Austria scare – English star with €18 million remains clubless

Since Thursday at 5 p.m., the transfer window in Austria is closed. Two days earlier, the transfer window in the European top leagues had ended, but clubs may still sign players without a contract.

English professional remains without club

The 26‑year‑old Englishman is the most valuable professional on club search, with a market value of €18 million. He moved in the summer of 2021 for €85 million from Dortmund to Manchester United and most recently played for Aston Villa, after his loan at the Birmingham club was not extended.

The Algerian, who shocked Austria at the World Cup, scored the decisive goal in stoppage time against the ÖFB team. Despite this moment, he remained without a club until the end of the World Cup, but later signed with LASK, while Mahrez is still on club search after Al‑Ahli.

Other stars without contract

The winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2021 terminated his contract with the Saudi club Al‑Hilal a few days ago; a retirement for the 38‑year‑old Frenchman is now being considered.

Bayern and Chelsea wait: Austria opponent in the Champions League draw

Paul Pogba, initially banned for four years after a positive doping test, returned after the sanction was reduced to 18 months, signed with AS Monaco and mutually terminated the contract.

The Brazilian, who moved from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2018 for €135 million, never found form with the Spaniards, won the Champions League with Bayern and most recently terminated his contract with Vasco da Gama.

The striker, most recently active for Cremonese, let his contract run out and is now dealing with German Bundesliga TV rights for six matches on his YouTube channel.

Austria women face top opponents in Champions League group stage

The 27‑year‑old player pushed for a move abroad, has stayed fit with beer benches at WSG Tirol since the end of his contract, and was most recently linked with Rapid.