Free agents: The 10 best out-of-contract players headed by Man Utd legend

Sarah Winterburn
David De Gea in action for Manchester United.
Genoa no longer want David de Gea due to his salary expectations

Fancy a free transfer signing? This lot are kicking their heels and waiting for somebody to get really desperate.

We have ranked by ‘value’ according to Transfermarkt but that’s just a guide.

 

1) David De Gea (Manchester United)
Gone from Old Trafford with no fanfare after 12 years and we’re past the stage where he is posting training videos on social media to remind everybody that he is still alive. Strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United but that was dismissed by Eddie Howe. Will we see him again at a decent level? He seems to want a Spanish club.

 

2) Andy Delort (Umm Salal)
The former Ajaccio forward is training with his old side after a brief spell at Umm Salal was terminated following his failure to settle in Qatar. Delort’s next club will be the 32-year-old’s 13th.

 

3) Xeka (Rennes)
Portuguese former Lille midfielder who was restricted to just six Ligue Un starts by injury last season. Newcastle were last linked but that seems highly unlikely.

NEXT: Mbappe, Man Utd and Liverpool targets among 20 best players out of contract in 2024…

 

4) Anwar El Ghazi (Mainz)
The ex-Villa winger has joined and left Mainz since he was linked with move to Manchester United in September when Erik ten Hag was struggling for wingers.

 

5) Helder Costa (Leeds United)
Released by mutual consent over two years since his last appearance for the club.

 

6) Arbër Zeneli (Adana Demirspor)
Kosovan international midfielder released early from his contract in Turkey.

 

7) Renyer (Santos)
Once touted as the most promising Santos product since Rodrygo, but he never really advanced beyond the Santos U-20 side. He is expected to sign a contract with lowly Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora.

 

8) Carlos Vela (LAFC)
The 34-year-old ex-Arsenal forward has been linked with a crosstown move to LA Galaxy, as well as NYCFC, Real Sociedad and Cruz Azul.

Read  more: Sweet dreams my LA ex: Forget Beckham and Zlatan, Carlos Vela is a real MLS legend

 

9) Jarosław Niezgoda (Portland)
Polish striker who recently ended four years in Portland, having missed much of last season with an ACL injury.

 

10) Oscar Romero (Pendikspor)
Paraguayan midfielder who enjoyed a decent spell with Boca Juniors and has amassed over 50 caps for his country.