Spending across the Premier League is down by almost £800m on last summer, according to statistics. Data from Football Transfers suggests £1.5bn has been spent on new players so far - with just a couple of days before the transfer window closes - compared to the record £2.3bn spent last year.
It comes amid tighter spending restrictions for Premier League teams, and many top clubs struggling to compete with the financial juggernaut that is the Saudi Pro League. Even still, some deals have been done on a free; most notably Kylian Mbappe joining Real Madrid from PSG, after the French forward ran down his contract.
Here is a starting XI of players that could be signed on a free transfer this summer, including ex-Premier League stars, a midfielder who’s been negotiating with England’s top sides, and one of the best central defenders of all time.
5. LB: Marcos Alonso
After an unsuccessful spell at Barcelona, Marcos Alonso is the best of a bad bunch for free agent left-backs... Brandon Williams, Patrick van Aanholt and Layvin Kurzawa are also available for managers with a screw loose. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. CM: Adrien Rabiot
After leaving Juventus this summer, Adrien Rabiot has been linked with a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle. But his high wage demands have been the stumbling block for most top sides. | Getty Images
.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
7. CM: Dele Alli
Once regarded as one of the finest talents in English football, Dele Alli has had quite the fall from grace - would you take a punt on his renaissance? | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. CM: Andre Gomes
A former Valencia and Barcelona player, 30-year-old midfielder Andre Gomes left Everton this summer. There have been talks of a move abroad - perhaps to his native Portugal - but no moves have materialised. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images