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The thrill and anxiety of the summer transfer window are upon us. As most players relax and party in the most tropical, exotic locations around the world during the off-season, Club Directors and their backroom staff are looking to acquire the hottest prospects around the world.
As the transfer fees reach new record-breaking levels, a smart, shrewd free agent signing feels like a blessing. Most of the contracts across top European Leagues expire today, as a result, from 1st July, many players would be available on a free transfer. Let’s have a look at the top 5 free agents your club can sign this summer.
1. Jesse Lingard
First on our list is Carrington’s very own, Jesse Lingard. The former Manchester United attacking midfielder is available on a free transfer after the end of a 22-year spell with his childhood club. An attacking midfielder by trade, Lingard can also accommodate on either flank as well.
After a brilliant 6-month loan spell at West Ham United with 14 G/A in 16 appearances, former Man United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær assured Lingard of first-team chances the following season despite the arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. During a disruptive 2021-22 season at Manchester United under 3 different managers, Lingard could only manage 3 G/A in 22 appearances (in all competitions) and started the game on only 3 occasions.
Jesse Lingard opted not to renew his contract with the Red Devils and will be a free agent from 1st July 2022. Many Premier clubs are after his services but David Moyes’s West Ham United are the current favourites for his signature.
2. Isco Alarcon
Next on our list is the 5-time UCL winner, 3-time La Liga champion and 2012 Golden Boy, Isco. The Spanish midfielder has been an integral part of La-Liga giants Real Madrid for the past decade. But for the past 2 seasons, his appearances have been limited and has spent most of the time on the sidelines.
Just after their UCL win against Liverpool FC, Real Madrid announced that the Andalusian-born midfielder will be leaving the club along with the likes of Marcelo and Gareth Bale. At 30 years of age, Isco still has a few good seasons left in him and his technical ability on the ball is second to none.
Currently, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis and Julien Lopetegui’s Sevilla are touted to move for Isco. Jose Mourinho’s A.S.Roma are also keeping close tabs on the midfielder. All three former Real Madrid bosses are keen to add the midfield dynamo in their sides and hope to secure his services on a free transfer this summer.
3. Corentin Tolisso
FC Bayern Munich’s record signing in 2017 is now available on a free transfer to any possible suitors. Since his arrival at the home of Bundesliga giants, Tolisso’s career has been fairly inconsistent mainly due to injuries. In his 5-year stint at the club, the French midfielder only played a hand in only 72 Bundesliga games.
Former Les Gones graduate is still fairly young at 27 years of age and has performed well when not injured. In the last 5 years, Tolisso has been a part of 2018 World Champions France and 2020 UCL champions Bayern although his role in both the campaigns was fairly limited. A strong passer on the ball and a brilliant tackler off it, Tolisso is capable of playing in a midfield pivot and also as a lone defensive midfielder. However, the number of games for which he can be available throughout a season is still a big question mark.
The French midfielder has been linked with a move back to his childhood club, Olympique Lyonnais. According to rumours circulating in France, the French giants are currently favourites to sign him. He was linked with a move to Tottenham, but that story was put to bed as Antonio Conte brought Malian-midfielder Yves Bissouma to the club.
4. Paulo Dybala
The Argentine magician, once the heart and soul of Turin’s Old Lady, has fallen out of favour with manager Massimiliano Allegri and will be a free agent this summer. The left-footed starlet has been a key member of Juventus since his arrival from Palermo in the summer of 2015, helping the club win the Scudetto consecutively for 5 seasons including 3 doubles.
Popularly nicknamed ‘La Joya”, the Argentine forward has been struggling to find his feet for the past couple of seasons. Still only 28 years old, Dybala possesses one of the most lethal left foot in the game. Deadly from set-piece situations as well as in playmaking, he is more than capable of finding a killer pass in a tight situation.
Italian giants Inter Milan are currently favourites to sign the Argentine superstar and if sources in Italy are to be believed, the deal has already been done. However Inter’s arch-rival, A.C. Milan are also keen to bring Dybala to San Siro in the hopes of retaining the Scudetto. More drama would unfold regarding the forward in the coming days of this transfer season.
5. Luis Suarez
“A player you hate to play against but would love him on your side”, these words are the best description of one of the greatest strikers of this generation, Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan superstar is now available on a free transfer after being a crucial part of Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
El Pistolero arrived at Wanda Metropolitano in the summer of 2020 after his shock transfer from F.C. Barcelona. The former Liverpool man responded by winning the La Liga with Atleti and proving all his doubters wrong. After scoring more than 500 goals for his clubs and country, Suarez is now without a club but not without admirers.
According to Liverpool.com, the Uruguayan could make a sensational return to the Merseyside outfit. Jurgen Klopp would love him as a mentor to fellow international and latest Liverpool signing, Darwin Nunez. However, the Argentine giants' River Plate are the current favourites to sign Suarez. Have we already seen his last European campaign? The answer to this question will shortly be before us.