The amazing XI of players who moved on a free transfer this summer

Centre-backs - Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan) and Emre Can (Juventus)

De Vrij joined Inter from rivals Lazio

Inter Milan made eight signings in the summer to help bridge the gap between them and Juventus. Three of those signings are on loan and two, including Kwadwo Asamoah, were on a free transfer.

Inter’s second free transfer of the summer, Stefan de Vrij, was a high-profile signing. Inter secured Champions League football for this season on the final day of the 2017/18 season in dramatic style.

They beat Lazio 3-2 in an away game on the final matchday to pip Lazio on head-to-head to claim the final Champions League spot. In that game, de Vrij gave away a penalty which was converted.

Lazio were keen on keeping de Vrij beyond the summer but the player refused to sign a new contract and as a result, he joined Inter on a free transfer ahead of the new season.

Juventus have signed several top players on a free transfer in recent years

Emre Can is not a central defender by trade but he’s included as a centre-back in this XI for two reasons. One, he has played in that position several times during his stint with Liverpool and two, he’s too good a player to leave out of this XI and we were spoilt for choices in midfield in stark contrast to the central defence.

Liverpool couldn’t agree to new terms with Can over a new transfer but Jurgen Klopp opted to use the player’s service for another season instead of selling him for a nominal fee. This is a repeat of the scenario he had with Robert Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund.

The German international is one of many stars to join Juventus on a free transfer in recent years.