The January transfer window has now shut for all Premier League and EFL teams, leaving a number of high-quality free agents still without a club. The recent window was relatively subdued, with top-flight teams spending just over £400million in total.
Few big names made moves, with the most significant transfer arguably being Antoine Semenyo’s £65m move from Bournemouth to Manchester City. Deadline day itself was similarly low-key, with Jorgen Strand Larsen’s record-breaking £48m transfer from Wolves to Crystal Palace being the largest deal of the day. Liverpool also secured Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet for £60m in principle, although this move will not take place until the summer. Despite the closure of the window some clubs may still need to fill gaps after missing out on targets and Express Sport brings you several free agents still available.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling agreed to terminate his contract with Chelsea by mutual consent just days before the deadline. The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal winger is currently unattached.
The four-time Premier League champion is expected to make his comeback soon and the 31-year-old represents an attractive option for any side as a homegrown player no longer commanding excessive wages. However, Premier League clubs must register their squad for the rest of the season by February 5.
Kurt Zouma
Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Kurt Zouma joined Romanian outfit CFR Cluj only last September. However, his contract was terminated in January and he is now available on a free transfer.
At 31, he could still offer solid defensive cover at the top level and it was merely three years ago that he was appointed captain by The Hammers before gradually falling out of first-team reckoning.
Sterling left Chelsea in January (Image: Getty)
Jesse Lingard
Ex-England international Jesse Lingard has been away from the limelight following a disappointing stint at Nottingham Forest. He spent nearly two years in South Korea with FC Seoul after joining in 2024, but departed emotionally last December seeking a fresh opportunity.
During the transfer window, speculation mounted about a Premier League return for the 33-year-old. Yet the former Manchester United and West Ham player remains available.
Ryan Kent
Liverpool academy product Ryan Kent established his reputation at Rangers after failing to make the grade at Anfield. However, the 29-year-old winger is currently without a club.
He most recently turned out for Seattle Sounders in the MLS following a brief stint with Fenerbahce in Turkey. The pacey winger still has something to prove in his career and was reportedly linked with a Scottish return throughout the transfer window.
Lingard played with Seoul for two years (Image: Getty)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a free agent since August 2025 following his departure from Besiktas but has been keeping himself active. The former Arsenal midfielder had been training with the Gunners to stay match-fit, with some reports even suggesting an improbable comeback.
However, more credible reports connected Celtic to the player, with deadline day speculation indicating the Scottish club could be interested in signing the 32-year-old. There remains time for other sides to make their move.
Aaron Ramsey
One player seeking regular football ahead of crucial international matches is Aaron Ramsey. The Arsenal legend’s last club was Mexican outfit Pumas, where his stay lasted just months owing to fitness concerns and personal matters.
Wales face a World Cup play-off semi-final and Ramsey will be hoping to earn a place in Craig Bellamy’s squad. The 35-year-old remains available with his most recent spell in Britain seeing him rejoin Cardiff City, where he briefly took charge as caretaker manager.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with his former club (Image: Getty)
James Rodriguez
Everton secured a major signing when James Rodriguez arrived at Goodison Park in 2020 and the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich player is presently unattached. Since his previous stint in England, Rodriguez has played in Qatar, Greece, Brazil, Spain and Mexico.
At 34, his best years are now past, but with a World Cup on the horizon the Colombian is looking for game time. It should be noted that reports indicate the international star will probably join a North or South American side.
Serge Aurier
A former Spurs player who has also become a free agent is defender Serge Aurier. The 33-year-old spent more than four years in north London and also turned out for Nottingham Forest.
He went over a year without a club from February 2024 until the summer of 2025 following his departure from Galatasaray and eventually joined Persian Gulf Pro League outfit Persepolis. Nevertheless, he departed Tehran in January and if he is match fit, could offer an option in defence for numerous English clubs.
Rodriguez is a Colombia icon (Image: Getty)
Dele Alli
The enigmatic Dele Alli is without a club following his departure from Italian side Como 1907 last September. Since then, the former Tottenham star has been training on his own ahead of a presumed comeback.
At 29, he still has many years of playing ahead of him if he avoids an early retirement and like numerous other talented free agents he is a homegrown talent. Reports from January linked him with a switch to Spain whilst speculation of Championship interest has also emerged.
Divock Origi
Divock Origi, a beloved figure from Liverpool’s Champions League victory, is available for clubs to sign as a free agent. After leaving Liverpool in 2022 he had a spell at AC Milan which included a loan move to Nottingham Forest.
His contract with the Italian club was mutually terminated in December, leaving him without a club. Despite potential concerns over match fitness and high wage demands the 30-year-old’s talent could make him a worthwhile risk for a mid-season signing.