Sports

Rabiot, Sturridge, Balotelli, Carroll and Cahill among stars now unemployed and looking for a club as free agents


THE first day of July sees a glut of big-name players become free agents after their contracts with clubs ran out at midnight.

Hundreds of footballers across the world are now technically unemployed and looking for new places to work – sparking a rush of free transfers.

 Adrien Rabiot is available on a free transfer - and has been targeted by a string of big clubs having left PSG

7

Adrien Rabiot is available on a free transfer – and has been targeted by a string of big clubs having left PSGCredit: EPA

Many will be scratching around lower league sides in the hope of a deal, but there are also some stars who are now up for grabs without a fee.

Adrien Rabiot

Likely to be one of the biggest bargains of the summer having left Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been interested in the French midfielder but he looks certain to join Juventus.

Ander Herrera

Decided to leave Manchester United at the end of last season, and still yet to announce where he will be playing although PSG and a two-year deal is thought to be close to being signed.

Daniel Sturridge

Injuries have blighted the England striker’s career in recent years and after leaving Liverpool is going to have to accept he might have to settle for a pay as you play deal if he is to get a Premier League club.

 Daniel Sturridge is without a club just a month after claiming a Champions League medal with Liverpool

7

Daniel Sturridge is without a club just a month after claiming a Champions League medal with LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor
 Mario Balotelli is another who became a free agent on July 1

7

Mario Balotelli is another who became a free agent on July 1Credit: AFP or licensors

Mario Balotelli

Without a club having left Marseille, the former Liverpool and Manchester City man is looking for someone to give him a chance just a year after winning an international recall. The 28-year-old looks set to return to Italy.

Andy Carroll

Another who has seen injuries ruin his recent seasons, with West Ham deciding not to offer him a new deal in the summer. Has been used to big wages but little interested in England so a switch to MLS could be in the pipeline.

Gary Cahill

Frozen out in his last year at Chelsea there is little doubt Cahill can still do a job for someone. No shortage of interest from top sides in the Championship but may still think he has Premier League football in him, even at the age of 33.

7

Fernando Llorente

Always the understudy to Harry Kane at Tottenham, but now new deal has been forthcoming for the Spain international. West Ham have shown an interest but a return to La Liga seems more likely.

Samir Nasri

Looked sharp in his first two games on a short-term deal at West Ham, then did nothing for the remainder of the season. Has an offer of big money in Dubai, but if he fancies a bigger challenge then Vincent Kompany has shown interest at Anderlecht.

Diego Godin

One of the linchpins of a brilliant Atletico Madrid team, but at 33 the Uruguayan has decided to look for pastures new. Has been busy on Copa America duty recently, and seems a good bet to join Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.

Franck Ribery

After 11 impressive seasons at Bayern Munich decided the time was right to leave. The once flying winger is more of a schemer nowadays and is yet to decide whether his career is over or if he has one more club left in him.

Arjen Robben

The other veteran flyer at Bayern to leave this summer, Robben is still hoping to find a club to play for at the age of 35. The blistering speed may not be the same, but the quality is still there.

Danny Welbeck

A broken ankle ruined his final year at Arsenal but surely there is a decent player there in Welbeck who is still only 28. Newcastle and Southampton are among several clubs who have shown an interest in someone who promises to be a decent free transfer signing.

 Andy Carroll could be bound for MLS in America after leaving West Ham

7

Andy Carroll could be bound for MLS in America after leaving West HamCredit: Getty – Contributor
 Gary Cahill was frozen out at Chelsea but could still do a job in the Premier League

7

Gary Cahill was frozen out at Chelsea but could still do a job in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
 Arjen Robben left Bayern Munich last summer but still has plenty of quality to offer someone

7

Arjen Robben left Bayern Munich last summer but still has plenty of quality to offer someoneCredit: Getty – Contributor
Mario Balotelli records Marseille goal celebration on his mobile phone and posts selfie to Instagram during the game





READ NEWS SOURCE

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.