Ligue 1 clubs eye free agents after transfer window closes

Ligue 1 clubs still have access to a group of experienced free agents after the European transfer window closed. With transfer fees no longer required, the market offers financially careful teams a way to add depth, although salaries and sporting demands remain important factors.

Karim Benzema is the biggest name available. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner could stay in Saudi Arabia, where Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab are possibilities, retire or move to Major League Soccer. Paul Pogba, unattached since leaving Monaco, is also considering the United States, while a move to the Middle East remains possible. Renato Sanches became a free agent after ending his Paris Saint-Germain contract and is seeking an ambitious European project, with Ligue 1 still an option.

Several players with direct French league connections are also available. Myron Boadu, 25, is looking to revive his career after his spell at PSV Eindhoven, while Mali international Yves Bissouma, 29, has left Tottenham. Bissouma has 42 caps, Premier League experience and a previous stint at Lille. Diogo Leite, 27, leaves Union Berlin after 136 appearances, and former Reims defender Ghislain Konan, 30, has 95 Ligue 1 games behind him.

Tyrell Malacia is another possible gamble after leaving Manchester United following an injury-disrupted spell. Krépin Diatta, released by Monaco after 143 matches, offers versatility and 58 Senegal caps; Marseille had made enquiries in July. Bertrand Traoré, Riyad Mahrez and Sofiane Boufal are also on the market, with Boufal coming off a successful spell at Le Havre.