Sterling, Rodríguez & Lingard included: The most valuable free agents

Bargain deal? 

The transfer window closed on Monday for the vast majority of European leagues. While some countries have extended windows – Türkiye’s closes on Friday – the majority of clubs have completed their business until the summer. Senior club officials will already be planning and budgeting for the summer window but some could still add players before then.

There are numerous players still without clubs and they can be signed without a transfer fee as free agents. They could represent attractive options short-term deals if clubs aren’t totally satisfied with their business or to provide cover if any injuries are sustained. Some household names are still looking for a new club and we’ve analysed the most valuable free agents on the market.

The most valuable free agents

Raheem Sterling is the most valuable current free agent with the former England international valued at €5 million. Sterling and Chelsea reached an agreement to terminate his contract in January with the 31-year-old now on the lookout for a new club. Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Kurt Zouma and Felipe Carballo rank joint-second at €4m. Uruguay international Carballo departed Gremio in late January, while Zouma hasn’t found a club since leaving CFR Cluj.

As the graphic above illustrates, numerous famous names feature in the top twenty list, including James Rodríguez. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich superstar, however, is reportedly closing in on a deal to join Minnesota United – you can read more about that deal here. Jesse Lingard is another high-profile star to feature with the former Manchester United midfielder claiming to be in talks with clubs in Serie A and the Premier League.