The January transfer window may have just closed, but numerous European stars are still available as free agents.
With Thomas Tuchel gearing up to guide the England team to North America for the 2026 World Cup this summer, several key English players are at pivotal points in their careers.
While many of England’s prominent talents are at home waiting for new opportunities, we’ve taken a look at some notable former Premier League players still without contracts.
Raheem Sterling
Excitement surrounded Raheem Sterling’s £47.5m transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in the summer of 2022, but the 31-year-old’s experience at Stamford Bridge has been far from smooth.
Having not featured in competitive matches for Chelsea since May 2024, he also struggled to make an impact during a loan at Arsenal last season.
Stamford Bridge officials likely breathed a sigh of relief when it was announced on January 28 that the international player with 81 caps would leave the club by mutual agreement, bringing an end to his hefty salary of £325,000 per week.
Given that he’s not in Tuchel’s plans and is currently without a club, Sterling has spent the last year watching potential transfers to Juventus and Fulham fall through.
Recent reports indicate that German club Union Berlin may have ruled out a deal for him, suggesting that Sterling is focused on remaining in the Premier League.
However, with limited interest from Premier League teams, an international move now seems more likely for the decorated player.
Raheem Sterling has today left Chelsea FC by mutual consent.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 28, 2026
<h3>Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain</h3>
<p>After ending his contract with Turkish club Besiktas this summer without making an appearance since May, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is eager to return to the UK.</p>
<p>Even with a year remaining on his contract, both parties agreed to terminate it, and at 32, he has faced numerous serious knee injuries throughout his career.</p>
<p>Oxlade-Chamberlain last played for England in 2019 and has struggled to regain the promise he showed with Arsenal and Liverpool.</p>
<p>Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has recently expressed interest in giving the 35-time capped player a chance for some stability in the later stages of his career.</p>
<p>While O'Neill mentioned that Oxlade-Chamberlain was considering various options, a move to Celtic might provide him with a familiar setting.</p>
<p>He has enjoyed success in both domestic and European competitions, and his childhood club Southampton is also reportedly considering a sentimental return for him.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🟢 Celtic are interested in former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain.</p>
<p>Details – https://t.co/LrCl1C20NT <a href="https://t.co/NEPdZw0Lmc">pic.twitter.com/NEPdZw0Lmc</a></p>
<p>— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScotlandSky/status/2018421787202060534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Jesse Lingard</h3>
<p>When he announced his move to South Korean club FC Seoul in February 2024, many were surprised, questioning why Jesse Lingard opted for such an unconventional shift after leaving Nottingham Forest.</p>
<p>The former Manchester United star, who scored 18 goals in 66 appearances in the K-League, declared his departure in December and is currently without a new club.</p>
<p>Lingard, who rose through United’s ranks and made his debut in 2014 under Louis van Gaal, played 232 times for the club, netting 35 goals and contributing to their FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Europa League trophies.</p>
<p>As he seeks a return closer to home, Lingard has been training in Essex, preparing for his next move.</p>
<p>Recent speculation suggested that West Ham might not pursue his return, but interest from clubs in Brazil, Italy, and Dutch side Feyenoord remains strong.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jesse Lingard, 32, has mutually terminated his contract with FC Seoul and will leave the club next week.</p>
<p>He scored 18 goals in two seasons and was also the captain of the Korean team 🤝 <a href="https://t.co/FtcCpDzXXl">pic.twitter.com/FtcCpDzXXl</a></p>
<p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1996896735277285378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></p>
</blockquote>Fan Take: The persistence of experienced players like Sterling, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Lingard on the free market highlights the ongoing evolution of talent in football. As fans, this matters because their next moves could reshape not only their careers but also the dynamics of teams across Europe.
