Skip to content

Free agents XI: Emmanuel Adebayor, Nicklas Bendtner, Mathieu Flamini

Nicklas Bendtner, Emmanuel Adebayor and Mathieu Flamini
Image: Nicklas Bendtner, Emmanuel Adebayor and Mathieu Flamini are all free agents up for grabs

The transfer window may have ended after a frantic Deadline Day, but free agents still remain an option for clubs throughout the season.

And while free agent Hal Ronson-Kanu sealed a move to West Brom, the available Emmanuel Adebayor is yet to sign for a club, despite rumoured interest from Fulham.

Admittedly, our team of predominantly veteran players may lack energy, but there is plenty of class on show should clubs feel the need to add to their squad.

We've gone for the unfancied 3-4-3 formation, and our XI - with a combined aged of 350 - is as follows…

Free agent XI

Goalkeeper - Mark Schwarzer

Time may not be on Schwarzer's side, but the 43-year-old has proved himself more than capable when called upon, at an age when some retired players have had their feet up for years.

Leicester City goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in action during the Capital One Cup Third Round match with West Ham
Image: Mark Schwarzer in action for Leicester in the Capital One Cup last season

The Australian was released by Leicester City in July, and a cameo appearance in England's top tier this season would make him the oldest ever Premier League player.

Also See:

Centre back - Martin Caceres

The Uruguayan defender has struggled for game time throughout his career, which has featured stints at Barcelona, Sevilla and Juventus.

TURIN, ITALY - MAY 14:  Martin Caceres of Juventus FC with his children celebrates after beating UC Sampdoria 5-0 to win the Serie A Championships after th
Image: Martin Caceres used to play for Juventus

He was most recently let go by the Italian champions, where he was suspended and fined for a car crash in September 2015.

Centre back - Philippe Mexes

Now 34, the Frenchman was widely regarded as a future star after coming through the ranks at Auxerre.

Mexes' time at Roma saw him forge a strong partnership with Christian Chivu, but a cruciate ligament rupture in 2010/11 became the first of a series on injuries for the central defender.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Mexes scored a volley that any striker would be proud of as he gave Milan the lead against Inter in the International Champions Cup in July 2015

A move to Milan followed, and his spell at the Rossoneri saw more time in the physio room, though a quality volley against Inter last year did see him nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award.

Centre back - Alex

Alex was released by Milan at the same time as Mexes in July, in a clearout which also featured Mario Balotelli and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Alex AC Milan
Image: Alex was axed by AC Milan after two years at the San Siro

The Brazilian defender is 34, but has enjoyed a glittering career across Europe, winning league titles at PSV, Chelsea and PSG.

Left wing - Junior Hoilett

Hoilett is looking to reignite his career after four seasons at QPR, but the Canadian needs to find a club first.

Junior Hoilett (L) of Queens Park Rangers celebrates scoring his team's opening goal
Image: Junior Hoilett was highly rated at Blackburn but failed to impress at QPR

The Canada international fell down the pecking order at Loftus Road, and Premier League clubs including Sunderland, Bournemouth and Swansea have been linked with the winger.

Central midfield - Mathieu Flamini

Listed as one of the best midfielders Cesc Fabregas has played alongside, Flamini's workhorse attitude makes him an attractive prospect, even at 32.

Flamini and Fabregas teamed up well in the Arsenal midfield earlier this century
Image: Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas teamed up well in the Arsenal midfield earlier this century

In between spells at Arsenal, the Frenchman's time at AC Milan fizzled out, while his return to the Emirates saw him called upon less as the seasons went by.

His proven ability in the Premier League means the midfielder is unlikely to go without a club for long, be it in England or abroad.

Centre midfield - Raul Meireles

The former Portugal international showed flashes of brilliance at Liverpool and Chelsea, but unfortunately injuries have hampered Meireles since.

Image: Raul Meireles in action against Arsenal during his time at Fenerbahce

The 32-year-old moved to Fenerbahce in September 2012, guiding them to the Turkish league title a season later.

However, his appearances on the pitch decreased as time in the physio room increased, with Meireles missing the majority of last season with a series of problems.

Right wing - Stephane Sessegnon

Sessegnon left West Brom along with Victor Anichebe at the end of last season, having arrived for a club-record fee from Sunderland.

West Brom's Stephane Sessegnon is closed down by Nathan Ake of Watford
Image: Stephane Sessegnon scored eight goals in 79 Premier League appearances for West Brom

His versatility saw the Benin international feature heavily for both clubs, but this constant changing of positions arguably has arguably made it tough for him to produce stand-out performances.

Striker - Nicklas Bendtner

The Dane's cult hero status on social media would make any potential move headline news, but the question remains whether Bendtner can become a mainstay in any team he joins.

Nicklas Bendtner of Wolfsburg in action during the Bundesliga match against Cologne at Volkswagen Arena on January 31, 2016
Image: Nicklas Bendtner had two seasons at Wolfsburg after leaving Arsenal

His appearances at Arsenal and Wolfsburg were fleeting, as he failed to match his record at international level, which currently stands at 29 goals in 72 games.

At 28, time is on Bendtner's side, so it will be intriguing to see the calibre of clubs that come in for him.

Striker - Victor Anichebe

The Nigeria international never held down a regular spot during his time at West Brom, having moved from Everton in 2013.

West Brom striker Victor Anichebe
Image: Ex-West Brom striker Victor Anichebe is looking for a club

The powerful 28-year-old failed to score for West Brom last season, and is yet to hit double-figures in one campaign.

However, regular game time could change that, as Anichebe has never played more than 30 league games in one season.

Striker - Emmanuel Adebayor

There was little interest in Adebayor this transfer window, after his six-month spell at Crystal Palace resulted in just one goal in seven league games.

Emmanuel Adebayor of Crystal Palace reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match against Everton at Selhurst Park
Image: Emmanuel Adebayor reacts after a missed chance for Crystal Palace last season

Wage demands could prove a stumbling block for clubs interested, with Fulham most recently linked with the Togolese forward.

The 32-year-old's ability is unquestionable, though his attitude has repeatedly been called into question - another issue which will deter a number of managers.

Around Sky