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.
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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.
Midfielders
In central midfield are Nigel de Jong and Ever Banega. The former, known for his tough tackling will sit deep and support the back four, while the latter will add creativity and energy to the midfield. After spending a year in the MLS, Nigel de Jong has joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer. Aged just 31 and having represented the Netherlands in two World Cups, the defensive midfielder still has what it takes to break down any opposition’s attack.
After winning consecutive Europa League titles in his two-year stint at Sevilla, Banega has signed for Inter Milan as a free agent. Known for his vision and dribbling, the creative midfielder also adds a goal threat with his set-pieces.
Playing along the left wing is Hatem Ben Arfa, who has hit the headlines on multiple occasions for his individual brilliance. However, his inconsistency made him never reach his true potential. Ben Arfa had a phenomenal season with Nice last season, scoring 17 goals in 34 league appearances. Despite interest from all over Europe, Ben Arfa signed for Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal. PSG will hope that the winger remains consistent and break expectations in his first season with the French giants.
Sofiane Feghouli will operate as the team’s right winger. Known for his powerful shot and aerial strength, Feghouli has moved to the Premier League after spending 5 seasons with Valencia. The pacy winger can get the better of the defenders and deliver inch-perfect crosses for the forwards to finish.
Forwards
The attack will be led by two of the proven strikers in the world today, Fernando Torres and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Fernando Torres’ return to Atletico Madrid on loan from AC Milan has changed his fortunes forever. After less than mediocre outings at Chelsea and Milan, the Spanish striker finally revived his goal-scoring form and pitched in with key performances at crucial junctures.
At the end of last season, he extended his stay with a permanent contract for another year with his boyhood club.
Following the decision to leave France last season, Manchester United signed Ibrahimovic. His presence is already making a difference at the club, having scored 4 goals in his 4 appearances. This makes him arguably the best Bosman transfer of this window. The stylish forward who turns 35 this year still continues to trouble defences with his physicality and technique, and should be a hit in the Premier League.
Now that we are done with the team, let us take a look at how the team will operate and the substitutes available.
Formation and substitutes:
The French shot-stopper Steve Mandanda will take his place between the sticks. The defence comprises of players who possess positional awareness and defensive discipline to keep the opposition at bay. With two attack-minded full-backs, de Jong will play as a defensive midfielder screening the defence.
Banega will add energy to the midfield and keep the midfield ticking with his excellent vision and ball distribution. The wingers, full of pace and trickery will keep the defenders on their toes. The team has two forwards who have proven their class and calibre in multiple occasions.
The team is balanced and can be a force to be reckoned with. They just have to keep the ball rotating and occasionally find the right ball.
Substitutes: Victor Valdes (Middlesbrough), Gregory van der Wiel (Fenerbahce), Kolo Toure (Celtic), Alex Song (Rubin Kazan), Jeremy Toulalan (Bordeaux), Mario Balotelli (Nice)
