Mahrez, Zaha and Bissouma among star names still without clubs after transfer deadline

The closure of the summer transfer window across Europe’s top five leagues has not ended clubs’ ability to strengthen their squads, with several high-profile players still available as free agents.

Among them are some of African football’s biggest names, including Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha and Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, ex-France international Paul Pogba and England winger Jadon Sancho are also among the prominent players currently without clubs.

Because they are no longer under contract, the players can be signed outside the transfer window without their new clubs having to pay transfer fees.

African stars among notable free agents

Mahrez, one of Algeria’s most decorated players, is reportedly close to beginning a new chapter, with the possibility of joining another Saudi Arabian club, Al-Shabab.

Zaha is also searching for his next destination following his departure from club football, while Bissouma remains one of the more recognisable midfielders available on the free-agent market.

Their availability could attract interest from clubs across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, where experienced players with international pedigree continue to command significant attention.

The trio are among several African-connected players whose futures could still be resolved in the weeks ahead despite the closure of the main transfer window.

Benzema and Pogba headline global list

Benzema is one of the biggest names available after ending his association with Saudi club Al-Hilal by mutual consent.

The 38-year-old former Real Madrid striker and Ballon d’Or winner is yet to decide on the next stage of his career.

Pogba also remains without a club after an unsuccessful attempt to revive his career with Monaco.

Meanwhile, Sancho is currently the most valuable free agent, according to Transfermarkt, which values the England winger at 18 million euros.

The former Borussia Dortmund player has been linked with a potential move to Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Real Madrid legends also available

Former Real Madrid teammates David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are also searching for new clubs.

Alaba, 34, recently left the Spanish giants, while Carvajal’s availability adds another major name to a growing list of experienced players looking for their next challenge.

Other well-known players on the market include former Premier League stars Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi and France forward Anthony Martial are also among those currently unattached.

High-profile defenders and midfielders available

Portuguese defender Diogo Leite is among the younger players available, with Transfermarkt valuing the 26-year-old at 12 million euros.

Leite was linked with Paris Saint-Germain during the summer of 2025 and has also reportedly attracted interest from Marseille, but remains without a club.

Raphael Guerreiro and Oleksandr Zinchenko also feature on the list, although the latter is recovering from knee ligament surgery he underwent in February.

With clubs still able to register free agents despite the closure of the transfer window, the futures of Mahrez, Zaha, Bissouma and several other high-profile players could yet be resolved before the season progresses further.

A possible free-agent XI

Goalkeeper: Neto

Defence: Dani Carvajal, Diogo Leite, David Alaba, Oleksandr Zinchenko

Midfield: Paul Pogba, Yves Bissouma, Riyad Mahrez, Jadon Sancho

Attack: Karim Benzema, Mauro Icardi