Five of the best Premier League free transfers this summer

Free agents are always an appealing option for Premier League clubs and this summer sides were quick to snap up Bosman bargains.

As clubs feel the pinch of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules, the addition of exciting signings for free is a huge boost.

Five of the best Premier League free transfers this summer

Tosin Adarabioyo – Chelsea

Tosin Adarabioyo has travelled a short distance across West London to change clubs this summer, with the centre-back leaving Fulham for Chelsea. Adarabioyo earned admirers for his performances at Craven Cottage after joining Fulham from Manchester City’s academy.

A formidable aerial presence, the 26-year-old was keen to take on a new challenge and compete in European competition, having not given up hope of representing England. A regular at youth level earlier in his career, the defender is also eligible to represent Nigeria and the Super Eagles will be monitoring his progress.

Adarabioyo is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Chelsea but will hope to break into the plans of new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Daichi Kamada – Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner will feel he has landed a coup after reuniting with Daichi Kamada on a free transfer this summer. The Japan international worked with the Crystal Palace manager at former club Eintracht Frankfurt and impressed across five seasons in the Bundesliga, where he won the Europa League in 2021/22.

The 28-year-old’s move to Lazio failed to work out last summer and he has now signed for Palace as a free agent.

Kamada has shown encouraging early signs as he looks to replace the creativity of Michael Olise at Selhurst Park, operating in an advanced role alongside Eberechi Eze. Palace will hope to coax out the form that saw Kamada provide 73 goals and assists in 172 appearances for Frankfurt.

Ilkay Gundogan – Manchester City

Ilkay Gundogan has made a romantic return to Manchester City just one season after leaving the club for Barcelona. The club’s treble-winning captain returns on a free transfer after Barcelona sought to reduce their wage bill to register new signings.

Gundogan led La Liga for chances created in 2023/24 during a strong first season in Spain, though the Catalans decided the midfielder was dispensable given he will turn 34 in October. For City, it’s the perfect short-term solution to their midfield issues with Gundogan well-versed in Pep Guardiola’s demands after seven previous years at the Etihad.

Lloyd Kelly – Newcastle

Eddie Howe made defensive depth a priority this summer with Newcastle duo Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined with ACL injuries. The Magpies missed out on Marc Guehi and Tosin Adarabioyo but landed Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth despite reported competition from top clubs.

Comfortable at centre-back or left-back, Kelly’s adaptability appears an ideal fit for a Newcastle side whose squad was stretched in 2023/24.

Guido Rodriguez – West Ham

Julen Lopetegui’s first summer in charge at West Ham caught the eye as the Irons invested in a series of exciting arrivals.

Notable fees were spent on recruiting the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman and Niclas Fullkrug, with the free transfer capture of Guido Rodriguez having gone under the radar.

The 30-year-old arrives from Real Betis having been one of the best ball-winners in La Liga in recent campaigns.

He led Spain’s top division for tackles won in 2022/23 and has made an immediate impression at the London Stadium, with only two players managing more interceptions over the opening three games. A World Cup winner with Argentina, he could be an astute addition for the Hammers.

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