Free strikers are still bidding for top names after the transfer market in La Liga and the rest of the European leagues is closed. Karim Benzema, Joselu and Mauro Icardi are still without a club in September 2026 – even though their contract and situation picture are different.
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Karim Benzema, Joselu and Mauro Icardi are waiting for a new destination
Karim Benzema, the 38-year-old French striker, ended his contract with Al Hilal in August after playing 16 games, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists. The former Real Madrid player does not plan to retire, and has offers – including from MLS.
Benzema’s case has a peculiarity. Although he no longer belongs to Al Hilal, he maintains a commitment as an ambassador for Saudi football until 2030 – a circumstance that prevented Lyon from completing his signing this summer. His status as a free agent, therefore, does not mean that he can immediately sign for any club.
Joselu, 36, is also available after finishing his time at Al-Gharafa. The striker finished the 2025/26 season with 10 goals and 2 assists in 24 games, while in his two seasons in Qatar he was involved in 30 goals.
The Spaniard has already received inquiries from several clubs during the summer. Getafe, Alavés and Deportivo were among the teams considering signing him, while Sevilla also had talks with his camp.
Mauro Icardi, the 33-year-old Argentine striker, ended his contract with Galatasaray on June 30, 2026 and is still without a team. The Turkish club confirmed his departure on July 16, after a four-season period in which he played 134 games and scored 77 goals.
The market for free strikers keeps the options open
Icardi joined Galatasaray after his loan spell from PSG and ended up as one of the leading goalscorers in recent club history. In the 2023/24 season, he became the top scorer in the Turkish league with 25 goals – although a serious knee injury and the arrival of Victor Osimhen marked his final phase.
The current scenario offers three different profiles on the market. Joselu is looking for a new destination after his 10 goals in Qatar; Icardi needs to regain continuity after the injury; and Benzema is considering offers while resolving his contractual situation with Saudi Arabia.
The status as a free striker makes negotiations possible without paying a transfer fee, but the sporting margin is not identical for all three. The next move depends on the offers they receive – and in Benzema’s case, on the resolution of his outstanding ties to Saudi football.
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