Paul Pogba, 33, made just six appearances for Monaco after joining them last summer. His contract was terminated by the French club last month, one year before it was due to end. Karim Benzema, 38, terminated his contract with Al-Hilal on 31 August, reportedly due to the arrival of attacking trio Crysencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli. Jadon Sancho, 26, has been linked with a move back to Borussia Dortmund, where he played before joining Manchester United in 2021.

Other notable players who are currently free agents include Riyad Mahrez, whose contract was terminated in the Saudi Pro League, and Raheem Sterling, who was released by Feyenoord after just three months and eight games. Philippe Coutinho, who left his boyhood club Vasco de Gama in February, citing that he was "tired mentally", and Dani Carvajal, who has been a free agent since his contract with Real Madrid ended in June, are also among the players looking for a new club. Jamie Vardy, who spent last season with Cremonese after 13 years with Leicester City, is another player without a club.