It’s the stuff of nightmares – your star player gets injured in a friendly against Andorra and you’ve only got callow youth players as back up. After the scrapping of the emergency loan system, free agents will become even more vital this season.
Clubs looking to save some money, or plug a gap in an emergency, will be hoping to snap up an emerging talent or experienced player on a free transfer now the window has closed.
Let’s take a look at some of the better free agents your club could still sign today. Pay attention, David Moyes!
13 free agents your club could sign today
Nicklas Bendtner
(Age 28, Position: Centre Forward)
Nicklas Bendtner is at the stage of his career where he’s more popular on social media than he is at his clubs. He’s had experience in the Premier League, Serie A, and most recently the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg.
Hidden underneath the focus on social media and nonchalant actions there is talent, but he must prove his work ethic in order to get a chance at another top club. It’s likely whichever club he joins will receive a spike in shirt sales.
We really dont Care what people think. We hot and young, And full of Fun. #sexgames Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.— Nicklas Bendtner (@bendtnerb52) February 4, 2016
Stephane Sessegnon
(Age 32, Position: Winger/Attacking midfielder)
Stephane Sessegnon is a victim of Tony Pulis’ summer clear out at West Bromwich Albion. While his erstwhile teammmate Victor Anichebe recently got a move to Sunderland, Sessegnon is still looking for a new challenge.
The experienced midfielder has lost some of his pace in recent years and managed just two goals in 31 appearances last season. Coming to the end of his career, the Benin international finds himself without a club. In truth, though, he probably has a season or two left in him.
He is another one said to be on David Moyes’ list at Sunderland, but could instead choose a route back to French football after spells at Le Mans and PSG early in his career.
Jose Enrique
(Age 30, Position: Left Back)
Since making the move from Newcastle to Liverpool, Jose Enrique has been plagued by injuries. He was left without a club in May, having been released from Anfield even before the end of the season. At 30, it’s likely the left back could have several seasons left in his legs.
He’s likely to be seen as an attractive option to come off the bench and provide a calm head. And it’s easy to forget how genuinely good he was during his spell at Newcastle United. Perhaps the Spaniard is worth a punt for a struggling Premier League side? Klopp is on the market for a left-back is he not…?
Emmanuel Adebayor
(Age 32, Position: Centre Forward)
From Arsenal to Manchester City (who can forget that celebration) to Tottenham and a brief stint at Real Madrid, Emmanuel Adebayor was undoubtedly a world class centre forward several years ago. However, age may be taking its toll.
After toiling with no success at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace chose not to renew his contract. Despite his travails at Palace, the Togo striker is one of the better free transfer options out there. Due to his ability to change the game with one stroke of genius, he could be worth a gamble.
On his day, and in the right frame of mind, Adebayor can still net crucial goals.
SEA, wishing everyone a great weekend. You can catch me on SnapchatImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.: e.adebayor #GodFirst #LifesGood pic.twitter.com/Ugphfb4pN0
— Emmanuel Adebayor (@E_Adebayor) June 25, 2016
Mathieu Flamini
(Age 32, Position: Defensive midfielder)
Former French international Mathieu Flamini is one of football’s good guys and had a great reputation with Arsenal players, fans and coaching staff in his time at the club (over two spells).
Having been released by the north London club, Flamini is once again in the shop window, and his experience will make him be a good acquisition for most Premier League sides, with Crystal Palace rumoured to be interested. He has also been linked with a move to Serie A with either Roma or Torino.
Junior Hoilett
(Age 26, Position: Winger)
To be a free agent at 26 is usually due to a lack of talent or application. In the case of Junior Hoilett it’s definitely the latter, with only flashes of his talent evident whilst playing for QPR last season. He has several more years left to try and find his best football, and may even be worth a risk for a mid-low table Premier League side.
It’s likely he would find himself on the bench rather than a definite starter, but may have an opportunity if injuries were to strike. He still has time to live up the potential he showed when breaking through for Blackburn Rovers all those years ago.
ARCHIVE: Good Player Guide #20 – Junior Hoilett
Zakaria Labyad
(Age 23, Position: Attacking midfielder)
The skilful midfielder is still relatively unknown in England having only spent a short time on loan at Fulham. However, Zakaria Labyad is seen as a promising young talent, having spent time with both PSV and Sporting CP.
Having somewhat spurned these opportunities, he now finds himself a free agent at the tender age of 23. What’s next for the Moroccan international? Perhaps a chance to become a regular in a smaller side will help him to use his talent, rather than finding himself in a high-profile side with big stars.
Kieran Richardson
(Age 31, Position: Left back/left winger)
After a torrid season with Aston Villa, former England international Kieran Richardson was released and finds himself without a club. At 31 he could feasibly play at the top level for two or three more seasons.
His versatility is one of his strengths, and he will expect to find a club soon, but he may have to drop down from the Premier League to earn a contract. He has been linked with a number of clubs including Birmingham City, Bristol City and Leeds United.
Martin Caceres
(Age 29, Position: Centre Back)
Among all those players looking for a new club Martin Caceres is one of the best in today’s market. After spells at Juventus, Sevilla and Barcelona, it’s hard to believe the defender is a free agent, but a probable factor in this is that he is currently out injured with an Achilles tendon rupture.
He has also faced issues off the pitch after being fined for a car crash last September. In spite of these issues, the Uruguayan international would be a high quality addition to any of the top flights across Europe.
Raul Meireles
(Age 33, Position: Centre midfielder)
Like many on this list, the ex-Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. But it’s undeniable that the Portuguese international still possesses experience and quality.
He’s recently been playing in Turkey with Fenerbahce, and could strengthen a team at the bottom half of the Premier League or perhaps a side in Europe lacking strength in depth. Meireles would be a great acquisition if he can stay fit – something that could be said about quite a few of the players who find themselves without a club this summer.
Marouane Chamakh
(Age 32, Position: Centre forward)
Marouane Chamakh has enjoyed a successful career in Ligue 1 and the Premier League (although he’s been less successful in the latter). The forward is mostly recognised for his wacky hairstyles and spell at Arsenal from 2010-13.
He had a less successful period with Crystal Palace after leaving Arsenal where he struggled for a first team place. The Moroccan has been strongly linked with Norwich City as they look to strengthen a depleted forward line, and he may well find his level in the Championship.
Felipe Santana
(Age 30, Position: Centre Back)
Although his last club Kuban Krasnodor may not be among the game’s biggest sides, Felipe Santana has experience of playing in the top leagues in the world. Much of his experience is in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Schalke.
His move to Russia was in search of more regular football, something he hasn’t managed to obtain. The Brazilian defender may be worth a gamble for a German club where he has racked up plenty of appearances and experience.
Kevin Nolan
(Age 34, Position: Midfielder)
It seems Kevin Nolan will forever be on the free agent list after the transfer window has closed, and after a spell at Leyton Orient, he finds himself here once again. After his spell in League Two as a player-manager it’s likely another club in the division may pick him out to join their side in a similar role. For sheer experience alone, he deserves a place on this list.
Fancy taking any of these free agents at your club? Let us know in the comments below.
Words: Molly Hudson | Main image credit: Ben Sutherland
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