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The January transfer window is now closed for all Premier League and EFL sides. But a host of quality free agents remain without a club after the deadline.

A relatively quiet window is now in the rear-view mirror after deadline day, with the Premier League spending a combined total of just over £400million. Few big names made moves last month, the most notable transfer arguably being Antoine Semenyo's £65m switch from Bournemouth to Manchester City.

Deadline day itself was similarly tepid, with the biggest move of the day financially being Jorgen Strand Larsen's transfer from Wolves to Crystal Palace for a club-record £48m. Liverpool also secured Rennes starlet Jeremy Jacquet for £60m in principle, though that move will take place in the summer.

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A handful of clubs may still have holes to fill after missing out on some targets though and Mirror Football brings you some free agents who are still available.

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Raheem Sterling

A few days before the deadline, Raheem Sterling and Chelsea agreed on a deal that terminated his contract by mutual consent. The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal winger is now without a club.

It will likely not be long before the four-time Premier League winner makes his return and the 31-year-old presents a smart proposition for any team as a homegrown talent who is no longer bound by extortionate wages. Premier League clubs do have to register their squad for the remainder of the season by February 5, however.

Kurt Zouma

Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Kurt Zouma only joined Romanian side CFR Cluj last September. But in January, his contract was terminated and he is now a free agent.

At 31, he could still provide decent defensive cover at the highest level and it was only three years ago that he was named captain by The Hammers before easing out of first-team contention.

Jesse Lingard

Ex-England man Jesse Lingard has been out of the spotlight after a dismal spell at Nottingham Forest. He played out nearly two years in South Korea for FC Seoul having joined in 2024, but left emotionally last December for a new challenge.

Throughout the transfer window, rumours swirled about a return to the Premier League for the 33-year-old. But the former Manchester United and West Ham star remains on the market.

Ryan Kent

Liverpool academy star Ryan Kent made a name for himself at Rangers after never quite cutting it at Anfield. But the 29-year-old winger is now without a club.

He last played for Seattle Sounders in the MLS after a short spell with Fenerbahce in Turkey. The speedy wide player still has a point to prove in his career and was linked with a return to Scotland throughout the window.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been without a club since August 2025 when he left Besiktas but has been keeping himself busy. The former Arsenal man had been training with the Gunners to maintain match fitness and some reports even linked him with an unlikely return.

But more concrete reports brought Celtic into the picture, with suggestions on deadline day being that the Scottish side could look to recruit the 32-year-old. There is still time though for other clubs to play their hands.

Aaron Ramsey

A star who is on the hunt for playing time ahead of crunch international fixtures is Aaron Ramsey. The Arsenal hero last played for Mexican side Pumas, where he only lasted a few months due to fitness issues and a personal crisis.

Wales have a World Cup play-off semi-final coming up and Ramsey could hope to make Craig Bellamy's squad for it. He is still on the market at 35 and his last stint in the UK saw him return to Cardiff City and even serve as interim manager for a brief period.

James Rodriguez

Everton pulled off an almighty coup when James Rodriguez arrived at Goodison Park in 2020 and the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich man is currently unemployed. Since his last spell in England, Rodriguez has played in Qatar, Greece, Brazil, Spain and Mexico.

At 34, his prime is behind him, but with a World Cup approaching the Colombian is seeking minutes. It must be said reports suggest the international icon will likely sign with a North or South American club.

An ex-Spurs star who has also become a free agent is defender Serge Aurier. The 33-year-old spent over four years in north London and also played for Nottingham Forest.

He spent over a year without a club from February 2024 until the summer of 2025 after leaving Galatasaray and ended up signing for Persian Gulf Pro League side Persepolis. However, he left Tehran in January and if he is match fit, could provide an option in defence for several English clubs.

Dele Alli

The enigmatic Dele Alli is without a club after leaving Italian side Como 1907 last September. Since then, the former Tottenham star has been training individually ahead of an assumed return.

At 29, he still has plenty of years of playing ahead of him if he steers away from an early retirement and like many other capable free agents, he is a homegrown talent. Reports from January linked him with a move to Spain, whilst rumours of Championship interest have also fluttered.

Divock Origi

Liverpool's Champions League-winning cult hero Divock Origi is another name who clubs could snap up after becoming a free agent. Since leaving the Reds permanently in 2022 he has played for AC Milan and Nottingham Forest on loan.

Origi's contract in Italy was mutually terminated back in December and he has since been unemployed. Although he may not be up to match fitness and his wage demands would likely be high, a player of the 30-year-old's quality could be worth a mid-season gamble.

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