Benzema, Pogba, Sancho and Sterling: What now for football’s free agents?

Benzema, Pogba, Sancho and Sterling: What now for football’s free agents?Ex Real Madrid and Manchester Untied stars, Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho, among post-deadline free agents.The transfer window in Europe may have shut for the summer, but a number of well known players could still make major moves.Even though the next transfer window doesn’t open until January, players without a contract are still able to be signed by clubs in Europe…and indeed across the globe.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4‘I gave everything ⁠I had’: Dzeko retires from Bosnian national teamlist 2 of 4Eto’o calls on African football federations to support FIFA chief Infantinolist 3 of 4Summer transfers 2026: All to know as Premier League signings break recordslist 4 of 4Cricketers to get best rooms at Asian Games 2026, says Japanese officialend of listAl Jazeera takes a look at who could still be snapped up – and for free.Paul Pogba – ex-Manchester United and JuventusThe rise and fall of Paul Pogba will forever be one of the great frustrations of his fans and the clubs he played for.The 33-year-old served an 18-month doping ban to March 2025, but injuries have meant he has played little football since and his contract with Monaco was terminated last month.The Frenchman joined Monaco on a two-year deal from Juventus last summer, but the 2018 World Cup winner with France played only six games for the French club.Paul Pogba takes time off to watch qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix [File: Yves Herman/Reuters]Karim Benzema – ex-Real MadridA fellow World Cup winner alongside Pogba – and a former Ballon d’Or winner – Karim Benzema is also hunting for a new club. The 38-year-old’s contract in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal was terminated on Monday.Benzema moved from Real Madrid in 2023 to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, where he spent three seasons and was only six months into his Al-Hilal contract.A host of new signings, including Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, pushed Benzema down the pecking order. Much as Pogba is likely to do, Benzema is set to look elsewhere in the Saudi league, as well as contemplating Major League Soccer in the United States.Karim Benzema playing for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League [File: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters]Jadon Sancho – ex-Manchester United and ChelseaOnce regarded as one of English and European football’s brightest talents, Jadon Sancho’s demise is hard to fathom.