By Martin Graham
With the 2025-26 Premier League season kicking off on 15 August – when Liverpool host Bournemouth – clubs are working at full pace to reshape their squads. While some teams have already spent big, including Liverpool’s £116m deal for Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz and Manchester United’s £62.5m purchase of Matheus Cunha, there are also several experienced players available for nothing when contracts officially expire on 1 July.
These names, familiar across England’s top tier, may either stay in the league or continue their careers elsewhere. With hundreds of appearances, trophies, and even a few assists and own goals between them, here are some of the top free agents.
Familiar faces with Premier League pedigree
Lukasz Fabianski, who marked his 40th birthday in April, will be moving on from West Ham after seven years. Known for his reliability, the Polish keeper has kept 92 clean sheets in 376 matches across Arsenal, Swansea, and the Hammers. A winner of the FA Cup in 2014 and part of the squad that lifted the Europa Conference League trophy in 2023, Fabianski has even assisted two goals – one each for Arsenal and Swansea.
Jamie Vardy ends a legendary run at Leicester City, departing with 200 goals in all competitions. Since arriving from Fleetwood Town for £1m, the 38-year-old played a crucial role in the club’s Premier League and FA Cup triumphs. With 145 goals in 342 top-flight games – scored using all parts of his body – he’s reportedly drawing interest from Rangers.
Christian Eriksen is another notable name on the market. The Danish midfielder, who has featured for Ajax, Spurs, Inter Milan, Brentford, and Manchester United, will leave Old Trafford this summer. Though he has won leagues in the Netherlands and Italy, a Premier League title remains elusive despite 310 appearances in the competition.
Ashley Young, preparing to turn 40 in July, insists he still has plenty to offer. Released by Everton, Young has played nearly 500 times in the league and spent spells with clubs including Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Inter Milan. Scoring 50 goals – mostly with his right foot – and hitting the post 17 times, Young has been linked with newly promoted Wrexham.
Danny Ings, who first appeared for Bournemouth in 2009, could also be on the move. The forward has 72 Premier League goals for clubs including Southampton, Liverpool, and West Ham, and is reportedly a target for Championship-bound Wrexham. Despite his attacking mindset, Ings has never been shown a red card in the league.
Players looking for their next chapter
Ben Mee, 35, leaves Brentford after making nearly 70 appearances for the Bees and over 270 in the league overall. The former Burnley defender had a strong debut year in west London, winning the fans’ player of the season award. Over his career, he’s logged six assists, one sending-off, and five own goals.
Neal Maupay is also out of contract, with his future uncertain after a loan spell in France with Marseille. His underwhelming three-year stay at Everton saw him score just once in 29 appearances. The French forward courted controversy last December when he mocked the club’s result online after a loss to Nottingham Forest.
Victor Lindelof exits Manchester United at 30, after eight seasons at the club. The Swedish international played 194 times in the Premier League, winning the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. Clubs across Europe, including his former side Benfica, have shown interest, but reports suggest he may prefer to remain in England.
Abdoulaye Doucoure leaves Everton with a strong legacy after five years. The Mali midfielder scored the critical goal that ensured the team’s top-flight survival in 2023. With 278 total appearances for Watford and Everton and 36 goals to his name, Doucoure has attracted attention from Leeds United, who are returning to the Premier League.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin might not be done at Everton just yet, though his contract ends this month. The striker, 28, has made nearly 240 league appearances and scored 57 goals, though he netted just three in the last campaign. Despite inconsistency, his age and experience could still make him a valuable signing.
Vladimir Coufal bid farewell to West Ham after five years of service and 147 league appearances. Known more for his defensive reliability, Coufal has not scored in the competition, though he has hit the woodwork three times and put the ball into his own net twice. He’s been linked with multiple Premier League sides, including Everton, Leeds, and Wolves.
Kyle Walker-Peters is set to leave Southampton as his deal approaches its end next June. The full-back, who joined from Spurs initially on loan, featured in most games last season as the Saints earned promotion. With 148 appearances and two goals in the top tier, Walker-Peters is expected to attract interest as a dependable defensive option.
