Free agents: The players Premier League clubs can still sign outside the transfer window

The transfer window may be closed, but that won't stop some clubs from strengthening further

Jack de Menezes
Thursday 01 September 2016 12:09 BST
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If you thought the closure of the summer transfer window has ended the persistent talk of will they-won’t they, then you couldn’t be further from the truth, as the free agent merry-go-round fires up to offer clubs a second chance of strengthening their squads.

Despite the transfer window deadline coming and going on Wednesday night, clubs are free to sign unattached players at any point in the season as long as they register the player in their 25-man Premier League squad.

With over 20 leading names still available to be signed for the season ahead, clubs that missed out on their targets will already be weighing up their options in the free agent market, and there’s some attractive propositions available for any side that wishes to make a late addition with plenty of Premier League alumni available.

The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Stephane Sessegnon and Jose Enrique are all on the market following extensive spells in the top flight, while a number of veterans are currently unattached and on the lookout for one last hurrah after seeing their contracts run down at the end of last season.

Two free agents have already been snapped up on deadline day, with Wales striker Hal Robson-Kanu joining West Bromwich Albion and Alvaro Arbeloa moving to West Ham after leaving Reading and Real Madrid respectively. Manchester United also displayed their prowess in the free agent market as they lured Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford after he left Paris Saint-Germain in one of the highest profile signings of the summer.

How the Premier League compared to other European leagues in the transfer window
How the Premier League compared to other European leagues in the transfer window (Statista)

So who are the free agents on the lookout for a new home? Click on the gallery above to find out.

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