The 2015/2016 Premier League season is behind us and the summer transfer market about to open, which means we’re about to see numerous transfer sums being paid by one club to another.
However, football clubs can also gamble on players who’s contract has expired and therefore can leave their current club on a free transfer.
Let’s rank the five best players who could leave the Premier League for free, but let’s start with some honorable mentions: Victor Valdes (Manchester United), James Morrison (West Bom), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Thomas Rosicky (Arsenal), Marouane Chamakh (Crystal Palace).
5. Tom Carroll (Tottenham)
The 24-year-old rose through the youth ranks at Tottenham before signing his senior deal in the summer of 2010. The midfielder was sent on loan to four clubs, the last one being Swansea, before joining the Spurs permanently before the 2015/2016 season.
Carroll made 30 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring three goals. However, he is set to leave White Heart Lane on a free transfer this summer, with Leicester City reportedly interested.
4. Kolo Toure (Liverpool)
The Ivory Coast defender joined Liverpool in the summer of 2013 on a free transfer from Manchester City, and he is set to join another club for free once again as the Reds are not planning to offer the 35-year-old Toure a new contract, according to The Daily Mail.
Toure made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, most notable filling in for Mamadou Sakho after the defender failed a doping test in March.
3. Emmanuel Adebayor (Crystal Palace)
The 32-year-old joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer in January after his four-year spell with Tottenham ended badly amid controversy with manager Mauricio Pochettino. Adebayor scored only one goal in 15 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles and recently claimed he’s leaving the club.
However, manager Alan Pardew has dismissed these claims and admitted he is keen to convince the striker to remain at Selhurst Park, according to The Sun.
2. Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Michael Carrick has won almost every major trophy in football. After joining Manchester United in 2006 from Tottenham for £20.4 million, the 34-year-old has won the Premier League five times, while also lifting the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League.
However, his contract at Old Trafford ends and he’s been linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal, West Ham, and Newcastle United. But recent rumours stated Jose Mourinho wants to keep Carrick at Old Trafford next season.
1. Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal)
The French defensive midfielder joined Arsenal back in 2004 on a free transfer from Marseille. He left the Gunners in 2008 on a free transfer for AC Milan, before returning to the Emirates in 2013…on a free transfer.
This summer, the 32-year-old is primed to leave Arsenal on another free transfer, but he could also retire from football. However, Middlesbrough are said to be interested in Flamini.
