Top free agent starting XI this summer

As clubs welcome the summer transfer window, money is one of the main things on everyone's mind. Star players can fetch their clubs huge amounts in sales if they time it right, but players who reach the end of their contracts can leave as free agents.

They become a very attractive prospect for rival clubs, who want to avoid paying transfer fees, and this summer there are a number of big names on the market. Take a look at some of the most sought-after, and see how they stack up in the ideal starting XI of free agents!

David De Gea

32 years old - Manchester United - Goalkeeper

Despite winning his second Golden Glove this season, De Gea is quite unpopular among sections of the United fan base. However, the Spaniard has over 400 Premier League appearances and just shy of 150 clean sheets, which put Ten Hag's side in a bit of a pickle.

Nothing has been signed so far to renew the keeper, and despite his manager speaking out to defend him, De Gea may not be the number one choice at United next season. The main interest still comes from United to renew him, but many outlets are calling for the Red Devils to replace him, and he could consider a return to Spain.

Raphael Guerreiro

29 years old - Borussia Dortmund - Defender

Guerriero has come to the end of his time with Dortmund, after a season that included four goals and 12 assists for the defender.

Now, it looks like he is certain to make a move to league rivals Bayern Munich, with reports suggesting deal with be until 2026.

Sergio Ramos

37 years old - PSG - Defender

Leaving PSG after two seasons, Sergio Ramos helped his team to secure the Ligue 1 title both years. Now the Spaniard is weighing up his options for next year.

Most reports link him to a move to the Saudi league, with Al-Ahli being the name seen most often. The 37-year-old would be joining the likes of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.

Milan Skriniar

28 years old - Inter Milan - Defender

Skriniar has been pegged as one of the best defenders in Serie A this season, as he helped Inter Milan to the final of the Champions League. There are lots of clubs interested in him, including Inter, angling for an extension.

It looks most likely that he will join French giants PSG next, as he has expressed his agreement with the deal, but nothing has been signed yet.

Alejandro Grimaldo

27 years old - Benfica - Defender

Grimaldo spent seven seasons in Portugal with Benfica, winning the league four times with his club.

Having decided for a change of scene, it looks like Spaniard has left on his free transfer, to sign with German side, Bayer Leverkusen. The contract is four years, thus seeing him in Germany until at least 2027.

Ilkay Gundogan

32 years old - Manchester City - Midfielder

Gundogan has had a spectacular season as captain of treble winners Man City and has obviously garnered huge attention from clubs around the world.

Man City have offered him to chance to renew, but he is also strongly linked with a move to Barca, with sources close to the club saying he had given the Catalans his word on the move. 

City's Premier League rivals, Arsenal, are also monitoring his situation, as well as German champions Bayern Munich.

Sergio Busquets

34 years old - Barcelona - Midfielder

Barcelona legend Busquets leaves the club after 14 seasons, with many questions raised over where the 34-year-old would move next.

The most prominent offers come once again from Saudi Arabia, notably Al-Hilal the club that lost out on Leo Messi, and also from the USA, who seem to have given him the option to join his former teammate and superstar Messi at Inter Miami.

Adrien Rabiot

28 years old - Juventus - Midfielder 

Rabiot has turned his reputation around after a very disappointing 2021/22 season with Juventus. This year he scored eight goals, where the season before he'd scored none, and complimented that with four assists as well in Serie A.

Now he has an offer to renew from the Italian side, but is also entertaining strong interest from Man United, who are looking for a boost in their midfield. Either way, he seems to promise a good performance next year.

Wilfried Zaha

30 years old - Crystal Palace - Forward

Fan favourite Zaha has been at Palace for a decade now, steadily improving, and bringing the level of his team with him.

His club have offered him a contract to renew, which fans would love, but the London side are contending with a huge three-year deal from Al-Nassr, who would offer him £15 million a season.

It's reported that his agents have been approached as well by Atletico Madrid and other Champions League clubs.

Roberto Firmino

31 years old - Liverpool - Forward

Firmino is one of four players leaving Liverpool, much to the fans disappointment. His consistency and quality have never wavered in his eight seasons with the Reds, putting away 11 goals this season alone.

Reported interest comes from Spanish giants Real Madrid, who would be appreciative of no transfer fee, having already spent big this summer to acquire Jude Bellingham from Dortmund.

Angel Di Maria

35 years old - Juventus - Forward

The World Cup winner has put an end to his short, and largely unsuccessful time with Juventus, after just a season in Turin.

In what some are considering likely to be his final move, Di Maria could make the move to Portuguese champions, Benfica, but he is another veteran on Saudi Arabia's radar, and he hasn't decided anything yet.