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There are a number of top players still available on a free after failing to secure new clubs on transfer deadline day on Friday
The transfer window in Europe closed on Friday night with clubs scrambling to get deals over the line.
While most competed their business, some did not and there are also a host of players who did not get their wish to join the clubs they desired.
Among those who missed out are a number of free agents who unlike the rest, still have time to complete their deals.
In the Premier League, clubs have almost a fortnight to sign and register any free agents as the registration deadline for the 25-man squads is on September 13 while the transfer window in the cash-rich Saudi Pro League is open until September 20.
Any players signed after that would have to wait until the next transfer window opens on January 1.
So, who are the top names still without a club?
David De Gea
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He is the Premier League Golden Glove winner but has no club.
David de Gea saw the summer transfer close without securing a move to a team in Europe after ending his highly-successful 12-year stay at Manchester United.
De Gea was ruthlessly cast aside by United, who had initially offered him a new contract, before pulling the plug reportedly on the advise of manager Erik ten Hag who wanted a keeper that is adept at playing with his feet and got his wish by signing Andre Onana from Serie A side Inter Milan.
The Spanish goalkeeper was tipped to be among candidates to replace Onana but that never happened and he was even overlooked by Real Madrid when they sought a short-term fix for the injured Thibaut Courtois, opting for a loan move for Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
There have been links to cash-rich Saudi Pro League but that has not materialised yet. However, as a free agent, he can sign for any club any time while the Saudi transfer window is still open until September 20.
Sergio Ramos
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The veteran Spanish centre-back is also another free agent without a club after being released by Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
Ramos spent the last two years in the French capital after leaving Real Madrid but injuries and poor form saw PSG opt against extending his stay.
He was also rumoured to be attracting the interest of Saudi clubs but nothing has materialised yet. Although in the twilight of his career, Ramos can still offer a lot to any side that might take the chance.
Eden Hazard
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What a fall from grace! When he signed for Real Madrid in 2019, Eden Hazard had the world at his feet yet four years later, he is without a club.
The Belgian winger has been hampered by injuries and weight issues since he swapped Chelsea for Madrid and it took its toll on him such that it is reported he is contemplating retirement rather than signing for another club.
It will be a sad end to a career that brought and promised so much before his unforgettable spell in Spain where he even struggled to command a starting place.
A number of teams in the Premier League such as Crystal Palace, Belgian side Royal Antwerp have been linked but nothing has materialised so far.
Jesse Lingard
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Another one whose career promised so much, Lingard is left hanging after the transfer window closed without any club snapping him up.
The Manchester United academy graduate was released by Nottingham Forest after the end of his one-year deal and is said to be training with West Ham who could potentially hand him a contract.
Lingard left United in 2022 for Forest amid interest from West Ham and had a rather indifferent spell at the City Ground but David Moyes could yet get his man, this time without paying a fee.
Juan Mata
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The little Spanish magician is another free agent after he was released by Turkish giants Galatasaray this summer.
Mata spent one season in Istanbul after his eight-year spell at Manchester United but he is among those who might not wait long as he is reported to be close to agreeing a deal with Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
The 35-year-old is even reported to have ‘rejected’ the Saudi millions in favour of a title challenge in Japan.
Jerome Boateng
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Former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is another one who has no club after being released by Ligue 1 side Lyon.
Boateng spent the last two years in France but is now still searching for a new home as no club has expressed an interest.
Andre Ayew
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Ghana captain Andre Ayew is another one who does not have a club after the end of his deal with Nottingham Forest.
The former Swansea City and West Ham midfielder has been in talks with Saudi clubs over a possible move and still has time to actualise the transfer.
His situation is currently the subject of debate in Ghana whether coach Chris Houghton should call him up to the Black Stars squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Central Africa Republic despite being club less.
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