The January transfer window has officially slammed shut for Premier League and EFL clubs, marking the end of a relatively subdued period in the football market. However, a significant opportunity remains for teams seeking to bolster their squads without paying transfer fees. A host of high-profile free agents, including former England internationals and Premier League champions, are still available for clubs to snap up on free transfers.
Transfer Window Recap and Free Agent Landscape
Top-flight English clubs collectively spent just over £400 million during the January window, with headline deals being few and far between. The most notable transaction saw Antoine Semenyo move from Bournemouth to Manchester City for £65 million, while deadline day was dominated by Crystal Palace's club-record £48 million capture of Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves. Liverpool also agreed a £60 million deal in principle for Rennes prospect Jeremy Jacquet, though this will not be completed until the summer.
With the window now closed, clubs that failed to secure their primary targets may turn to the free agent market for reinforcements. Premier League sides must register their squads for the remainder of the campaign by February 5, adding urgency to potential signings. The availability of experienced, homegrown players who no longer command enormous wages presents an astute option for many teams.
Top 10 Available Free Agents
Raheem Sterling
Just days before the transfer deadline, Raheem Sterling and Chelsea mutually agreed to terminate his contract. The 31-year-old winger, a four-time Premier League champion with previous stints at Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal, now finds himself without a club. As a homegrown player with vast top-level experience, Sterling represents a valuable short-term option for any side needing attacking quality.
Kurt Zouma
Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Kurt Zouma is available after his contract with Romanian side CFR Cluj was terminated in January. The 31-year-old centre-back, who captained West Ham just three years ago before falling out of favour, could still offer solid defensive cover at Premier League level despite his recent spell abroad.
Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard remains unattached following an emotional departure from FC Seoul in December 2025. The 33-year-old former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder spent nearly two years in South Korea after a disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest. Despite speculation about a Premier League return during the transfer window, the ex-England international is still searching for a new challenge.
Ryan Kent
Liverpool academy product Ryan Kent is currently without a club after establishing his reputation at Rangers. The 29-year-old winger's most recent spells were with Seattle Sounders in MLS and Fenerbahce in Turkey. During the transfer window, there were reports of potential interest from Scottish clubs for the pacey attacker who still has something to prove in his career.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been without a club since leaving Besiktas in August 2025, though he has been training with Arsenal to maintain match fitness. The 32-year-old former Gunners midfielder was linked with Celtic on deadline day, but other clubs still have an opportunity to secure the services of the experienced Premier League campaigner.
Aaron Ramsey
Arsenal legend Aaron Ramsey is seeking game time ahead of crucial international matches, with Wales facing a World Cup play-off semi-final. The 35-year-old midfielder's last appearance came for Mexican side Pumas, where his spell lasted just months due to fitness concerns and personal difficulties. His most recent UK stint saw him rejoin Cardiff City and briefly take on interim managerial duties.
James Rodriguez
Former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star James Rodriguez, who joined Everton in 2020, is currently unattached. The 34-year-old Colombian has since played in Qatar, Greece, Brazil, Spain, and Mexico. With a World Cup on the horizon, Rodriguez is hunting for playing time, though reports suggest he is more likely to join a club in North or South America than return to England.
Serge Aurier
Defender Serge Aurier, who spent over four years at Tottenham and had a spell at Nottingham Forest, is available after departing Persian Gulf Pro League side Persepolis in January. The 33-year-old endured over a year without a team from February 2024 until summer 2025 after leaving Galatasaray. If match-ready, he could offer defensive solutions for several English sides.
Dele Alli
The enigmatic Dele Alli has been clubless since leaving Italian side Como 1907 last September. The 29-year-old former Tottenham midfielder has been training independently ahead of an expected comeback. As a homegrown player with many playing years ahead, Alli has attracted reported interest from Spain and Championship clubs during January.
Divock Origi
Liverpool's Champions League-winning cult hero Divock Origi became available on a free transfer after his AC Milan contract was terminated by mutual consent in December. The 30-year-old striker has since remained without a club following loan spells with Milan and Nottingham Forest after permanently leaving Liverpool in 2022. While he may lack match sharpness and have substantial salary expectations, his pedigree could make him a worthwhile mid-season punt.
Strategic Considerations for Clubs
The availability of these experienced professionals presents both opportunities and challenges for clubs. While free agents can provide immediate quality without transfer fees, concerns about match fitness, wage demands, and long-term viability must be carefully evaluated. The homegrown status of several players, including Sterling and Alli, adds particular value for Premier League clubs working within squad registration rules.
As the February 5 registration deadline approaches, clubs will be weighing their options carefully. The free agent market offers a final chance to address squad deficiencies before the season's climax, with these ten players representing some of the most intriguing possibilities available to English football clubs in the post-transfer window period.
