Ex-Sunderland defender takes to LinkedIn as he opens up on 'tough' challenge of free agents finding new clubs

Experienced Lynch, 32, has even taken to social media in a bid to push his name far and wide and find a new club.

The centre-back left Sunderland in the summer after a year on Wearside, with Phil Parkinson instead opting to freshen up his defensive options at the Stadium of Light.

Clubs – already facing huge financial uncertainty and budget pressures given the ongoing coronavirus crisis – are also having to contend with the new salary cap rules, which is making it harder for free agent footballers to find a new club.

Lynch, who posted his availability on LinkedIn in a bid to find a new club, explained: “It’s so tough. Normally, offers have been coming in while I’m still under contract.

"This year, clubs aren’t making firm offers to anyone, they’re asking you to come in and train so they can assess you against their budget, sell players and get them out before they bring people in. It’s so much stricter.

“In my position, I know clubs have their transfer targets and budgets, but they’re likely looking for younger players on smaller contracts, rather than an experienced player like myself with Championship and international experience.

"League One and Two are just really tough because even if someone was asking for £1,000-a-week, they just won’t do that,” he told Planet Football.

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