Top 5 Free Agents After Premier League Clubs Post Released List Ahead of New Season

• Premier League clubs have begun the announcement of their released and retained players for next season
• The clubs let some players to run down their contracts while they couldn't find an agreement with others
• One released player is about to walk down the street to join a new and bigger club days after the season ended

Premier League clubs have begun, as is customary, announcing their retained and released players ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The transfer window opens in nine days, and clubs are jostling to move players on either to balance their books or to have a settled squad for pre-season and avoid late drama.

Sports Brief looks at five of the best free agents released so far.

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Premier League’s best free agents

1. Raphael Varane

Four-time UEFA Champions League winner Raphael Varane ran down his contract at Manchester United. He joined the club in 2021 and won the FA and Carabao Cup. He is open to his next adventure, and clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey are interested in him.

2. Anthony Martial

Although his time at Old Trafford may not have gone well, the France international was a top player at his peak. At 28, he could rediscover himself. According to Mirror UK, Besiktas, Lyon, and Marseille are openly interested in him, with unnamed clubs in Saudi Arabia, MLS, and Mexico also monitoring him.

3. Thiago Alcantara

The veteran Spanish midfielder’s time was blighted by injuries, but when he is fit, he is one of football’s best technicians in the middle of the park. At 33, he is unlikely to play for another top club and is attracting interest from Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

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4. Thiago Silva

The Brazilian defender had a fulfilling four years at Chelsea, winning the UEFA Champions League, the only trophy missing from his cabinet. The club decided against renewing his contract and allowed him to return to his former club, Fluminense.

5. Tosin Adarabioyo

Adarabioyo made his way to this list after taking advantage of his free agency to attract interest from top clubs. Per Goal, he chose Chelsea over Newcastle and completed his medicals yesterday. He is seen as Silva's replacement.

Arsenal release 22 players

Sports Brief reported on Arsenal releasing 22 players after losing out in the Premier League title race to Manchester City in the second consecutive season.

Egyptian star Mohamed Elneny and Portuguese full-back Cedric Soares are the two first-team stars who have left the club, along with some highly-rated academy stars.