EPL Free Transfers: The Top 20 Targets of the Summer
From today, several high-profile footballers will be out of contract, as most professional deals conclude on 30 June. This opens the door for interested clubs—especially in the Premier League—to snap them up without paying a transfer fee.
This ability stems from the landmark “Bosman ruling” of 1995, named after Belgian midfielder Jean Marc-Bosman. He successfully challenged RFC Liege’s attempt to demand a fee before permitting his move, despite his contract expiring. The outcome reshaped global football transfers.
Since then, notable free transfers include Sol Campbell’s controversial move from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal in 2001 and Michael Ballack’s 2006 switch from Bayern Munich to Chelsea. Below are 20 standout players now available on a free transfer this summer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined Everton from Sheffield United for just £1.5 million at age 19, and few predicted the impressive journey that followed. Over nine years, he became a central figure at Goodison Park, scoring 71 goals in 273 appearances across all competitions.
His most prolific campaign came in 2020/21, when he scored 21 goals overall—16 of them in the Premier League. However, injuries disrupted his rhythm in 2021/22 and 2022/23, limiting him to just 18 appearances in each of those seasons.
While his availability improved in 2023/24 and again last season—with 38 and 26 appearances respectively—his goal returns remained modest. The 28-year-old’s final goal for Everton came in January’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham, shortly before another lengthy injury setback.
Thomas Partey
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has been pivotal to Mikel Arteta’s rebuild at Arsenal since his arrival five years ago. As the Gunners transitioned into a modern, dynamic team, Partey’s contribution proved crucial.
He featured in 130 Premier League matches, scoring nine times—one of which, against Tottenham in 2022/23, was crowned Arsenal’s Goal of the Season.
Despite a hamstring injury ruling him out for four months in 2023/24, the 32-year-old made a strong comeback, with highlights such as his long-range strike against Nottingham Forest on 23 November 2024.
Nelson Semedo
Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo became a consistent performer over five seasons with Wolverhampton Wanderers, making 182 appearances in all competitions.
Taking over the captain’s armband after Mario Lemina’s departure, the 31-year-old was instrumental in maintaining the club’s Premier League status. While his record of three goals and 11 assists may appear modest, Semedo’s real value lay in his leadership, dependability, and wealth of experience.
Thomas Muller
At 35, Thomas Muller is one of football’s last remaining one-club icons. Having spent his entire career at Bayern Munich, the German forward has become a living legend, with 755 appearances and 250 goals.
However, under new manager Vincent Kompany’s progressive style, opportunities have been limited. Muller featured in 30 Bundesliga games last season, 18 of them as a substitute, as the club embraced a more modern tactical approach.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David is hot property this summer, with Manchester United, Newcastle United, and West Ham all reportedly interested. The 25-year-old Canadian striker starred for Lille in Ligue 1, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists in 32 appearances.
David’s UEFA Champions League form—seven goals in the 2024/25 campaign—also caught the attention of clubs across Europe and the Middle East. Since arriving at Lille in 2020, he has netted 109 goals in 232 matches. His contract ended yesterday.
Olivier Boscagli
French defender Olivier Boscagli, aged 27, is reportedly a target for Brighton & Hove Albion. Known for his ball-playing abilities, the centre-back impressed for PSV Eindhoven last season, averaging 12.75 progressive passes per game.
Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy’s fairy-tale journey—from non-league obscurity to Premier League champion with Leicester City—is the stuff of legend. Now 38, Vardy has left the Foxes with 200 goals and remains eager to continue his football story.
Mario Pasalic
Mario Pasalic, 30, has been a vital figure at Atalanta for seven years. Originally joining on loan, he was permanently signed from Chelsea in 2020, despite never playing a single match for the London club during his six-year stint there.
Atalanta are reportedly keen to keep the Croatian midfielder, whose contract also ended yesterday.
Mason Holgate
After a decade at Everton, versatile defender Mason Holgate is now a free agent. The 28-year-old Jamaica international spent the 2024/25 season at West Bromwich Albion and has also had loan spells at Southampton and Sheffield United.
Stefan de Vrij
Dutch international Stefan de Vrij, a central figure at Inter Milan and national team partner to Virgil van Dijk, saw his contract come to an end yesterday as well. Negotiations are reportedly underway to extend his stay at the San Siro.
Christian Eriksen
Manchester United’s decision not to offer Christian Eriksen a new deal has alerted several clubs. Rangers and Ajax are reportedly among those interested in the 33-year-old, who won both the FA Cup and EFL Cup during his time at Old Trafford.
Danny Ings
Danny Ings struggled to make an impact in his second season at West Ham, starting only twice and making 15 appearances from the bench in 2024/25. However, his 41 Premier League goals in 91 games for Southampton underline his reputation as a lethal finisher.
The 32-year-old, who also lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy, still has much to offer.
Willian
Brazilian winger Willian, now 36, returned to Fulham last January after a brief stint with Olympiacos. He made 10 further Premier League appearances for the Cottagers and was recently named on their released list.
Ashley Young
Approaching his 40th birthday, Ashley Young shows no sign of slowing down. The former Manchester United man, who has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League, featured 31 times for Everton last season and insists he feels as youthful as ever.
Ben Mee
Ben Mee, 35, joined Brentford in July 2022 following 11 years at Burnley. Though limited to just two starts in 2024/25, his total of 67 appearances and five goals over three seasons highlight his veteran reliability.
Lukasz Fabianski
Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has been a key figure at West Ham for seven years. Now 40, he remains determined to carry on. A key player in their 2022/23 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph, Fabianski kept 45 clean sheets in 195 Premier League matches for the Hammers.
Neal Maupay
Neal Maupay’s Everton career included two loan spells—first with Brentford in 2023/24, then with Marseille in 2024/25, where he scored four Ligue 1 goals. The 28-year-old former Brighton striker may attract further interest from clubs in France.
Victor Lindelof
Sweden captain Victor Lindelof spent eight years at Manchester United, racking up 194 Premier League appearances. Although it wasn’t the club’s most glorious era, the 30-year-old boasts FA Cup and EFL Cup medals.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
Signed from Watford for £20 million in 2020, Abdoulaye Doucoure proved to be a shrewd acquisition for Everton. His decisive goal against Bournemouth on the final day of 2022/23 helped secure Premier League survival.
The 31-year-old midfielder made 166 appearances, scoring 21 goals and assisting 14. Everton have reportedly offered him a new deal.
Sergio Reguilon
Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilon made just 56 appearances for Tottenham since joining in 2020 but has gained valuable experience on loan at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford. The 28-year-old is now available with considerable top-level exposure.
English 
Malay