Mohamed Salah headline the top free agents still available in August 2026

With the 2026 summer transfer window entering its final month, several world class players remain available on free transfers, led by Mohamed Salah following his departure from Liverpool.

Read Also: The "Come to Besiktas" campaign reaches the cabinet: Turkish minister pleads with Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah: The ultimate market prize

The 34 year old Egyptian winger is undeniably the most coveted free agent in world football. Salah officially ended his historic 9 year tenure at Anfield at the conclusion of the 2025 /26 season.

The forward departed as Liverpool's all time leading Premier League scorer with 191 goal and their third highest scorer across all competitions with 257 goal in 442 appearances.

Despite his incredible pedigree securing his signature has proven complicated.

Talks with Turkish side Besiktas reportedly stalled over financial terms. While some platforms linked him with a move to Trabzonspor, the club's president publicly denied any agreement or concrete plan to sign the forward on 2 August.

Salah has also been heavily linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer but his next destination remains undecided.

Dusan Vlahovic: A rare prime age striker

At just 26 year old, Dusan Vlahovic presents a unique opportunity in the transfer market. The Serbian international became a free agent after his contract with Juventus expired in late June.

During his time in Turin, he registered 68 goal in 168 appearance.

Any possibility of a return to Juventus was eliminated when the Italian side signed Randal Kolo Muani until 2031 handing the Frenchman Vlahovic's number nine shirt.

Currently, Besiktas have reportedly offered the striker a two year contract worth nearly €8 million annually, plus a signing bonus. However, Vlahovic has yet to accept, as he is reportedly holding out for a move to Barcelona where he is viewed as a potential alternative to replace Robert Lewandowski.

Goretzka & Kessie: Elite midfield experience

Following eight trophy laden years and 310 official appearances, Leon Goretzka departed Bayern Munich.

The 31 year old midfielder has recently been offered to Barcelona but the Catalan administration is reportedly hesitant. Goretzka's substantial financial demands, including a salary of nearly €7 million and a €10 million signing bonus. have cooled interest from other suitors like AC Milan and Chicago Fire.

Meanwhile, Franck Kessie is seeking a return to Europe after three seasons with Saudi side Al Ahli. The 29 year old midfielder who recently helped the Ivory Coast national team reach the knockout stages of the World Cup 2026, possesses extensive Serie A experience.

Kessie recently confirmed that his representatives are fielding calls from multiple clubs, with Juventus reportedly preparing a three year deal worth €5 million net per season.

Jadon Sancho: Searching for a revival

Jadon Sancho’s contract with Manchester United officially expired in June 2026 ending a disappointing spell that yielded just 12 goal in 83 appearance following his £73 million arrival in 2021.

Now 26, the English winger is currently training individually at the facilities of tenth tier side Flixton to maintain his fitness.

While Qatari club Al Rayyan have submitted an offer and clubs like Roma and Borussia Dortmund are monitoring his situation, there has been a notable lack of strong interest from Premier League sides to keep him in England.

The cost of "Free" transfers

While acquiring players of this caliber without paying a transfer fee appears to be a massive market advantage, the reality is far more complex. The primary obstacle preventing these five stars from finding new homes is not a lack of sporting interest but rather the immense financial packages required to secure them.

Players arriving on free transfers typically demand inflated salaries and exorbitant signing on bonuses to compensate for the lack of a club to club transfer fee.

For veterans like Goretzka and Salah, clubs are carefully weighing these heavy financial commitments against the players' respective ages.

What happens next?

As the major European domestic leagues prepare to kick off, the pressure will mount on both the unattached players and clubs desperately needing late reinforcements.

If these high profile free agents remain without teams by mid August, they may be forced to significantly lower their financial demands to secure a sporting project that matches their ambitions.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Egypt

Trabzonspor

Besiktas

Juventus

English Premier League