The amazing XI of players who moved on a free transfer this summer

Midfielders - Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Jack Wilshere (West Ham) and Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe)

Goretzka left Schalke to join rivals Bayern Munich

Schalke have lost a lot of fantastic players over the years and that list includes the likes of Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil and Ivan Rakitic. In recent years, they’ve lost some of their key players on a free transfer. Joel Matip to Liverpool two years ago, Sead Kolasinac to Arsenal a year ago and this summer Leon Goretzka to Bayern Munich.

Goretzka was a standout performer for Schalke last season as they finished second in the league and returned to the Champions League. However, success came at a cost as they lost yet another key player.

The German international chose to move to rivals Bayern Munich, following in the footsteps of Manuel Neuer.

Wilshere was deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal

Arsenal have sold or released a plethora of players since the start of the 2017/18 season and Jack Wilshere is the longest serving player to leave the Gunners during this period.

The England international ended his 17-year long stay with his boyhood club after he was not offered a new contract. He moved across town to join West Ham, signing a three-year contract.

Wilshere played 197 games for Arsenal in 10 years as a professional but he spent a significant period on the treatment table which explains why the Gunners didn’t offer him a new contract despite the quality he has shown over the years.

Iniesta will play alongside Lukas Podolski at Vissel Kobe

Andres Iniesta was at Barcelona for 22 years and was a crucial member of the team that racked up numerous trophies in the 21st century.

Iniesta, 34, decided to leave the club at the end of the 2017/18 season and despite him having a lifetime contract with Barcelona, he was allowed to leave on a free transfer.

The Spaniard chose to move outside of Europe and he signed for Japanese club, Vissel Kobe, on a three-year contract. He has already scored twice in three games for his new club.

Honourable mentions: Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Alen Halilović (AC Milan), Ki Sung-yueng (Newcastle United), Milan Badelj (Lazio) and Max Meyer (Crystal Palace)