Varane, Silva and the 10 biggest players released on a free transfer this summer

Cameron Smith

1 Jul 2024 10:55 BST
5 min read

The summer transfer window is officially open and the start of July means that several high-profile names are now free agents.

Contracts across Europe always run until 30 June and, as a result, there are many players who now find themselves without a club.

Some are expected to renew terms with their current club, but a few will leave for pastures new.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through the 10 biggest players who are now out of contract.

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Raphael Varane (Man Utd to Unattached)

Raphael Varane was a fantastic player when fully fit at Manchester United, but injury problems plagued his time at Old Trafford and he has departed the club after three seasons in England.

The ex-Real Madrid star has been heavily linked with a move for newly-promoted Serie A side Como, who boast Cesc Fabregas as their current head coach.

Thiago Silva (Chelsea to Fluminense)

Thiago Silva was expected to leave Chelsea on a free transfer last summer, but he opted to sign a one-year contract extension to remain with the Blues until 2024.

There was talk of another extended deal, however the Brazilian opted against renewing his stay at Stamford Bridge in favour of a memorable return to Fluminense.

Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid to Unattached)

Memphis Depay can now be classified as a European journeyman, having played for PSV Eindhoven, Man Utd, Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid during his club career.

The Dutchman is set to move teams yet again following the expiration of his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.

In other Atletico Madrid news, Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a one-year extension to keep him at the club until 2025, while Gabriel Paulista and Mario Hermoso have also departed on free transfers.

Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool to Unattached)

A five minute cameo against Arsenal in February was the only time Thiago Alcantara stepped onto the pitch during the 2023-24 season, with the Liverpool man unable to shake off numerous injury issues.

The Spaniard has now left Anfield on a free transfer, four years after arriving from Bayern Munich for €22 million.

At 33 years old, Thiago’s next club may well be his last in professional football.

Sergio Ramos (Sevilla to Unattached)

Sergio Ramos re-joined Sevilla in September 2023, but his time with the Spanish club has already ended following the expiration of his deal.

The former Real Madrid captain is now 38 years old and retirement may be an option for the legendary defender.

© IMAGO/FootballTransfers - Sergio Ramos is now a free agent

Anthony Martial (Man Utd to Unattached)

After showing so much promise during the early years of his Man Utd career, Anthony Martial’s time at Old Trafford petered out dramatically and his exit will not make much of a difference.

The Frenchman’s deal has now expired and he is reportedly being eyed by several Ligue 1 clubs following his Man Utd departure.

Adrien Rabiot (Juventus to Unattached)

Adrien Rabiot has made a habit of signing one-year extensions at Juventus, so although he is now out of contract, the France international could well extend his stay in Turin by a further 12 months.

If he does leave, clubs across Europe will be interested, with Man Utd and Real Madrid both monitoring his situation, according to reports.

Olivier Giroud (AC Milan to LAFC)

Olivier Giroud’s career is coming to an end and the ex-Chelsea man has taken a familiar route for ageing Europeans by heading to the MLS.

He has joined LAFC on a free transfer following the expiration of his AC Milan contract on 30 June. Giroud will link up with his new team-mates after Euro 2024 concludes.

© IMAGO - Olivier Giroud has joined LAFC

Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund to Unattached)

Despite his immense 2023-24 campaign, Mats Hummels finds himself without a club after his Borussia Dortmund deal finished at the end of June.

He was a surprise omission from Germany’s Euro 2024 squad and while he could pen a new deal at the Signal Iduna Park, several Italian clubs are interested in a move. Bayer Leverkusen have also been linked amid the uncertain future of Jonathan Tah.