In the inflated transfer market, securing a high-value player for free is a rare win-win situation. Not only does it save the club from spending millions on transfer fees, but it also allows the player to negotiate a contract higher than their market value. Real Madrid set the tone for the 2024-25 summer transfer window by snagging one of the best players in the world, Kylian Mbappe, on a free transfer. Joining him were four other top players who also moved on a free in the same window.
#5: Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea): €20 million ($22.23 million)
Chelsea reinforced their defense with the addition of Tosin Adarabioyo in the summer transfer window of 2024-25. The 26-year-old center-back joined the Blues for free after a successful spell at Fulham. Adarabioyo played a crucial role in helping Chelsea secure a 3-2 victory over Servette FC in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Before signing a four-year deal with Chelsea, Adarabioyo made 132 appearances for Fulham, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
#4: Guido Rodriguez (West Ham United): €20 million ($22.23 million)
Argentine midfielder Guido Rodriguez made the switch to West Ham United as a free agent after leaving Real Betis in La Liga. Rodriguez, valued at €20 million ($22.23 million), won the Copa del Rey during his time at Betis and has already started all three Premier League games for West Ham United.
#3: Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven): €22 million ($24.46 million)
After a challenging stint at Barcelona, Sergino Dest moved to PSV Eindhoven for free, signing a four-year deal. The 23-year-old full-back scored twice and provided six assists in 25 Eredivisie appearances while on loan at PSV in the previous season.
#2: Piotr Zielinski (Inter Milan): €22 million ($24.46 million)
Versatile midfielder Piotr Zielinski joined Inter Milan as a free agent from Napoli, where he spent eight successful seasons. Zielinski, valued at €22 million ($24.46 million), played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022-23 season. Despite missing the first three Serie A matches due to fitness concerns, Zielinski is poised to make an impact at Inter.
#1: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): €180 million ($200.11 million)
Kylian Mbappe fulfilled his dream of joining Real Madrid on a free transfer after leaving PSG. The French forward, valued at an astounding €180 million ($200.11 million), enjoyed a remarkable spell at PSG, scoring 256 goals and providing 108 assists in 308 appearances. Mbappe has started his Real Madrid career in style, scoring crucial goals for the team in both UEFA Super Cup and La Liga matches.
