Unemployment All-Star XI: Champions League Winner, Former Man Utd Duo, and a Trio of 73-Capped England Stars

September 3, 2025 sportnow

Premier League clubs alone invested more than £3 billion on transfers this summer during a record-breaking window.

However, with the transfer market closing on Monday, there is still an array of players available, eagerly awaiting a chance as free agents.

Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal playing soccer. — Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of several top stars still without a clubCredit: Getty

Christian Eriksen of Manchester United waving to fans. — Christian Eriksen is also in search of a new clubCredit: Getty

There is an abundance of talent still on the market, enough to construct a well-rounded starting XI featuring a Champions League winner and three former England internationals with a total of 73 caps.

Lukasz Fabianski could take the goalkeeping position for this team, following his release by West Ham after a seven-year stint in East London.

The 40-year-old has established himself as a top goalkeeper in the Premier League and still has several years left in his career.

Takehiro Tomiyasu from Arsenal, aged 26, would fill the right-back role after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the Gunners this summer, despite having a year remaining.

Tomiyasu, currently recovering from a knee injury, would be supported by Sergio Reguilon on the left side.

Reguilon, aged 28, finally departed Tottenham with a permanent move this summer after several loan spells with Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford.

Veteran Premier League defenders Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma would round out the backline.

The midfield trio of Christian Eriksen, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Dele Alli would be coveted by many teams, raising questions about why they remain unsigned.

Dele Alli of Como 1907 warming up before a Serie A match. — Dele Alli has had his contract with Como terminatedCredit: Getty

Alex Oxlade of Besiktas kicking a soccer ball. — Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also a free agent after his Besiktas contract was cancelledCredit: Getty

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Eriksen turned down a move to Wrexham this summer, preferring to seek opportunities in the top tiers of European football.

Meanwhile, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alli have had their contracts with Besiktas and Como, respectively, terminated and are looking for the next step in their careers.

Wayne Rooney nearly joined Chelsea before his move to Man Utd on deadline day – until he learned about their plans for him.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 32, has made 35 appearances for England and has played for both Arsenal and Liverpool, but may have to settle for a move to the Championship, with Birmingham expressing interest.

Alli, the former Spurs star with 37 England caps, has had a difficult time on the pitch and will need to return to regular football after playing just one match since February 2023.

Veteran Willian could play as a left winger for the free agent XI, having parted ways with Fulham for the second time at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old is anticipated to return to Brazil to conclude his career.

Champions League winner Hakim Ziyech could fill the right wing position for this star-studded, unemployed team.

Willian Borges da Silva of Fulham F.C. in a soccer match. — Willian could return to Brazil after his contract with Fulham expiredCredit: Getty

Hakim Ziyech celebrating a goal for Chelsea. — Former Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech is still without a clubCredit: AFP

Ziyech, who lifted the Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2021, is currently a free agent after ending his contract with Qatari side Al-Duhail SC.

Leading the attack for this free agent team is Patrick Bamford, who reached an agreement to terminate his contract with Leeds United this summer due to limited playing time under the management of Daniel Farke.

The 31-year-old, who has one cap for England, has been part of two promotion-winning sides for Leeds and previously scored 17 Premier League goals in a season, finishing fifth in the Golden Boot race.

Apart from these 11 players, there are numerous other talents still seeking new clubs.

Notables include Josh Brownhill, who scored 18 goals in the Championship, ex-Newcastle player Jamal Lewis, and former PSG and Barcelona star Rafinha.