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.
9. RW: Anthony Martial
French forward Anthony Martial left Manchester United this summer after a dreary decade with the club. Now, he's a free agent - and while some may consider him to be past his prime, he will be hoping his best is yet to come. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. LW: Memphis Depay
Another Manchester United reject (although thrown out a few more years before Martial) Memphis Depay is also a free agent. He can play right across the front line and could still be an asset to a Premier League side. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. ST: Wissam Ben Yedder
Anyone who plays the FIFA video game will recognise French striker Wissam Ben Yedder as the goal-line grim reaper. Now 34 years old, it would seem that his touted big moves to European giants are now a thing of the past. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: AFP via Getty Images