The 10 best Premier League stars out of contract in the summer

Robin Bairner

Updated: 15 May 2024 08:58 BST
5 min read

Premier League, free agents, Anthony Martial, Tosin Adarabioyo — © IMAGO

Kylian Mbappe is football’s most high-profile free agent this summer, but who are the Premier League’s best players who are running down their contracts?

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Stars at Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all find themselves on the move, with deals running out on 30 June.

We're now at the point in the season where departures are being announced, with Raphael Varane and Thiago Silva, for instance, confirmed to be leaving Man Utd and Chelsea respectively.

Others are being tied to new deals, with Arsenal's Jorginho, previously the top player in this list, having agreed a new deal with the Gunners.

While there is a wealth of experience available for free, there is also no shortage of quality.

Here are the 10 best Premier League free agents in 2024, according to data analytics experts SciSports.

Best Premier League free agents

8. Danny Welbeck (Brighton)

SciSkill: 94.2

The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward continues to play a regular role at Brighton, where he has scored three and created three in 19 Premier League appearances this season.

Gutted we couldn’t turn it around Seagulls but a much better performance. Now it’s time for us to focus back on the league. Thank you for all the support 👊🏿💙 pic.twitter.com/W2DzupEaAS
— Danny Welbeck (@DannyWelbeck) March 14, 2024

10. Idrissa Gueye (Everton)

Sci Skill: 91.9

The first of three Everton players on this list, the 34-year-old is coming towards the end of a fine career as a dogged midfielder.

He continues to perform to a strong level in the Premier League but will be nearly 35 by the time next term kicks off.

9. Dele Alli (Everton)

Sci Skill: 93.3

Dele Alli continues to insist there is life left in his career, so the decision he takes in the summer over his next destination promises to be a vital one.

Still only 28, Alli promises to be one of the greatest 'What if...' stories of the century to date if he continues on his current downward trajectory.

8. Joel Matip (Liverpool)

SciSkill: 94.2

The 32-year-old faces a long period out with a cruciate ligament injury, and with Jurgen Klopp departing Anfield, remaining on Merseyside could be tricky for the veteran Cameroon international, whose time at the very top could be over.

7. Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

SciSkill: 94.6

Thiago Silva has already confirmed he will leave Chelsea to sign for Brazilian outfit Fluminense in the summer.

He remains a brilliant player, although he is no longer the best centre-back in the world as he once was. the 39-year-old will be remembered for his exceptional stint late in his career in the Premier League.

6. Fabian Schar (Newcastle)

SciSkill: 95.3

The centre-back has been a firm favourite of Eddie Howe at Newcastle, featuring in every Premier League game this season and playing all but 76 minutes. Has scored some clutch goals lately, too, including a double against Aston Villa.

The Magpies will feel upgrading here is possible, but Schar remains a useful asset.

5. Ashley Young (Everton)

SciSkill: 96.5

The 38-year-old continues to defy time at Everton, where he remains a regular member of the starting XI. Has shown his flexibility this season by playing left-back, right-back and right midfield.

Could this be his last year at the top level?

STATS

Ashley Young

D (RL), M (C)

Everton

Ashley Young

D (RL), M (C)

Everton

32

Games
1

Goals
0

Assists

4. Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham)

SciSkill: 96.5

The most eligible player on this list, the 26-year-old has been linked with a potential move to Chelsea and Manchester United in the summer after an exceptional season with Fulham. The Cottagers are poised to offer him a new deal but Liverpool, Tottenham and AC Milan offer tempting alternatives.

3. Willian (Fulham)

SciSkill: 98.4

When Willian returned to the Premier League in 2022 after a stint in Brazil with Corinthians, few could have imagined the impact he would have. At Arsenal, he looked finished but back in England with Fulham, he has been spectacular.

The club hold an option for a one-year extension and exercising it on the 35-year-old will be very tempting indeed.

2. Raphael Varane (Man Utd)

SciSkill: 98.6

Varane's departure from Man Utd has already been confirmed, with the former Real Madrid player having cut a frustrated figure in his last season with the Old Trafford club.

He hung up his boots from international duty early, and while there is not yet a suggestion he could be ready to quit the game, taking a big step back from the spotlight is a definite possibility for the centre-back.

1. Anthony Martial (Man Utd)

SciSkill: 103.7

© IMAGO - Anthony Martial and Antony, Man Utd

Although a figure of frustration at Manchester United, Anthony Martial remains a capable player as his second place on this list shows. However, injury problems and a lack of confidence in front of goal are badly hampering a France international who is so much better than he has shown at Old Trafford in recent times.

Man Utd hold a one-year option on his contract but that won’t be taken up as the Jim Ratcliffe revolution takes shape.