A solid free transfer in any game of Football Manager can be a brilliant, cost-effective way to boost your squad options, particularly if your hands are tied when it comes to finances.
Naturally, it depends on which club you are managing and what the needs of your squad are, but in each edition of the game there are a handful of decent free agents floating about that can be snapped up.
Seasoned international players with experience in the top leagues and continental competition can be found, though it's true that many tend to be at the tail end of their careers - but experience can be a good thing.