Top Free Agents Worldwide: Sancho, Benzema, Mahrez Lead List

As the international break continues, several high-profile footballers are currently without clubs and may not return to their previous teams. The list of notable free agents includes Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema, and Riyad Mahrez, among others.

Jadon Sancho, 26, a former Manchester United player who was sold for €85 million five years ago, has struggled since, spending most of his time on loan. Last season with Aston Villa, he managed only one goal and three assists in 39 appearances. Russian club Krasnodar reportedly passed on signing him, and while he may attract interest from Turkey or Saudi Arabia, his high salary demands are a significant obstacle. Despite his name recognition, his goal and assist numbers have been low in recent seasons, coupled with criticism of his attitude.

Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, is also without a club after a stint in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal opted to sign a younger player, leaving Benzema without a team. Nike canceled advertising shoots with him following a scandal that ended his international career with France. While a return to his boyhood club Lyon is unlikely due to their financial difficulties, Bayer Leverkusen has been mentioned as a potential destination.

Riyad Mahrez, 35, also left Saudi Arabia and is finding it difficult to secure a new club, potentially impacting future player decisions regarding moves to the Gulf. Despite scoring twice in the last World Cup, he has struggled to find a team. Reports suggest he prefers a return to Europe, but his high wage demands remain an issue. While moves to Al-Ahli or Getafe have been rumored, no concrete developments have occurred.

Raheem Sterling, 31, formerly of Liverpool and Chelsea, joined Feyenoord but was released after only eight games, struggling for form and fitness. He recently faced legal issues, including a suspended license and possession of dangerous substances, which may delay any potential signing. His situation is compared to Dele Alli's, suggesting a difficult path to rebuilding his career, with playing time being his top priority.

Paul Pogba, a World Cup winner, has had a tumultuous career with injuries and a doping ban. He played only 29 minutes in six games for Monaco last year and has accumulated just 18 games in four years. His inability to stay healthy or be consistently effective makes him a candidate for early retirement.

Mauro Icardi, 33, had a decent season with Galatasaray, scoring 14 league goals, but off-field issues and a decline in physical condition have hampered his career. He is seen as a player suited for leagues like the Greek Super League.

Oleksiy Khotsulian, a 28-year-old winger linked with Maccabi Haifa, expressed willingness to move to Israel and was reportedly valued at €3.5 million. He has been described as Champions League level but his salary demands of €1.5 million per season are considered too high for Israeli clubs.

In terms of Israeli Premier League relevance, Maccabi Tel Aviv has eight foreign players and would need to freeze an injured player to register a new one. Hapoel Jerusalem could free up a spot if Eugene Ansah receives citizenship. Other potential targets for Israeli clubs include winger Oleksiy Gutsulyak, valued at €3.5 million, and Carlos Junior, a 31-year-old forward who played in Saudi Arabia last season. Alan Halilovic, a former highly-rated prospect, is also available, as is Ryan Kent, a left winger. Yuri Medeiros, a former Hapoel Be'er Sheva player, is also looking for a club. For defensive midfielders, Luan and Jean Onana are mentioned as possibilities, particularly for Hapoel Jerusalem if Ansah's citizenship is finalized.

Notable Israeli free agents include Eli Dasa, Yaheb Gurfinkel, and Guy Hadida.

The article also briefly mentions injured players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Viktor Dávila, Christian Eriksen, Marcelo Brozović, and Manuel Benson.