Free transfer XI for the 2016-17 season
The 2016 summer transfer window witnessed various clubs splashing enormous amounts of money to procure the required players. On the other hand, a few clubs played cleverly and acquired the services of quality players on a free transfer.
A quality playing XI can be formed using the Bosman transfers that have happened over this transfer window. A majority of the players who feature on this list have years of high-calibre football left in them and can impact the performances of their respective clubs this season.
Now that the summer transfer window has come to an end, let us take a look at the Free Transfer XI and how they will fare as a unit.
Goalkeeper
Although overshadowed by Hugo Lloris at the international level, Steve Mandanda has been one of the most consistent keepers at the club level. Prior to his arrival at Crystal Palace, he has been awarded the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year award twice consecutively.
Having finished 15th in the Premier League last season, Mandanda alongside other key signings like Christian Benteke, Loic Remy (loan) and Andros Townsend can help guide the club to a top-10 finish.
Defenders
Playing at right back is the three-time Champions League winner Dani Alves. After eight years and 23 titles at Barcelona, Dani Alves called it a day and decided to leave Barcelona. The veteran right back was later signed by Juventus on a free transfer. Alves is still one of the best right backs in the world today and Stephan Lichtsteiner will have to compete with Alves for a place in the playing XI.
The central defence will be paired by Liverpool’s Joel Matip and Schalke’s Naldo. Jurgen Klopp signed Matip on a free transfer from Schalke in an attempt to strengthen Liverpool’s defence. The Cameroon defender also adds an aerial threat during set pieces, having scored 23 goals in his stint at Germany.
While losing Matip to Liverpool, Schalke, in turn, acquired the services of an experienced defender in Naldo for a free transfer. Known for his physicality and aerial strength, Naldo has featured at the centre of defence for Wolfsburg for four seasons and has also been handed the armband on multiple occasions.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto will take the left-back spot. Having failed to make an appearance in the 2014-15 season, the former Tottenham regular returned to France to represent Saint-Etienne for the subsequent season. With the one-year deal with St Etienne coming to an end, the attack-minded left-back has now joined French club Metz on a free transfer.