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With Paris Saint-Germain's incredible transfer window turning heads around Europe, the importance of the free agent market has once again come to the fore.
Paris Saint-Germain have signed Sergio Ramos, Lionel Messi, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma on free transfers this summer. Barcelona have added Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero on free transfers as well. While such quality might not be available anymore, there are still some highly experienced players clubs could make a move for in the days that remain.
On that note, we look at the five best free agents still available in this summer's transfer market.
#5 Franck Ribery
One of the best players of the modern generation, Franck Ribery is a free agent after his contract with Fiorentina expired.
The France international is best renowned for his spell with Bayern Munich. Ribery made 425 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, scoring 124 goals and providing 182 assists. During his prime, the winger was renowned for his excellent dribbling ability and overall attacking quality, and should arguably have won the Ballon d'Or in 2013.
The 38-year-old had a positive impact in Italy as well. During his two seasons with Fiorentina, Ribery made 51 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists. The veteran winger has been linked with a shock return to Bayern Munich in recent days.
#4 Clement Grenier
Clement Grenier was touted to become one of the best during his youth days, but the midfielder's career has unfortunately been derailed by injuries.
A product of Lyon's famed academy, Grenier enjoyed a good start to his professional career, making consistent appearances for the Ligue 1 giants. However, the France international was soon loaned out to Roma in 2017, where he had minimal impact.
Grenier joined Guingamp in 2018 and moved to Rennes the same year, but struggled to get going. The 30-year old, who was linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion in January 2021, was released by Rennes earlier this summer.
#3 Nikola Maksimovic
Capable of operating as a centre-back and a right-back, it is hard to understand why Nikola Maksimovic is still without a club.
Maksimovic joined Napoli from Torino in 2016 for nearly £19 million, but only enjoyed limited playing time for the Serie A giants. The Serbia international, who made 99 appearances in all competitions for Napoli, also spent a brief period on loan at Spartak Moscow.
Maksimovic has been linked with several top European clubs recently. West Ham United were reportedly interested in him, while the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid have also been suggested as potential destinations for the 29-year old.
#2 David Luiz
David Luiz's erratic style of play might not be for everyone, but the centre-back is capable of producing world-class performances on his day.
The Brazil international has enjoyed a storied career at the very top. Luiz has represented some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Benfica, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. A ball-playing centre-back, Luiz's passing ability and physical qualities have been appreciated across Europe.
The 34-year old does have a tendency to commit rash tackles and always seems one step away from an error. However, the Premier League winner is highly experienced with a glittering trophy cabinet. Luiz is another player who has been linked with Real Madrid in recent days as Los Blancos seek to sign a centre-back.
#1 Jerome Boateng
One of the best centre-backs in the world during his prime, Jerome Boateng was released by Bayern Munich this summer.
Boateng made 363 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich, winning nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies. The 32-year old has had issues with injuries, but his ability on the ball as well as his athleticism have been extremely useful for club and country over the years.
The Germany international has been linked with multiple clubs since leaving Bayern Munich. Sevilla and Hertha Berlin have been suggested as potential destinations, while Manchester United were briefly linked with him as well. Boateng, like Luiz, will provide experience and composure to any backline that is willing to opt for him.
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