The summer is always exciting for fans of football clubs. It means transfer gossip and the prospect of new arrivals. While many top clubs eye up big money signings, here are some players who are for free this summer:
Dani Alves
The veteran full-back is still playing for Brazil at 36 years old at the Copa America. He has spent the last two seasons at big-spending French giants PSG, having previously played for Juventus and most notably Barcelona.
Despite his age, Alves has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs. However, one last big payday looks likely, with China reportedly his most likely destination this summer.
Danny Welbeck
The England international forward left Arsenal this summer after an injury-plagued career in north London. At just 28 years old, the former Manchester United star still has a lot left in the tank.
However, he also has to avoid those troublesome injuries. Welbeck missed much of last season due to injury. The likes of Everton, Leicester and Newcastle have all been linked with moves for the forward.
If he can avoid those seemingly perennial injuries, that’s a big if, he could still be an asset for a Premier League club.
Daniel Sturridge
The forward departs Liverpool at the age of 29 years of age. The Reds are once again expected to mount a title challenge, as Jurgen Klopp’s team are odds of 9/4 to claim in the title in the new campaign.
Like Welbeck, Sturridge was once regarded as a bright young English attacking player. Like Welbeck, he has endured an injury-hit career and has not quite lived up to his potential.
Despite being a natural finisher, Sturridge struggled to get much game time at Liverpool under Klopp, who preferred the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
There have been many question marks placed over Sturridge attitude, which is maybe why he has yet to find a new club. Celtic and Rangers have been mooted as possible destinations for the forward this summer.
Gary Cahill
The 33-year-old failed to impressed Maurizio Sarri last season at Chelsea and has left the Blues as a free agent having failed to start any top-flight games last season.
Cahill has won virtually every trophy there is to win at Stamford Bridge. No doubt his wealth of experience at the highest level will make the centre-back look like an attractive proposition this summer.
Reportedly, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are all interested in signing the former Bolton defender.
Franck Ribery
The 36-year-old is reportedly not ready for retirement just yet after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of his contract. The former France international actually played 36 times for the Bavarian giants last season, as they won yet another Bundesliga title.
Despite links to a surprise move to Premier League Sheffield United earlier in the summer, his most likely moves look to either Qatar or China.
Thomas Vermaelen
The Belgium international left Barcelona after his contract expired following five years in Catalonia. Due to injuries, the defender made just 54 appearances for the Spanish champions.
At 33 and injury-prone there may not be a queue of clubs lining up to sign him. However, reports from the Spanish suggest that he has agreed on terms with Greek club Olympiakos.
Other players available on free transfers
Some other notable players who are also free agents are:
Michel Vorm, Alberto Moreno, Hatem Ben Arfa, Mario Balotelli, Phil Jagielka, Peter Crouch, Fernando Llorente, Yohan Cabaye, Samir Nasri, Arjen Robben and Andy Carroll.
Who is the most attractive free agent this summer?
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