His versatility—comfortable in midfield or defence—makes him a tactical wildcard for a manager needing adaptability. A club like Tottenham Hotspur, currently reshaping their defence, would gain immediate Champions League-level experience.
Zinchenko (LB) – Two seasons ago, he was a Champions League winner with City. A loan to Forest went awry, but his technical ability and Premier League experience (120+ appearances) remain assets. A club with left-sided creativity needs look no further. His ability to play in a back three or as an auxiliary midfielder adds further tactical options.
Central midfield – Pairing Stones and Alaba in a double pivot offers balance: defensive solidity meets progressive passing. Alaba’s injury history is a gamble, but his intelligence in build-up play could unlock a direct style. A manager like Mikel Arteta at Arsenal would utilise their combined ability to recycle possession and switch play.
Attacking trio – A front three of creative wingers or inside forwards would thrive here. Carvajal’s overlaps and Zinchenko’s crossing could supply a striker, while Stones’ ability to carry the ball out of defence adds another dimension. A side like Brighton, who thrive on transitions, would benefit from their combined dynamism.
Liverpool’s new-look side under Andoni Iraola made a winning start to his reign with a 4-2 win over Sunderland, but the match also exposed defensive frailties. Virgil van Dijk’s absence for the World Cup left a void, and Josko Gvardiol’s error led to one of Sunderland’s goals. A free agent like Stones or Alaba could steady such a defence, while Zinchenko’s experience in a back five would suit a system transitioning between formations.
The bargain hunters’ guide
For a mid-table club chasing Europe, Stones is the marquee name. His England minutes prove he can handle big games, and his contract would be a one-year deal with an option—ideal for a side with short-term ambitions. Alaba, meanwhile, offers Champions League experience at a fraction of his peak value. His salary demands might be lower now, but his tactical IQ remains undiminished.
Carvajal and Zinchenko are the safest bets. Both have proven track records in the Premier League and Europe, and their fitness levels, while not perfect, are manageable with modern conditioning. Ortega, though less glamorous, is the kind of signing that prevents a crisis—like when Liverpool lost Alisson to injury in 2021 and relied on Caoimhín Kelleher’s heroics.
The window’s final month will see clubs desperate for cover. Free agents aren’t just budget signings; they’re ready-made solutions. Stones could walk into Arsenal’s defence and strengthen their title push. Carvajal could shore up Manchester United’s right flank as they chase a top-four finish. The best transfers don’t always cost a penny—they just require the right manager to see their value.
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