Summer transfer window closes with several star players still without clubs

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The 2026 summer transfer window has closed with a number of well-known players, including Algeria's Riyad Mahrez, still unattached, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, which published a list of stars who failed to agree new contracts. Mahrez, who won the AFC Champions League Elite twice during three seasons with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, is among the headline names on the list. Austria's David Alaba became a free agent after his contract with Real Madrid expired, ending a five-year spell at the club that followed his departure from Bayern Munich in 2021; he won the UEFA Champions League four times across his time with the two clubs. France's Karim Benzema joined the list of unattached players after mutually terminating his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal at the end of August. Spain's Sergio Ramos, a 2010 World Cup winner and former Real Madrid stalwart, completed his contract with Mexico's Rayados de Monterrey, which he joined in 2025. France's Paul Pogba, Brazil's Philippe Coutinho, Colombia's James Rodríguez, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, Portugal's Raphaël Guerreiro and the Netherlands' Georginio Wijnaldum were also named among the players left without clubs after the window closed.