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The transfer market is heating up and we have already seen some extremely high-profile moves come to fruition this summer. Be it Kylian Mbappe's long-awaited move to Real Madrid or Leny Yoro's signing for Manchester United, big clubs across Europe have made some eye-catching moves in the transfer market.
While big sums have generally been the hallmark of recent transfer markets, there have also been some shrewd free agent signings in the recent past that have had a huge impact.
In this article, we take a look at 7 top free agents who are available in this transfer window.
#7 Anthony Martial - Last played for Manchester United
Anthony Martial did not hit the heights expected of him during his 9-year stay at Manchester United. Brought in for a huge sum of money in 2015, the French forward after a bright start struggled for both form and fitness at Old Trafford.
Still only 28, the versatile forward was one among the many players let go by INEOS at Manchester United and is without a club at the moment. At his best, Martial is capable of dribbling past players with ease and can be an interesting attacking option for various teams in Europe.
As per Sky Sports, Martial has been linked with a move to French sides Lyon and Marseille while Turkish side Besiktas have also been credited with an interest in the mercurial Frenchman.
Martial will know that this is probably going to be his last big move and it will be interesting to see where the Frenchman will ply his trade next season.
#6 Mats Hummels - Last played for Borussia Dortmund
One of the best centre-backs of this generation, Mats Hummels will be available as a free agent this summer. Along with Marco Reus, the 35-year-old played his last game for Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Brilliant on the ball and indisputably a Bundesliga legend, Hummels is reportedly not short of offers and is being courted by the likes of both Bayer Leverkusen and Serie A side Bologna.
With both clubs set to feature in the UEFA Champions League, Hummels could still have an important role to play in Europe in the coming season.
#5 Guido Rodriguez - Last played for Real Betis
2022 World Cup winner and 2024 Copa America winner Guido Rodriguez is another top-quality free agent available in the transfer market. A combative midfielder, who is not afraid to throw himself into a tackle, Rodriguez was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
However, with the Catalan club reportedly failing to go through with the move, the future of the Argentine midfielder is up in the air again.
Latest reports have linked him with a return to Real Betis and the Argentine might well end up re-signing with the Seville-based La Liga outfit.
#4 James Rodriguez - Last played for Sao Paulo
James Rodriguez is all set to be the latest high-profile profile free agent available in this transfer market. The Colombian superstar had a phenomenal Copa America and was awarded the Player of the Tournament award. With one goal and six assists in Colombia's run to the final, the 33-year-old playmaker turned back the clock and put in some dazzling performances.
James Rodriguez is reportedly looking to make a move back to Europe and it will be interesting to see if any top club will be looking to take a punt on the Colombian captain this transfer window.
#3 Memphis Depay - Last played for Atletico Madrid
Dutch striker Memphis Depay is another top forward currently without a club in this transfer window. The former Manchester United, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid man is currently recovering from an injury he sustained during the 2024 Euro semi-final clash against England.
The 30-year-old forward is still capable of coming up with some magic moments and was Ronald Koeman's first-choice striker at Euro 2024 in Germany. A versatile player who can play across the front line, Depay would be an excellent addition for any top squad looking to add to its squad depth.
Surprisingly, there have been no reliable reports linking Depay to any club at the moment. This will definitely be a story to follow as the transfer market progresses this summer.
#2 Mario Hermoso - Last played for Atletico Madrid
29-year-old Spaniard, Mario Hermoso is capable of playing both as a center-back and a left-back. A key member of Diego Simeone's excellent Atletico Madrid side over the last 5 seasons, Hermoso is definitely not short of suitors in this transfer market.
According to reports, Italian sides AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli are all looking to sign the defender while Premier League sides West Ham and Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest in the former Atletico Madrid man.
A truly experienced defender, who is still at the top of his game, Hermoso is very much a man in demand. A move to the Serie A looks most likely at the moment.
#1 Adrien Rabiot - Last played for Juventus
France international Adrien Rabiot is undoubtedly the top name in the free agency market this summer. The 29-year-old midfielder has been one of the most important players for both club and country in the last two years.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano had this to say about Rabiot's future and his links with Manchester United and Liverpool:
“Adrien Rabiot is waiting for the Premier League. He has some possibilities in other countries so keeping all the options open but he’s still waiting a few more days for Premier League clubs.
“Liverpool links? Liverpool and Rabiot, I am told Liverpool are not negotiating for Rabiot. Not interested, not working on a deal, so Liverpool, no.
“And then Manchester United, a lot of questions about Man United. But as of today I’m not aware of any advance in negotiations between United and Rabiot.”
A 5 time Ligue 1 winner with PSG, and a Serie A title winner with Juventus, Rabiot definitely has the pedigree and class to play in any top club across Europe.
