Salah, Stones & Sancho - Premier League free agents

What the report says

BBC Sport has published a rundown of notable footballers who are currently out of contract after playing for Premier League clubs last season, with the 2026-27 campaign nearing. The list highlights how several high-profile players have reached uncertain points in their careers after contracts expired, injuries disrupted form or loan spells failed to settle long-term futures.

Among the biggest names cited are John Stones, 32, Mohamed Salah, 33, and Jadon Sancho, 26. BBC Sport reports that Stones has left Manchester City after 10 years and 15 major trophies, while still being selected by England under Thomas Tuchel despite injury concerns; he has been linked with Everton and AC Milan. Salah, whose final months at Liverpool were described as difficult amid a strained relationship with manager Arne Slot, has been connected with a possible move to Besiktas after earlier expectations of a Saudi Pro League switch. Sancho, signed by Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in 2021, has spent recent seasons on loan and is reported to have interest from Qatar’s Al-Rayyan.

The article also names Yves Bissouma, Stefan Ortega, Tyrell Malacia and Adama Traore as free agents with unresolved futures. BBC Sport says Bissouma is keen to remain in England, Ortega could be close to Olympiacos, Malacia’s United spell was heavily affected by injury, and Traore has been linked with a return to Wolves.

Other out-of-contract players listed include Solly March, Adam Webster, Joel Veltman, Nathaniel Clyne, Seamus Coleman, Emil Krafth, Willy Boly and Bertrand Traore, underscoring how squad reshaping continues beyond the main transfer deals.