Notable Free Agents That Could Be An Option For Premier League Strugglers

Premier League clubs will no doubt be adding to their January transfer shortlists as the early-season dust finally settles. However, those languishing at the depths, struggling for form or hampered by injury problems may look to the free agents market for some early business.

In this piece, we examine five club-less free agents who could be seen in a Premier League shirt near you, sooner rather than later.

Best Free Agents Available Immediately

Rui Patrício

Without a club since representing UAE-based side Al Ain at the Club World Cup, Rui Patrício has already proven Premier League experience with Wolves. The veteran goalkeeper, part of the Portugal team that won Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League, has made over a century of appearances for his country.

Patrício has been rumoured to be nearing the end of his playing career at 37 years of age, but a number of clubs struggling at the wrong end of the table could view a short-term deal as an attractive prospect.

Wolves, West Ham United, Burnley and Leeds United have conceded the most goals in descending order across the Premier League this season, and trust in their shotstoppers are low.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

One of Arsenal’s numerous high-profile outgoings last summer, the highly experienced Japan international was plagued with injuries during his time at the Gunners. However, performances few and far between showed a versatile defender who can operate anywhere across the backline.

His long-term fitness remains doubtful given Arsenal agreed to mutually terminate his contract, but it is hard to ignore his ability, and a deal for free is worth exploring for a player of his calibre.  With experience in the Premier League behind him and now hopefully injury-free, Tomiyasu could make a very astute short-term addition.

The teams mentioned previously could all do with defensive reinforcements as they continue to haemorrhage goals, while the likes of Nottingham Forest have been plagued with defensive injuries, and Tomiyasu could fill in anywhere in defence.

Craig Dawson

A vastly experienced Premier League central defender would be ideal for any newly promoted club; for example, Leeds United and Burnley, who are already struggling this season. The now-35-year-old Craig Dawson has represented Watford, West Ham and West Brom across a lengthy playing career. To further evidence his credentials, Dawson was named in the 2021/22 Europa League Team of the Season.

Wolves have conceded a league-high 27 goals this season, while another of Dawson’s former clubs, West Ham, have been breached on the second-highest number of occasions – 25.

Could a return to either be in the cards?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Former Southampton, Arsenal, and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could well have the capacity to perform in the Premier League, despite two years away from English football.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s achievements include winning the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool and three FA Cups with Arsenal. The former England international has had his fair share of injuries, but when fully fit, he has a range of abilities that make him a worthwhile asset in midfield.

The potential addition of Oxlade-Chamberlain could ideally suit high-flying Sunderland, who are currently coasting in the dizzy heights of fourth position in the Premier League.

Emmanuel Dennis

Cast your mind back to June 2021, when Dennis signed for Watford from Belgian-based side Club Brugge. Arguably an instant fan favourite, the Nigerian international found the back of the net in the Hornets’ opening-day 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

He went on to score nine further goals before moving to Nottingham Forest for a reported £10million just over a year later. However, it never worked out for Dennis, with only two goals in 19 matches, before packing his bags, destined for İstanbul Başakşehir. 

Turkey was another unsuccessful venture, as he failed to get his name on the scoresheet. A loan spell back at Watford and another at Blackburn Rovers did not work out as Dennis was eventually released by Forest in August.

Back to Wolves, with their mere seven goals this season or Leeds, who have scored only six more than Rob Edwards’s newly-inherited squad, sound like potential ideal locations. Several Premier League clubs including Everton, Nottingham Forest and Fulham have only netted 13 goals, and may welcome extra firepower for no added cost.