Unbelievable Free Agents: Which England Stars Could Surprise You with Their Availability?

The January transfer frenzy may have just quieted down, but believe me, the football scene is far from settled. Even as the window slammed shut, several of Europe’s finest talents remain surprisingly unattached — and ready to make moves without a hefty price tag. With Thomas Tuchel gearing up to steer the English squad at this summer’s World Cup in North America, many notable English players now find themselves at pivotal crossroads in their careers . It’s a curious mix of seasoned pros and former Premier League icons, all waiting in the wings, hoping the phone rings with a life-changing offer. Let’s take a closer peek at those high-profile free agents still lingering on the market, eager for their next big chapter. LEARN MORE.

While the January transfer window might have only slammed shut on Monday, there are plenty of European superstars who are still available on a free deal.

With Thomas Tuchel set to lead the Three Lions over to North America this summer for the 2026 World Cup, a number of English aces find themselves at real career crossroads.

With a number of high-profile England internationals sat at home waiting by the phone for their next opportunity, we have taken a look at some of the former Premier League poster boys who are still free agents.

Raheem Sterling

While there might have been plenty of excitement around Stamford Bridge following Raheem Sterling’s £47.5million move from Manchester City back in the summer of 2022, the 31-year-old endured a public nightmare in west London.

Completely omitted from first-team activities and not making a single competitive appearance for Chelsea since back in May 2024, the one-time Liverpool youngster also failed to make any kind of impact while on loan at Arsenal last season.

With it officially announced on January 28th that the 81-cap international would be leaving by mutual consent, there is no doubt that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy were relieved to get Sterling’s reported £325,000-per-week salary off their books.

Clearly no part of Tuchel’s England plans and now without a club, Sterling has watched potential moves to the likes of Juventus and west London rivals Fulham fail to materialise over the past 12 months.

With it reported earlier in the week that German outfit Union Berlin have passed on the opportunity to strike a potential free deal, it has been suggested that Sterling’s main focus is on extending his stay in the Premier League.

However, lifting 13 pieces of silverware during his illustrious career, it appears that Premier League interest is minimal and a move across the continent is expected to be his most viable option.

Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea FC by mutual agreement.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 28, 2026

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Drawing a line under his two-year spell with Turkish giants Besiktas over the summer after failing to make a single appearance for the Istanbul-based outfit since back in May, it appears that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is keen on securing a return home.

Mutually agreeing to terminate his deal with Besiktas despite having one-year remaining on his contract, the 32-year-old has dealt with a string of devastating knee injuries during his career.

Suffering major career setbacks and failing to reach the promise that he showed during spells with both Arsenal and Liverpool, Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t featured for England since back in 2019.

Simply looking to find some kind of stability during the twilight of his career, Celtic boss Martin O’Neil announced earlier in the week that they are hoping to throw the 35-cap international a lifeline.

Although O’Neil might have stated that the former Arsenal starlet is assessing plenty of options that he has on the table, Celtic can offer Oxlade-Chamberlain a return to closer to home.

Tasting both domestic and Champions League success, it has also been suggested that boyhood club Southampton are weighing up what would be an emotional return to St. Mary’s.

🟢 Celtic are interested in former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain.

More – https://t.co/LrCl1C20NT pic.twitter.com/NEPdZw0Lmc

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 2, 2026

Jesse Lingard

Raising plenty of eyebrows back in February 2024 as he announced that he would be joining South Korean outfit FC Seoul, many wondered why Jesse Lingard had decided to take such an unorthodox route after leaving Nottingham Forest.

Making 66 appearances for the K League heavyweights and notching 18 goals, the former Manchester United superstar announced his departure back in December and is yet to join a new club.

Warrington-born Lingard came through United’s ranks and made his senior debut under Louis van Gaal in August 2014. The versatile star made 232 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 35 goals as he helped the Red Devils win the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League.

Following many of his former England teammates in the hope of returning closer to home, Lingard has reportedly been training in Essex and is eager to get his next adventure sorted as soon as possible.

Although it might have been suggested that former club and Premier League relegation scrappers West Ham recently passed on the opportunity to welcome back the 33-year-old, it appears he isn’t short of interest.

Alongside suggestions that Dutch giants Feyenoord have expressed their interest, clubs from both Brazil and Italy are also weighing up a potential free transfer.

32-year-old Jesse Lingard has mutually terminated his contract with FC Seoul and will leave the club next week.

He scored 18 goals in two seasons and even captained the South Korean side 🤝 pic.twitter.com/FtcCpDzXXl

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 5, 2025