Freebie Five: The Premier League’s most important free transfers of the summer

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James Milner is not the only player in the Premier League to have moved on a free transfer this summer. Richard Jolly looks at five other players to have joined new clubs and what impact they could have.

Glen Johnson, Stoke City

It was a curiously low-profile move. Johnson was England’s first-choice right-back in two World Cups, the most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history and had spent 10 of the past 12 years on the books at either Anfield or Stamford Bridge. Yet his move to Stoke City came with comparatively little fanfare. Johnson was a bit-part player at Liverpool last season, but there are few more gifted attacking full-backs in the country. Stoke City have a track record of snapping up talented players who were underused elsewhere.

Sylvain Distin, Bournemouth

He is the unheralded record holder. No foreign outfield player has made more Premier League appearances than Distin. The Frenchman, who will be 38 in December, has gone on for longer than most because he is formidably fit. Released by Everton, where his six-year spell ended in anti-climax, the former Newcastle United, Manchester City and Portsmouth centre-back was snapped up by Bournemouth. His experience could be vital in a team where few have much of a track record in the top flight.

Micah Richards, Aston Villa

The youngest defender to represent England, Richards is still only 27 but his career is at a crossroads after three seasons when he has been injured, unused and loaned out. Now Manchester City’s longest-serving player has become one of Aston Villa’s newest; one whose recent football has often been at right-back is being installed in the centre of the defence. Richards will be charged with replacing Dutch stalwart Ron Vlaar, who became a free agent in the summer. It is a sign of his importance in manager Tim Sherwood’s plans.

Tom Cleverley, Everton

Cleverley turns 26 in the opening week of the season. He is no longer a youngster but he still feels a player trying to find his place in the game. His season-long loan at Aston Villa ended up as a qualified success as he belatedly scored goals, helped them stay up and reach the FA Cup final. He spurned a permanent deal there for a reunion with Roberto Martinez at Everton. As in his loan spell at Wigan Athletic, he has appeared on the left in pre-season rather than the central role he occupied for Manchester United and Villa.

Christian Fuchs, Leicester City

Leicester had certain problems at left-back last season as it became ever more apparent that Paul Konchesky was struggling. The more attack-minded Jeffrey Schlupp displaced him and impressed in their spring revival, but his defensive credentials can be questioned. Fuchs represents a more solid option. The 29-year-old Austrian, who has won 66 caps for his country, was available after leaving Schalke following a four-year spell there. He has the experience of making more than 200 appearances in the Bundesliga.