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Many contracts expired on July 1
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As the summer transfer window heats up, a selected group of elite players have walked away from their clubs without commanding a single penny in transfer fees. Free agents may arrive without a price tag, but that doesn’t mean they come cheap - or lack quality. From seasoned internationals to players still in their prime, this year’s out-of-contract class of 2025 includes some serious market value.
With wage demands rising and Financial Fair Play breathing down the necks of Europe’s biggest spenders, the allure of high-quality free agents has never been greater. At Transfermarkt, we've ranked the most valuable free agents currently on the market, with many star's deals having expired on July 1. Take a look at the players who could transform squads without blowing up the balance sheet. Former Lille striker Jonathan David is technically a free agent, but hasn't been included, as Transfermarkt understands a deal to Juventus is all but sealed.
The most valuable free agents
Leading the way is French centre-half Olivier Boscagli (€20 million), who left PSV upon the expiry of his contract. He had been at the Dutch club since 2019 and has been linked with a move to Brighton this summer. In second place is former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (€16m), who leaves the Toffees having been at the Merseyside club since 2016. In third is full-back Kyle Walker-Peters (€15m), who was relegated with Southampton last term. Fourth goes to midfielder Josh Brownhill (€14m), who was a key player in Burnley's promotion but is yet to agree a new deal with the Clarets.
Thomas Partey (€14m) completes the top five after failing to negotiate a new deal with Arsenal. French defender Kurt Zouma (€10m) is sixth after leaving West Ham. Former PSG midfielder Marco Verratti (€10m) takes seventh after leaving Qatari side Al-Arabi. In eighth place is right-back Nélson Semedo (€9m) who recently left Wolves. Junior Firpo is ninth after the Dominican Republic full-back left promoted Leeds United, whilst Qatar international Akram Afif (€8m) completes the top 10.
