FORMER Premier League stars have cropped up among the 39 unemployed players in the PFA’s pre-season camp.
The gathering gives out-of-contract footballers the chance to stay fit in an elite environment.
Will Keane spent the second half of last season on loan at Reading Credit: Getty
Jonny Williams once played for Wales and Crystal Palace Credit: Alamy
It also gives them a better chance of finding a new club, with scouts able to assess dozens of free transfer options in one place.
The PFA are currently in week one of camp – and their list features some familiar names.
, 33, made three appearances for , including two in the Prem.
The former international spent part of last season on loan at Reading, where he scored twice in 14 appearances.
Midfielder Jonny Williams is also in the group – a veteran of 33 caps and 12 top-flight appearances for .
Williams, 32, also banked experience with Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, MK Dons, Sunderland, Charlton and Cardiff.
But he has just been released following three seasons with fourth-tier Gillingham.
Other big names include former and star Jordan Jones, goal machine John Marquis and ex-Wales international Ryan Hedges.
39 free agents join us for week one of PFA pre-season 🤝 pic.twitter.com/jpSbhQFKd6
— PFA (@PFA) June 29, 2026
Some fans found it hard to believe that players of that calibre are still without clubs.
One wrote on X: “How are they free agents?”
Another added: “Lots of talented players biding their time here.”
And a third chimed in with: “Some very talented players of all ages.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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