Wednesday 1 July 2015 23:04, UK
With many player contracts expiring on 30 June, there are plenty of footballers available on a free transfer.
You can see a full list of players released from Premier League clubs here
We've picked a Premier League Free Transfer XI of experienced top flight stars who could be signed for nothing this summer. Which of these players would you like to see your club sign?
Jussi Jaaskelainen
Now 40, Finnish ‘keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is once again a free agent after his contract expired at West Ham. The shot-stopper – who joined the Hammers in 2012 on a free transfer from Bolton – saw his spot in the first team taken by Adrian in 2013/14 and made just one appearance from the bench in the Premier League last season, when his Spanish team-mate was sent off at Southampton.
Glen Johnson
From England’s first-choice right back at last summer’s World Cup to being released by Liverpool 12 months on, it’s been a disappointing, injury-hit season for Johnson. Set to turn 31 in August, the south Londoner - who made 19 league appearances for the Reds in 2014/15 - has taken to Instagram to show he’s over his injury problems, posting videos of himself working out in the gym.
Ron Vlaar
One of the Netherlands’ top performers at the World Cup in Brazil, Vlaar is reportedly not short on offers following the expiration of his Aston Villa deal. After a tough campaign, which saw Villa eventually secure their top flight status, Southampton, Sunderland and Newcastle all seem keen on snapping up the Dutchman.
Ryan Taylor
Former England U21 international Taylor was released by Newcastle after over two years of injury heartache. The 30-year-old was sidelined for 26 months with a cruciate ligament injury to his right knee in August 2012 before making an emotional return in October 2014. However, another knee injury in November saw him miss more of Newcastle's battle against relegation.
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Currently training with MLS side New York Red Bulls – where his brother Bradley is a star striker – Shaun Wright-Phillips is looking for his next club after being released by QPR. The former England winger made just one start for Rangers in the Premier League last season and played a mere 128 minutes of first-team football after slipping down the pecking order at Loftus Road.
Joey Barton
After four years with QPR, Barton has left the club following their relegation from the Premier League. The once-capped England international made 28 appearances in the 2014/15 campaign, scoring once and registering three assists. He was also sent off in the first half of a crunch relegation encounter with Hull in February.
Abou Diaby
Injury-plagued France midfielder Diaby saw his nine-year stay at Arsenal come to an end this summer, although the 29-year-old will continue to use the club’s training facilities until he can find a new team. Diaby – who broke an ankle in 2006 – was restricted to one appearance for Arsenal last season, following a 14-month spell out with a cruciate ligament knee injury.
Jonas Gutierrez
Gutierrez – who has suffered two serious knee injuries during his time with Newcastle – was diagnosed with cancer earlier this season but returned in time to score one and set up another in a 2-0 win over West Ham on the final day of the campaign, which ensured Newcastle stayed in the Premier League.
Peter Odemwingie
Any club planning to pick up Odemwingie on a free will have to move quickly as Stoke boss Mark Hughes has revealed he will consider offering the Nigerian forward a new deal, should his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury go to plan. The attacker is also keen for another chance to prove himself at the Britannia after his knee problem restricted him to just one start this season.
Bobby Zamora
Plagued by injuries, Zamora – who fired QPR into the Premier League with a Championship play-off final winner in 2014 – made just 19 starts and scored three goals in 2014/15. One of those goals was a contender for goal of the season, however ... a lob from the right side of the box with the outside of his left foot against West Brom.
Didier Drogba
After returning to Chelsea last summer, Blues hero Drogba is on the move again after making eight starts and 20 appearances from the bench for Jose Mourinho’s Premier League champions. The Ivorian scored seven times in all competitions – including a superb near-post header at Old Trafford – and is now being linked with a switch to the MLS.
