Sunday, September 8, 2024

Waiting for a new adventure: Meet the European superstars who are still free agents this summer

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Adrien Rabiot

Really impressing at the heart of France’s midfield this summer as Les Bleus reached the European Championships semi-final stage, Adrein Rabiot would have certainly put many of Europe’s elite on notice.

While Juventus might have been confident that the 29-year-old would sign a contract extension in Turin, Rabiot shockingly announced his Allianz departure last month following the expiry of his most recent deal.

Making 212 appearances for the Italian giants after completing a move from PSG back in 2019, Rabiot won a Serie A title, two Italian Cups and one Italian Super Cup during his time in Turin.

With the 48-cap international reportedly making a Premier League move his priority this summer, the one-time Manchester City academy product has plenty of heavyweight admirers chasing his signature.

Alongside continued speculation over a potential blockbuster move to Old Trafford, both Tottenham and Liverpool are monitoring Rabiot’s situation closely.

Memphis Depay

Although Alvaro Morata might have secured a summer move away from Atletico Madrid, the Spanish skipper is not the only striking superstar that has left the Metropolitano.

While there might have been plenty of excitement around the Spanish capital in January of last year as Memphis Depay arrived from Barcelona, the Dutch ace largely struggled to find any kind of fluidity under Diego Simeone’s guidance.

Mustering just five La Liga goals in his 23 appearances last season and dealing with a handful of injury issues, the ex-Manchester United star confirmed back in May that he would be leaving the Metropolitano at the end of his current deal.

Despite notching just a single strike for the Netherlands at this summer’s European Championships, Depay has been linked with a big-money move to Serie A.

Alongside reported interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray, it was suggested this week that the 30-year-old is keen on clinching a move to reigning Italian champions Inter Milan.

David de Gea

Leaving Manchester United last summer following a 12-year stint at Old Trafford, it seemed almost inevitable that David de Gea would be snapped up immediately.

However, still sat by his phone and waiting for a new adventure, the Spanish shot-stopper was sat on the sidelines for the whole of last season and shockingly still remains a free agent.

Making 545 appearances for the Premier League giants after arriving from Atletico Madrid back in 2011, De Gea won the Premier League, FA Cup, Uefa Europa League and two Carabao Cups while at United.

Although De Gea might still be training by himself and now 33 years of age, the 45-cap international is attracting plenty of interest from across the globe as he looks to kickstart his career.

Despite reported interest from a host of Saudi Pro clubs and some potential Premier League suitors, it has been suggested that De Gea is keen on a move to Italy this summer.

Joel Matip

While Virgil van Dijk might have stated that he will not be leaving Anfield this summer, Liverpool have wished goodbye to another one of their defensive stars.

Confirming back in May that he would be ending his eight-year stay in the red half of Merseyside, Joel Matip made 201 appearances under Jurgen Klopp and won both the Champions League and Premier League during his time at Anfield.

However, while there might have been some speculation earlier in the summer that Matip could remain in the Premier League, it appears that ex-Cameroon international could be set for a shock return to Germany.

Watching Bayer Leverkusen embark on a public fairytale last season as they stormed their way to a maiden Bundesliga crown, Xabi Alonso is reportedly keen on snapping up the 32-year-old this summer.

While Matip might not have officially made up his mind on where his next adventure will be, Leverkusen are reportedly pushing hard behind the scenes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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