The 2026-27 Premier League season is closing in, yet a raft of familiar names remain without clubs after their contracts expired at the end of last term. From Anfield to Old Trafford, several household names are navigating uncertain futures.

Mohamed Salah — the biggest name on the list

At 33, Mohamed Salah departs Liverpool after what proved to be a fractious final chapter at Anfield. His relationship with manager Arne Slot deteriorated visibly in his last months at the club, and both have now moved on. A transfer to the Saudi Pro League had long been anticipated once the World Cup concluded, but Salah's name has since been linked with Turkish outfit Besiktas.

John Stones — a decade at Manchester City ends

John Stones, 32, brings the curtain down on a ten-year association with Manchester City, during which he collected 15 major trophies. England manager Thomas Tuchel has continued to call on Stones despite a stop-start injury record. Reports suggest his next destination could be former club Everton or Italian giants AC Milan.

Jadon Sancho — a turbulent chapter at Manchester United

Jadon Sancho's time at Manchester United has been one of English football's more dramatic sagas. Signed from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021, the 26-year-old made only 30 Premier League appearances for the club before being farmed out on loan — most recently to Aston Villa following a disappointing stint at Chelsea. A reported offer from Qatari side Al-Rayyan could signal his next move.

Other notable free agents

Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma, 29, managed just 11 Premier League appearances for Tottenham Hotspur last season due to injury and off-field difficulties. He is said to favour remaining in England, with Fulham credited with interest.

Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, 33, featured in 10 matches across all competitions for Nottingham Forest after leaving Manchester City, where he served as backup. A move to Greek club Olympiacos is reported to be close.

Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia, 26, endured a gruelling four-year spell at Manchester United defined by a chronic knee injury that required surgery and kept him sidelined for more than 500 days — costing him the entirety of the 2023-24 season. He has made just 11 appearances in all competitions since returning.

Winger Adama Traore, 30, was released by West Ham United following their relegation to the Championship, having spent only six months at the club. The Spanish wide man has been linked with a return to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he previously spent five years.

Further players out of contract

Several other players who featured in the Premier League last season are also without clubs: Solly March, 32, and teammates Adam Webster, 31, and Joel Veltman, 34, have all left Brighton & Hove Albion; Nathaniel Clyne, 35, has departed Crystal Palace; Seamus Coleman, 37, has left Everton; Emil Krafth, 31, is no longer at Newcastle United; Willy Boly, 35, has moved on from Nottingham Forest; and Bertrand Traore, 30, is free after his time at Sunderland came to an end.