Here are the four free agents who could sign before the deadline day ends in England on Thursday.
Premier League and Championship clubs have to hurry up if any deal closes before the transfer window deadline day.
The outsourcing rumours claim about the clubs still pursuing their targets, but the selling club’s refusal to budge at any cost. This will force the buying club’s hand to move for another target which they do without any risk with free agents. There’s an obvious problem with wages, but the transfer budget could be saved for the next window to sign a perfect man.
Not necessarily are the free agents not being perfect, as Juventus, who are the king of Bosman transfers, have won seven straight Serie A titles. Andrea Pirlo is a prime example of players lingering with quality in the transfer market for no money.
We shall look at the four best free agents, who could sign before the deadline day ends.
#4 ANDY CARROLL:
Andy Carroll’s career never picked up off since leaving Newcastle United in 2011. The English International was seen as a misfit by Brendan Rodgers and did a world of good under at London under the management of Sam Allardyce and Slaven Bilic. The 30-year-old had yet another poor campaign, making just 12 appearances and finding the back of the net only once.
There have been never-ending rumours about the striker pairing up with his former manager Steve Bruce at Newcastle United, but it remains to be seen after the Toons landing Joelinton from Hoffenheim for 40 million. There’s no dubiety about the second option on the bench, with Solomon Rondon getting reunited with Rafa Benitez in the Chinese Premier League.
However, his ankle has done no good to his career after injuring it consistent over the last few seasons. Clubs will be cautious about that part, but he would provide an excellent ‘B’ option to stack up long balls and cause havoc to the opponents.
#3 DANIEL STURRIDGE:
Daniel Sturridge’s injury-plagued spell at Liverpool drew curtains following the Champions League victory in May final week. The English International kicked off his Reds career in a spectacular fashion by finding the back of the net within 10 minutes of his Liverpool career.
He went on to add further 66 goals in six-years under the management of Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp. The 29-year-old was Liverpool’s second-highest top scorer behind Luis Suarez in the title race they finished second in 2014. The striker also scored in the Europa League final against Sevilla in Basel three years ago, but that went in vain as they lost the game.
The former Chelsea striker has been effective when he has found game time. Many sides need clinical strikers and a deal for Daniel Sturridge should be no brainer. He is lethal in front of the goal and manages the burden in the frontline.
#2 FRANCK RIBERY:
Bayern Munich confirmed the departure of Franck Ribery before the season ended. The French served the club for twelve years and riled up team and individual trophies. He lifted the Bundesliga nine times, Champions League once, club world cup once and several other domestic competitions.
Bild reported about Jurgen Klopp’s admiration for Franck Ribery, but the German backed out of the short-term deal because of the available options at disposal. With Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi in the ranks already, the former Borussia Dortmund did not want to pursue a deal.
The 36-year-old is looking for a new challenge, but a move to the Premier League looks unlikely at this point of time. However, it seems the Frenchman, who made 38 appearances last season in all competitions, could be snapped up fairly soon by Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr likely to be his next stop in his career.
#1 MARIO BALOTELLI:
The 28-year-old controversial Italian striker was linked with a move back to England, but a move to West Ham faltered after the Hammers opted for Sebastian Haller instead. Albeit Mario Balotelli faring decently for Marseille in the Ligue 1, the French club were not able to match his wage demands.
Balotelli, who is currently a free agent, is tipped to join Brazilian club Flamengo. Although it remains to be seen if the Italian would opt to swap Brazil for France, he has an offer on the table currently. The striker has top-flight appearances with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Liverpool, Manchester City, Nice, and most recently Marseille. Despite possessing extraordinary talent, his off-field antics have infuriated the managers to date.
The former AC Milan striker has gone on from one of the most feared strikers in Europe to an ineffectual player over the last decade. He is not available for nothing.
