free transfer
No-cost player move
A free transfer is the movement of a player between sports teams without a transfer fee, typically because the player's contract has expired.
The signing club pays no compensation to the former club, though the player often receives a substantial signing bonus.
In other contexts, a free transfer may be a transit ticket allowing passengers to switch between routes or lines without additional payment.
Not joined or connected
- waiverFormal surrender of rights
- releaseTo let go
- expiryEnd of validity
- pre-contractBefore formal commitment
signing · acquisition · undrafted · eligible · midseason · journeyman · trialist · loan
At no expense
- waivedVoluntarily gave up
- exemptNot subject to
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- promotionalRelated to marketing efforts
Central pitch position
- strikerOne who hits targets
- goalkeeperNet-defending player
- defenderOne who guards another
- wingerSide-positioned team member
forward · veteran · prospect · international · rookie · reserve · journeyman · benchwarmer
unattached
Not joined or connected
pre-contract · signing · acquisition · undrafted · eligible · midseason · journeyman · trialist · loan · deadline
gratis
At no expense
midfielder
Central pitch position
- strikerOne who hits targets
- goalkeeperNet-defending player
- defenderOne who guards another
winger · forward · veteran · prospect · international · rookie · reserve · journeyman · benchwarmer · loanee
contract
Enforceable written agreement
signing bonus · wages · medical · option · clause · offer · bid · suitor · representation · agreement
- transfershandoff, hand off, handover, relay, baton pass
- transit transfersline change, interchange, connection, rail link, cross-platform