da doce： With this coming season’s Premier League teams receiving an average of £120m in a bumper new TV deal, it’s fair to assume a lot of clubs in England’s top flight have some freedom to splash the cash.
da 888casino： The curtain has only just fallen on the 2015/2016 season, and we’ve already hear whispers of multi-million pound deals for some of the world’s biggest stars.
But despite the increased financial clout of some of the Premier League’s lower spenders, the sport’s top talent are still going to be tempted by the big boys, so would it still pay to venture into the free transfer market, which full of players likely to slip under the radar now the cash rich giants can bid for pretty much any player they want?
Looking at some of the quality available, there are some astute acquisitions to be made.
I wanted to look at a team full of talent, and discuss if these players could be key members of a selection of Premier League sides, without the hugely inflated price tag…
GOALKEEPER – Steve Mandanda
The Marseille goalkeeper was a target for both Everton and Liverpool earlier on in the season, but with the Reds now having signed Mainz stopper Loris Karius, their interest is sure to have cooled. There were unconfirmed rumours Mandanda has signed a contract extension, but nothing is official yet.
Barring injury, he’s almost certain to be Hugo Lloris’ understudy at the EUROs, so we’re unlikely to see interest spike with him out of the shop window.
RIGHT-BACK – Gregory van der Wiel
The years are still on his side at the age of 28, and he could do an excellent job in the Premier League. A team that springs to mind is West Ham who looked desperately short of a right back with Michail Antonio shifted back in the absence of new signing Sam Byram.
CENTRE-HALF – Martin Caceres
Another player that Liverpool made a move for earlier in the season, but after the capture of Joel Matip from Schalke 04, it’s likely this won’t be pursued any further. The Uruguayan was not a regular fixture in Juventus’ title winning season, seemingly way below Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci in the pecking order, it’s very unlikely to sign a new deal.
CENTRE-HALF – Nicolas N’Koulou
The French defender was reportedly subject of approaches from Tottenham and Chelsea during the January transfer window, but clear both deals fell through.
It currently looks as if he may join his Marseille team-mate Steve Mandanda in a move away from the Mediterranean coast, but nothing has been confirmed yet and he would be a great addition for any Premier League defence.
LEFT-BACK – Daniel Agger
There’s not a big pool of left-sided defenders available on freebies, so Daniel Agger makes the grade. The classy Danish centre-back has been known to fill in in the position in the past, and is on the verge of being a free agent with his contract at Brondby set to expire.
Agger left Liverpool in the summer of 2014 to return to his homeland with many suggesting he’d left top level football too soon. Maybe there will be one last chance for the 31-year-old.
CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER – Michael Carrick
How on earth Michael Carrick isn’t on the ferry to France with the England side going to the European Championship this summer is beyond me. His distribution and link up play between the back four and midfield was key to Manchester United being anywhere near the top four last season, after all.
He would still get into most midfields in the country, and I’m really intrigued as to whether Jose Mourinho will hold onto him, or look to build a whole new team.
If I was Jose, I’d be building my midfield around Michael Carrick, as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin have been nowhere near him this season.
RIGHT-WING – Sofiane Feghouli
Those who play FIFA Ultimate Team will know that this is the man you sign if you can’t afford Lionel Messi or Gareth Bale. He’s got crippling pace and, to be honest, I’m pretty sure Valencia will tie up a new deal for him. There’s been nothing forthcoming yet though.
LEFT-WING – Gaston Ramirez
Similarly to the left back position, there aren’t many ‘freebie’ left wingers available. Gaston Ramirez has played pretty much everywhere in the midfield, and since his £12m transfer to Southampton in 2012, he’s struggled to hold down regular football. Dropping down to the Championship with Middlesbrough has showcased his talents and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him join Boro after their recent promotion.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELD – Mehmet Topal
Caner Erkin’s team-mate at Fenerbache, Topal, can play in central and defensive midfield as well as a centre half. He had reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Tottenham in April but that clearly didn’t materialise.
He’s nicknamed ‘The Spider’ in his native Turkey because of the way he uses his long legs to intercept the ball.
He’s made over 50 appearances for Turkey and will be a key figure for them at the European Championship.
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CENTRE ATTACKING MIDFIELD – Hatem Ben Arfa
You’ll get mixed reviews on his time in England from Newcastle and Hull fans, but a return to his native France with Nice appears to have reinvigorated him.
17 goals in 32 games have made him a pretty confident pick to start in the European Championships.
What was most frustrating about his time in England was his inability to pass the ball in key areas instead of shooting or trying to beat several defenders. He’s got bags of natural ability and may benefit more from a second stint in England.
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STRIKER – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan has probably got the pick of every professional football club in the world that can afford his wages. One minute it’s Manchester United, the next it’s Malmo.
His astronomical salary demands will only leave those with big salary budgets to battle for his signature, but he’ll have to work very hard in England though; just his reputation alone won’t leave him immune to criticism if his form fluctuates.
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