Varane & five Premier League stars leaving on a Free Transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Jun 2024 21:23 BST
4 min read

Raphael Varane, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

The free agent market is always an interesting opportunity for clubs to strengthen themselves and the summer of 2024 will be no different.

Several high-profile players will leave their clubs upon the expiration of their deals on June 30 and will have the opportunity to move to a different club on a Bosman.

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Thiago Silva, for example, is leaving Chelsea and heading back to his native Brazil for a third stint with Fluminense. The veteran defender doesn't feature in this list, but his replacement at Stamford Bridge does.

So, without further ado, here are five Premier League stars leaving on a free transfer this summer...

Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham)

Man City academy product Tosin Adarabioyo is leaving Fulham after establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most solid centre-backs at Craven Cottage.

The 26-year-old is on his way to Chelsea but was also eyed by Newcastle and Man Utd. Tosin will replace the aforementioned Silva at Stamford Bridge and reunite with new Blues boss Enzo Maresca, under whom he trained for two months in Manchester in 2020.

Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth)

Another in-demand free agent centre-back is Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly. Versatile, left-footed and very reliable, the Cherries stopper has been the subject of speculation for months.

Though Bournemouth were reportedly prepared to offer him a club-record contract, Kelly decided that the time has come to head for pastures new. The 25-year-old is expected to join Newcastle, though Liverpool and Tottenham were also linked.

Thiago (Liverpool)

Speaking of Liverpool, the Reds are set for a big summer overhaul. Not only is legendary coach Jurgen Klopp leaving but he is joined by veteran stars Joel Matip and Thiago.

The latter is particularly interesting because he is still a classy player despite his advanced years. Injuries, however, have meant that he never managed to show off all of his talents at Anfield. It will be interesting to see where the former Barcelona and Bayern star ends up.

Anthony Martial (Man Utd)

It is a similar story at Man Utd. The Red Devils too will undergo something of a revolution this summer, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen to turn Man Utd into a force to be reckoned with again.

French attacker Anthony Martial is just one of several big names to depart this summer and his exit is long overdue. The €60 million signing is leaving after nine mostly disappointing years.

Raphael Varane (Man Utd)

The final player on this list is Martial's teammate and compatriot Raphael Varane. A fan favourite and classy operator, it came as a shock when it was revealed that his contract only runs until this summer and not the next, as originally announced by the Red Devils.

Man Utd decided not to trigger their one-year extension and big earner Varane is departing after a season disrupted by injuries. It has been rumoured that he could make a romantic return to RC Lens, but a Saudi move appears more realistic given the finances involved in signing a player of his stature - even on a Bosman.