While the Premier League might have once again broken a string of financial records since the summer transfer window opened up, there remains a string of European icons who are still seeking a new adventure.
Watching a host of modern-day poster boys fail to agree on a new deal with their former clubs, the free agent pool could be one that many teams are looking to dive into.
On a list that includes a host of record-breaking European heavyweights, we have taken a look at a trio of free agent superstars that are still sat by their phones.
David de Gea
Although many might have expected to sign a contract extension with Premier League giants Manchester United this summer, David de Gea shockingly announced last month that he would be ending his 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
With Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana coming through the doors this summer, De Gea had accepted that he would no longer be Erik ten Hag’s number-one choice going forward.
Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny during the final days of his tenure in the red half of Manchester, the 32-year-old is yet to sign up to a new adventure this summer.
Remarkably still sat on the free agent list and rejecting a handful of bank-breaking offers from Saudi Arabia, the former Spain international has made it clear that staying in Europe is his priority.
De Gea had been at United for 12 years and his 545 appearances and 190 clean sheets are club records for a keeper.
With the likes of German giants Bayern Munich publically stating that they would not be pursuing a deal for United’s former record-breaker this summer, it remains to be seen where De Gea will be heading over the coming weeks.
Eden Hazard
While there might have been a huge amount of excitement around the Spanish capital as Eden Hazard completed his famous £89million move to Real Madrid back in the summer 2019, it is fair to say that the Belgium international endured a public nightmare at the Bernabeu.
Dealing with a string of injury issues during his downbeat four-year spell with the European icons, the former Chelsea talisman left the club on June 30th after agreeing to terminate his contract early.
Despite being under contract with Madrid until June 2024, Los Blancos had made it clear that they were desperate to get Hazard’s wages off of their bill.
During his injury-riddled time in the Spanish capital, the 32-year-old won the Champions League, a European Super Cup, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.
In 76 matches across all competitions, Hazard scored seven goals, a remarkable drop off from the 110 in 352 matches for Chelsea.
Although Hazard might have been linked with a potential return back to Belgium this summer, The Mirror reported last month that the ex-Real Madrid forward is contemplating retirement.
Sergio Ramos
Although Sergio Ramos might have played a crucial role as PSG claimed yet another Ligue 1 crown last season, the 37-year-old was another high-profile departure from the French capital this summer.
Following seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi out of France’s top-flight, the World Cup-winner has made it clear that he has no interest in hanging up his boots and is still weighing up his next move.
Making 57 appearances for PSG after making the move from Los Blancos back in 2021, Ramos won two French titles during his tenure at Princes Park.
However, his first season in Paris was plagued by injuries and although he has contributed more significantly this term, he was unable to prevent the Parisians from being knocked out of the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage during both campaigns.
While many might have expected the ex-Spain defender to be snapped up already, Ramos still remains a free agent.
AS reported earlier in the week that the former Ballon d’Or contender has received a lucrative two-year offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
