Premier League players available on a free transfer this summer - Premier LeaguePremier League players available on a free transfer this summer - Premier League

A selection of Premier League players are poised to become free agents at the end of this month, allowing them to join new clubs without a transfer fee. The release of the 2025/26 retained lists has confirmed which players are now free agents. These players can follow the path of others like Andy Robertson and Raul Jimenez, who have already left Liverpool and Fulham respectively and signed for Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Some players whose contracts are expiring have been offered new deals by their current 2025/26 clubs. These individuals are included on their teams’ “retained lists” but could still sign with new clubs as free agents.

Goalkeepers and defenders available

Among the goalkeepers, Illan Meslier, who was the first-choice for Leeds United when they returned to the Premier League last summer, is available. He later fell behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow under manager Daniel Farke. Stefan Ortega, who moved from Manchester City to Nottingham Forest in January, also struggled for game time, making only three league appearances.

In defence, Willy Boly of Nottingham Forest made just two appearances last season due to a knee issue. Dennis Cirkin was also limited to eight league appearances for Sunderland following their Premier League return, and was behind Reinildo and Trai Hume in the left-back hierarchy. Nathaniel Clyne, whose career at Crystal Palace has come full circle, made 12 senior appearances last season. Palace has indicated that discussions are ongoing with Clyne.

Seamus Coleman is departing Everton after 17 years. Reports suggest the Republic of Ireland international has been offered a coaching role with the Toffees, but he has not yet decided on his next career step. Liverpool has confirmed that Ibrahima Konate will leave when his contract ends, despite earlier beliefs that a new deal would be reached. A move to Real Madrid has been mentioned for Konate.

Tyrell Malacia, a defensive addition for Manchester United in 2022, saw his game time affected by injuries, leading Man Utd to not renew his contract. An unnamed Argentinian player for AFC Bournemouth has been offered a new contract by Bournemouth. However, media reports suggest he is close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.

After a decade at the Etihad Stadium, John Stones is leaving Manchester City as a six-time champion. Injuries limited his role last season. Joel Veltman, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Ajax in 2020, has been a key squad player for the Seagulls. Another defender leaving Brighton, Adam Webster, who arrived from Bristol City in 2019, has faced injury issues and did not make an appearance last season. Rhys Williams, who made a few appearances for Liverpool after breaking into the senior side in 2019, spent more time on loan in recent years and did not feature last season.

Midfielders and attackers seeking new clubs

In midfield, Yves Bissouma, who was a strong defensive midfielder for Ange Postecoglou‘s Tottenham Hotspur in the early weeks of 2023/24, made only 11 appearances last season. Casemiro is leaving Manchester United after a successful period, during which he helped the club win the EFL Cup in his first season and the FA Cup in his second. He also played a role in the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League.

Idrissa Gueye maintained consistency for Everton throughout the season. Daichi Kamada, Crystal Palace’s first Japanese player, joined the Eagles in 2024 and has been offered a new contract by Palace, but is currently free to choose a new club.

Among attackers, Mohamed Salah will be a valuable free agent after nine years at Liverpool. He departs as a prolific Premier League goalscorer and is joint sixth for assists. Salah won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, four Golden Boots, and two Premier League Player of the Season awards. Jadon Sancho, whose 2021 move to Man Utd did not meet expectations, had loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and most recently, Aston Villa, where he showed glimpses of his talent.

Bernardo Silva, a key player for Pep Guardiola at Man City, is leaving after nine years. The player will decide his future after the World Cup, with reports suggesting a move to LaLiga. Bertrand Traoré, signed by Sunderland on a one-year deal with an option to extend, made 10 league appearances and scored one goal under Regis Le Bris. Harry Wilson had his most prolific season for Fulham in 2025/26, being directly involved in 17 league goals, scoring 10 times. Fulham has offered him a new deal.

Several clubs have confirmed their retained lists, with players like Sam Chapman, Harrison Dudziak, and Seb Ferdinand released by Arsenal. Brentford released Ryan Trevitt. Newcastle United released Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, John Ruddy, Max Thompson, and Matt Targett. Aston Villa‘s Ross Barkley and Bournemouth‘s Marcos Senesi are also due to be out of contract.

Sheffield United, after finishing 13th in the Championship in 2025/26, is expected to explore the free agent market to strengthen their squad, with manager Chris Wilder aiming to add experienced players.

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Source: premierleague.com

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By Kwame Ofori

Kwame Ofori is a veteran journalist with over 15 years of experience covering political reforms, elections, and economic policies across West Africa. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Ghana.