2023 Transfer: Top 5 Famous Footballers Who Are Without Clubs

Some famous footballers are currently without a club even though most top leagues across the world have halted their transfer window while some are on the verge of doing so.

According to the arrangement of the world football governing body, FIFA, all summer transfer windows of its member federations must be halted on or before September 20.

Elite leagues in Europe ended their 2023 summer transfer window on September 1. The Saudi Pro League will close its transfer window today, September 7. The Turkish league will end its transfer window on or before September 17.

Despite this, some famous footballers who are currently without a club or out of contract with their most recent clubs, are yet to land a new side.

Below are the top five famous footballers who are currently without a club:

1. David De Gea

David De Gea is one of the most famous footballers who is currently without a club despite still looking sharp for elite football. The 32-year-old Spanish goalkeeper was Manchester United’s top-choice goalkeeper until his contract expired on June 30, 2023.

United attempted to renew his contract but due to Erik ten Hag’s lack of interest in his style of goalkeeping, the negotiations dragged until his contract expired.

Even after that, the goalkeeper who was ready to accept a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford, waited for the club to make up their mind until he grew impatient and decided to leave the club, especially after the arrival of Cameroonian goalkeeper Adre Onana from Inter Milan.

2. Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard used to be one of the most famous footballers in the world especially when he was at Chelsea. But his highly celebrated move to Real Madrid in 2019 marked the beginning of his downfall in the game.

After a series of injuries forced him to the bench, season in and season out, Real Madrid and the 32-year-old Belgian forward decided to part ways at the end of last season. Since then, no club has made a concrete effort to sign him as he has reportedly started contemplating his retirement.

3. Jesse Lingard

Manchester United academy graduate, Jesse Lingard used to be seen as one of the future mega superstars in the game.

But his form dropped forcing Manchester United to send him on loan to West Ham United where it looked like he had rediscovered his talent.

West Ham tried to give him a permanent deal but the 30-year-old attacking midfielder decided to return to Manchester United to fight for a place in the team.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t and decided to leave Old Trafford for Nottingham Forest in 2022. Forest didn’t waste time to let him go after the end of last season and he is hoping for a new club to date.

4. Phil Jones

Phil Jones spent his lengthy career at Manchester United sitting mostly on the bench. In his 12 years at Old Trafford, he managed to play 169 Premier League games as a defensive midfielder or defender due to lingering injury issues.

United finally allowed the 30-year-old defender to leave the club at the end of last season and he is currently contemplating retirement or accepting any suitable offer which seems not to be forthcoming.

5. Danny Rose

Danny Rose is the oldest player on this list. The 33-year-old English left-back made his name at Tottenham Hotspur between 2007 and 2021.

Things went south for him when he decided to move to Watford ahead of the 2021-2022 season. He decided not to follow the club into relegation at the end of the said season and has remained without a club since then.

Most pundits anticipate that the 29-capped England international will announce his retirement from football before the end of this year.