Championship sides released a host of players at the conclusion of last season with a number of those still without a club as teams return for pre-season.
For some clubs, free agents can prove an attractive proposition as it takes away negations with another club and focuses only on agreeing terms with a player.
Burnley have made good use of the free agent market in the past with the likes of Aaron Lennon, Joey Barton and Scott Arfield all joining the Clarets without a free during Sean Dyche’s lengthy tenure.
Huddersfield Town also made good use of the market last summer to reach the Championship play-off final while in League One Sheffield Wednesday haven't spent money on a player since 2020.
We have scoured the market to see the best free agent midfielders available who have been released by second-tier clubs.
Every available player has then been ranked by their market value, according to transfermarkt.co.uk data.
Take a look....
1. Carel Eiting
The 24-year-old returned to Huddersfield in January but has been released by the Terriers. Market value: £2.52m
Photo: JOHAN EYCKENS
2. Joe Allen
The Welsh midfielder has been linked with Huddersfield and Swansea after being released by Stoke City. Market value: £1.08m
Photo: Cameron Smith
3. Lukas Rupp
The 31-year-old has left Norwich after joining the club in January 2020. Market value: £1.08m.
Photo: Shaun Botterill
4. Romaine Sawyers
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Stoke City before being released by parent club West Brom. He has been linked with a permanent switch to the Potters. Market value: £1.08m
Photo: Jan Kruger