Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco, Hatem Ben Arfa, Artem Dzyuba and more – Football’s free agents as transfer window looms

The January transfer window opens in January 1 in England, with negotiations and agreements undoubtedly already taking place right around the country.

Find out the best of the players who could be going on a free over the coming weeks.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Who would have thought Ronaldo wouldn’t be part of a club before he retired? Well, it’s happened after Manchester United terminated his contract with immediate effect following the Portuguese star’s revealing interview with Talk TV.

It means there will be no more Champions League football for Ronaldo, although he will earn around £62m each year.

Isco

Isco’s contract at Sevilla was terminated on December 21, just four months after he signed a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old joined Sevilla due to his good relationship with Julen Lopetegui. However, Lopetegui was sacked in October.

New manager Jorge Sampaoli and sporting director Monchi are on less good terms with Isco, who is a five-time Champions League winner.

Wolves and Juventus could pick up the Spaniard.

Artem Dzyuba

A stalwart at Zenit Saint Petersburg, Artem Dzyuba has been a free agent since November after his spell at Turkish side Adana Demirspor lasted just 78 days.

Dzyuba is 34 years old and is Russia’s all-time top scorer in international football after scoring at last year’s Euro 2020.

Salomon Rondon

Salomon Rondon’s contract at Everton was cut short on December 16 by mutual consent, leaving the Venezuelan available.

He played just 104 minutes of league football this season for Frank Lampard’s side but should be able to sign for another team relatively easily compared to other players in this list.

Marca have reported that clubs in Spain, England, Italy, Turkey and Portugal are targeting him.

Max Kruse

A falling out with Wolfsburg manager Niko Kovac led to Max Kruse’s contract being terminated by mutual consent in November.

Kruse was initially suspended amid claims that he didn’t train properly before the club confirmed the 34-year-old wouldn’t play for them again.

He was once a Liverpool target back in 2019 but don’t expect him to be joining a club of that stature.

“We’ll see [what my next move will be],” said Kruse. “I’ll have to wait a few more months, because nothing will happen before January anyway.

“I accept the situation as it is. It’s no use if I’m bad-tempered and in a bad mood all the time.”

Hatem Ben Arfa

Hatem Ben Arfa was a big fan favourite at Newcastle and could make a shock return, eight-and-a-half years on from his departure.

Ben Arfa’s contract at Lille wasn’t extended after a strenuous relationship so he has been without a club since July.

Surely someone will pick up the 35-year-old who can be a brilliant player in the right environment.

Eliaquim Mangala

In 2014, Eliaquim Mangala joined Manchester City for £42m, a British transfer record for a defender at the time.

Eight years on, a dismal chapter at Saint Etienne from January to June saw him suspended three times and he was unable to help the French side from relegation.

The 31-year-old has been training alone for the last six months and is keen to find a new team to show he still has the quality that made him a top centre back.

“My plan is to find a club and to find a club as quickly as possible,” said Magnala.

“It’s my passion, and I’m motivated to give a lot more on the pitch.

“Football is where I enjoy myself. I want to be on the pitch. In terms of contacts from clubs, at the minute it is calm.”

Other free agents

Other notable free agents heading into 2023 include Faouzi Ghoulam, Adem Ljajic, Edgar Ie, Nikola Maksimovic, Enock Kwateng and Danny Rose.