The transfer window can be both a brilliant and tough time for a footballer.
Those moving to a bigger club can look forward to playing at a higher standard. But those who have been deemed surplus to their club's requirements have their careers at stake.
Some players are eagerly snapped up by rival teams and lower league clubs, but others are left in limbo waiting for the right side to come along.
It's not so bad if the player is still under contract, but should he become a free agent then the situation can become tricky.
More than a career can be at stake, like any normal person, a player's livelihood can be seriously affected.
Below are 11 free agents who could still provide sides with a cheap alternative this summer:
GK - Anders Lindegaard
Age: 33
Last club: Preston North End
It seems crazy to think that once upon a time this man used to fill in for a nervous David De Gea. But unfortunately for the Dane, his teammate turned into one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Dismal spells at West Brom and Preston have left the keeper clubless.
But at 33 - a relatively young age for a goalkeeper - Lindegaard still has plenty to offer.
DEF - Bacary Sagna
Age: 34
Last club: Manchester City
Spells at Arsenal and City - as well as 65 France caps - have led to Sagna being one of the most experienced players on this list.
He may not have the pace he once possessed, but the right-back could provide most Premier League clubs with a steady back up option.
Sebastien Bassong
Age: 31
Last club: Norwich
The Frenchman has proven himself a worthy centre-back over the years. Spurs, Newcastle and Norwich are the highlights of this man's CV.
31 is not the age for a player like Bassong to retire. His strength and experience alone should land him with Championship side, at least.
Kolo Toure
Age: 36
Last club: Celtic
Kolo Toure played a small hand in Celtic's Scottish Premier League success last season, but a hand nonetheless.
After clinching the treble, the Ivorian is now without a club. At 36 it may be time for the defender to hang up his boots, but he could be swayed to stay in the game for one more season.
Benoit Tremoulinas
Age: 31
Last club: Sevilla
A competent left-back who penned an open letter to Sevilla's fans when leaving on a free at the end of last season.
Tremoulinas made 37 appearances in all competitions for La Liga giants last season and is still very much near the top of his game.
MID - Joe Ledley
Age: 30
Last club: Crystal Palace
Despite not playing club football since February, Ledley was still selected by Chris Coleman for Wales's World Cup qualifier against Serbia in June - and the midfielder played a starring role.
Ledley confessed clubs have been in contact regarding his services, but the Welshman said he wanted to have an enjoyable summer first.
Jan Kirchhoff
Age: 26
Last club: Sunderland
A player who broke through with bags of potential. Bayern Munich secured the services of Kirchoff in 2013 but the German failed to make an impression.
It appeared as though Kirchoff had finally found his feet when he moved into the defensive midfielder position at Sunderland. He won a PFA Fans' Player of the Month award and survived relegation with the club.
But for one reason or another the midfielder failed to follow it up in his second season. At just 26 there could be something worth resurrecting.
Youssouf Mulumbu
Age: 30
Last club: Norwich
For years, Mulumbu was considered as a stalwart in the heart of West Brom's midfield. The DR Congo international then moved to Norwich in 2015 where he suffered relegation.
Only seven starts in the Championship last season led to the midfielder being released by Daniel Farke's side.
He may not be able to play at the level he once did, but Mulumbu would be a fine acquisition for any League 1 side.
Zoran Tosic
Age: 30
Last club: CSKA Moscow
When Tosic signed for Manchester United in 2008 he looked like a very exciting player. But the Serbian failed to make the desired impact.
The winger did flourish in Russia, however. Seven successful seasons at CSKA Moscow saw the 30-year-old win three league titles and two cups.
As a free agent, Tosic would have plenty to offer most top clubs in Europe.
FWD - Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Age: 35
Last club: Manchester United
With his imminent return to Manchester United yet to be announced, Ibrahimovic still remains very much a free agent.
The big Swede netted 28 times for the Red Devils last season, leading them to Europa League and League Cup glory.
A serious injury ended his Old Trafford career early, but a return to Jose Mourinho's side looks likely.
Giuseppe Rossi
Age: 30
Last club: Celta Vigo
The fourth ex-Manchester United player to make this list. Much of Rossi's career has been blighted by injury, but three great seasons at Villarreal and one at Fiorentina will always remain.
Things could have been so different for the American born Italian.
Nevertheless, there's still time for Rossi to have a late surge at the age of 30, should he remain fit.