The 2024 summer transfer window may have closed, but Premier League clubs still have a valuable opportunity to strengthen their squads before next week’s submission deadline. Brentford, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and West Ham United, along with other top-flight teams, can sign players from the free agent market. With a 25-player squad limit, these clubs have a limited window to bring in experienced midfielders and forwards who were registered with Premier League clubs within the last 12 months. Here’s a look at some notable free agents available for signing.
1. Amadou Diallo (Age: 21)
- Last Club: Newcastle United
- Position: Winger
- Profile: Former Newcastle United and West Ham youth player Amadou Diallo is currently searching for a new club at just 21. Having made one senior appearance for Newcastle, Diallo is seeking a fresh opportunity to restart his career. Though his playing time at Newcastle was limited, he remains a promising young talent with potential to develop.
2. Jack Cork (Age: 35)
- Last Club: Burnley
- Position: Midfielder
- Profile: Veteran midfielder Jack Cork has left Burnley and is now a free agent. At 35, his Premier League career appears to be winding down. Cork could still offer leadership and experience to a lower-league team, but his future at the top level is uncertain. He may be considering retirement or pursuing opportunities in lower divisions.
3. Cheikhou Kouyaté (Age: 34)
- Last Club: Nottingham Forest
- Position: Midfielder/Centre-back
- Profile: Kouyaté’s versatility is one of his strongest assets. The 34-year-old can play both as a central midfielder and a centre-back, making him an attractive option for teams seeking experienced depth in either position. Kouyaté has a wealth of Premier League experience, having played for Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest.
4. Emiliano Marcondes (Age: 28)
- Last Club: AFC Bournemouth
- Position: Midfielder
- Profile: Danish midfielder Emiliano Marcondes struggled to secure regular playing time at Bournemouth, making just 18 appearances in three seasons. Given his limited impact, it seems unlikely that Marcondes will find another Premier League club. He may be looking to relaunch his career at a lower level or in a different league entirely.
5. Saman Ghoddos (Age: 30)
- Last Club: Brentford
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Profile: Iranian international Saman Ghoddos is now searching for a new club after leaving Brentford, where he made 78 appearances and scored five goals. With 52 caps for Iran, Ghoddos is a proven player at the international level, though his recent form may lead him to pursue opportunities outside of the Premier League.
6. Ivan Perisic (Age: 35)
- Last Club: Hajduk Split
- Position: Winger/Forward
- Profile: A seasoned veteran of European football, Ivan Perisic briefly played for Hajduk Split after his time at Tottenham Hotspur. However, a falling out with the club’s management led to his early exit. Perisic remains an attractive option due to his vast experience, including stints with Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Croatia’s national team, although his age may deter some Premier League clubs.
7. Steven Alzate (Age: 25)
- Last Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
- Position: Midfielder
- Profile: Steven Alzate was once considered a promising prospect at Brighton, but injuries and a lack of playing time have seen his career stall. The 25-year-old is reportedly close to signing with Hull City in the Championship. A Premier League return seems unlikely, but a strong showing in the Championship could reignite interest in him from top-tier clubs.
8. Dennis Praet (Age: 30)
- Last Club: Leicester City
- Position: Midfielder
- Profile: Belgian international Dennis Praet joined Leicester City for £18 million but never quite established himself as a first-team regular. Now a free agent, Praet is reportedly on the verge of signing with Belgian giants Anderlecht. While some Premier League and Championship clubs have expressed interest, a return to Belgium appears to be the most likely outcome.
9. Andre Gomes (Age: 31)
- Last Club: Everton
- Position: Midfielder
- Profile: Andre Gomes, once a key figure at Everton, has been hampered by injuries in recent years. The Portuguese midfielder left Everton this summer and is reportedly undergoing a medical at Lille ahead of a move to the French club. While Gomes is close to securing a deal, his availability presents an option for clubs needing experience and technical ability in midfield.
10. Anthony Martial (Age: 28)
- Last Club: Manchester United
- Position: Forward
- Profile: One of the most high-profile free agents available, Anthony Martial spent nine years at Manchester United, scoring 62 goals in 209 Premier League appearances. At 28, Martial is still in his prime and remains a tempting option for clubs looking for an experienced forward. There have been reports of interest from Brazilian club Flamengo, as well as links to clubs in Spain, but no deal has been finalized yet.
Clubs’ Deadline and Considerations
The opportunity to sign these players will not last long. Premier League clubs must finalize their 25-man squads ahead of the league’s submission deadline next week. Each team can register up to 25 senior players, with a focus on maintaining a balance of experience and youth in the squad.
For clubs like West Ham United, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Brentford, the availability of free agents represents a chance to bolster their rosters without spending transfer fees. These players come with varying degrees of experience, but for clubs looking to improve depth or cover potential injury concerns, they can provide vital reinforcements.
While some of these free agents, such as Anthony Martial and Cheikhou Kouyaté, still possess the quality to make an impact in the Premier League, others may be more suited to roles in lower divisions or different leagues. The key for clubs is to assess whether these players fit their current tactical needs and squad structures.
Conclusion
As the Premier League squad submission deadline approaches, clubs still have time to make key additions through the free agent market. Experienced players like Anthony Martial, Cheikhou Kouyaté, and Ivan Perisic offer options for top-flight teams, while younger talents such as Amadou Diallo may appeal to clubs willing to invest in potential. For teams like West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Brentford, these free agents provide an opportunity to enhance their squads without the cost of a transfer fee.
With just days remaining, the race to finalize squads is heating up, and these available players may find themselves with new clubs soon. Whether they end up in the Premier League, Championship, or abroad, these free agents remain intriguing options for teams in need of last-minute reinforcements