The summer transfer window has entered its final days, and English Football League (EFL) clubs are likely to be scrambling to finalise deals to ensure they are placed to achieve their objectives this season. A look at the list of free agents available ahead of Monday’s deadline may provide teams with an opportunity to pick up talented players without the need to splash on a transfer fee.
48 players have joined the PFA’s week nine of pre-season in a bid to secure a club for the new season. There are some interesting names on the list, including two attackers with a wealth of experience.
As transfer fees continue to rise in the EFL pyramid, the list of free agents provides an opportunity for shrewd signings for clubs in the second, third and fourth tiers.
Two Free Agents EFL Clubs Should Target Ahead of Transfer Deadline
Fabio Borini
The forward has had a storied career, representing the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, AS Roma and AC Milan. He was a prospect with the world at his feet when breaking through in Chelsea’s title-winning season in 2009/10. Despite appearing to have a wealth of potential during a loan spell with Swansea and subsequently with Serie A giants Roma, he was unable to hold down a regular starting place for any sustained period with any club.
However, Borini did score 16 times in 111 Premier League outings and has proven he still has a lot to offer, notching 20 goals in the Turkish top-flight in 2022/23. The 34-year-old went on to score nine times in Serie B the following campaign, but has been unable to find a new club this summer, having been released by Sampdoria.
The former Italy international can slot into a team in League One at the very least. Clubs in the Championship fighting at the lower end of the table would benefit from his experience and poacher-like instincts. Borini was comfortable playing in wide areas in addition to being the main man in attack, but would be better placed to be an impact player as part of a front two at this stage of his career.
Ravel Morrison
This is a name that will be familiar to EFL supporters, as Morrison has been a feature of almost every transfer window since graduating from the Manchester United academy. Now 32, the attacking midfielder has not played since scoring for D.C United in the MLS in 2022.
Morrison was last seen on these shores playing for Derby County in the Championship, as he provided eight goal contributions in 36 second-tier outings for the Rams. The former West Ham player has played 18 times in the Premier League and was once a standout player for the Hammers for a short period. However, he has been without senior competitive football for some time and may have to drop further down the pyramid to finish his career with consistent minutes.
There is a chance he would star in League Two as his ability on the ball and creative instincts are as good as anyone on the PFA’s list of free agents that are maintaining fitness in their search for a new club.
It would be a gamble to give a contract to a player who has never settled at any club in the last 13 years. However, it is not every day a player of his ability becomes available as a free agent in the modern game. It would likely be a short-term deal, but he has the potential to star in either of the third or fourth tiers.
The list of free agents training with the PFA have already seen a success story, as former Preston North End player Patrick Bauer has sealed a move to League One side AFC Wimbledon.