11 Top Stars Still Available After the Transfer Window
The transfer window may be over across Europe’s major leagues, but several big-name players remain available and could become major opportunities.
The transfer window has closed across Europe’s major leagues, but that does not mean all business is finished. Players who are currently out of contract can still negotiate moves to new clubs despite the deadline having passed.
And the 2026 free-agent market features some surprising names. Champions League winners, World Cup champions and players with experience at some of Europe’s biggest clubs are still searching for their next destination.
From Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba to Jadon Sancho, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling, these are 11 of the biggest names still available after Deadline Day.
Jadon Sancho
At 26, Jadon Sancho is one of the free agents with the most time to rebuild his career at the highest level following his latest spell linked to Manchester City, including a loan at Aston Villa.
His age and experience in both the Premier League and Bundesliga make him an attractive option for any club looking to strengthen on the wings without paying a transfer fee.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez is available after the end of his spell with Al-Ahli. At 35, the Algerian brings enormous experience after starring in England with Leicester City and Manchester City.
The winger is free to negotiate his next contract and could still be an interesting option for a club looking for quality, experience and creativity in attack.
Raphaël Guerreiro
Raphaël Guerreiro became a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich and, at 32, his versatility makes him one of the more intriguing options still on the market.
The Portugal international can operate at left-back or further forward and has extensive Bundesliga experience following spells with Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.
Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema is arguably the biggest name on the list. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is available at 38 after bringing his spell with Al-Hilal to an end.
The Frenchman must now decide what comes next. Remaining in Saudi Arabia is among his possibilities, although retirement could also become part of the conversation.
Dani Carvajal
After a career almost entirely associated with Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal is available at 34 following the end of a trophy-filled era with the Spanish giants.
His experience, leadership and remarkable list of honors could make the Spanish right-back an attractive addition for a club looking for proven quality without paying a transfer fee.
Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi is back on the market following the end of his spell with Galatasaray. The 33-year-old Argentine striker brings extensive experience from across European football.
His spells with Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Galatasaray underline the pedigree of a forward who could still provide goals for a team looking to strengthen its attack.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial is available again after his spell with Monterrey. At 30, the French forward still has time to pursue another opportunity in European football.
His best years came with Manchester United, and his next challenge will be finding a project that can offer him the consistency and playing time needed to rediscover his best form.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is a free agent following his spell with Feyenoord and, at 31, remains one of the most recognizable names still available.
The England international has enormous experience after representing Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as enjoying a long career with the England national team.
David Alaba
David Alaba ended his time with Real Madrid and is available at 34 after a career filled with trophies in Spain and with Bayern Munich.
His ability to operate as a center-back, left-back or even in midfield, combined with his vast Champions League experience, makes him an intriguing free-agent option.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is searching for another club after the end of his spell with AS Monaco. The France World Cup winner is 33 and faces another important decision about the next stage of his career.
Recent seasons have offered little consistency, but his talent and experience with Juventus and Manchester United could still attract interest from clubs looking for midfield quality.
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho completes the list after leaving Vasco da Gama. At 34, the Brazilian is once again available to begin another chapter in his career.
His résumé includes Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, as well as a long international career with Brazil, but he must now decide where to spend the final years of his playing career.
3 Key Takeaways From the Stars Still Available
- Deadline Day does not end every deal: out-of-contract players can still negotiate moves to new clubs after the transfer window closes.
- Some huge names remain available: Benzema, Sancho, Mahrez, Pogba, Sterling, Carvajal and Alaba headline a free-agent pool loaded with experience and trophies.
- No transfer fee is required: prospective clubs must negotiate contracts, salaries and potential signing bonuses, but they do not have to agree a transfer fee with another club.
