Ten Spanish Players Most Managers Would Be Fools Not To Sign This Summer

The announcement this week that Getafe’s Dani Parejo is set to move back to Real Madrid in the summer got me thinking; are there many good Spanish players out there who are available for transfer? Any good Spaniard seems to be snapped up quickly by a big club and either become a big player for them or be kept hold of just to ensure nobody else has them. Real have already secured Parejo and Sergio Canales for next season, who else is available? I’ve come up with a list of ten Spanish players who should be available for transfer this summer and, for the sake of being different, have even chosen to leave out David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata of Valencia as everyone’s aware of them anyway. So, without further ado:

Sergio Asenjo (Atletico Madrid)

Prior to his move to Atletico Asenjo was considered one of, if not the, best young Spanish goalkeepers around and expected to be the long term successor of Spain veteran Iker Casillas. Things haven’t worked out in the capital for Asenjo though and he can’t get a game these days. Atletico would be happy to get shot of their flappy ‘keeper and there’ll be plenty of interest with even Barcelona previously linked to the former Valladolid man. He may not be ready for a top team yet but a sideways move to a club of similar stature to Atletico would give him another chance to prove himself.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna)

To put it frankly; Azpilicueta is too good to be stuck playing for Osasuna. The young full back has proven himself very talented at both attacking and defending and has long been linked with a move away from Osasuna but as yet without success. He could easily make it at a top club already, possibly as Barca’s long term successor for the ageing Daniel Alves. A move to a big team abroad could also benefit the youngster.

Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)

Like Azpilicueta, Martinez has been in the media spotlight for a while now despite his young age and he looks a mature footballer who would be capable of playing for a bigger club. A strong midfielder who likes to push forward who also has a good range of passing to his game, Martinez would suit a passing team like Arsenal or Barcelona, though it’s doubtful he’d get into the latter’s team presently.

Esteban Granero (Real Madrid)

Okay so there’s no guarantee that Real would be willing to sell “The Pirate” but with Canales and Parejo coming in with big name signings also likely someone will have to make way and I doubt it’ll be Kaka. Should Granero’s place in the side no longer be assured then I think he should be a target for any big club. The man oozes class and his versatility and vision could be very useful for any big club, definitely worth a punt.

Miguel De Las Cuevas (Sporting Gijon)

According to a lot of the media in Spain it’s Sporting Gijon who have been the revelations of this season, not Mallorca. Whilst Sporting’s lower mid-table finish is far from impressive they have looked good at times and their key man is undoubtedly former Atletico youngster Miguel De Las Cuevas, an attacking midfielder with drive and a cracking shot. A move back to Atletico could be on the cards but he’d also suit a team trying to move up in the world like Tottenham or Villarreal.

Pedro Leon (Getafe)

Another attack-minded midfielder, Leon is different from most of the midfielders mentioned so far as he operates on the right wing. Capable of delivering a range of good balls and also possessing a good shot Leon is a clever player with good footwork and could do well for a bigger club than Getafe. Would suit a club like Liverpool or Tottenham or even Valencia should they be able to afford him when they sell their assets.

Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)

Need a battering ram forward? Llorente’s your man. Few do holding the ball up better than Llorente and his aerial flick-ons make a long ball game very possible. Would very much suit Stoke though he’d never leave his beloved Athletic for a smaller team so it’d take a team like Valencia, Tottenham or Liverpool to tempt him away from San Mames. Llorente does bring goals and a strong determination and is definitely capable of a step up.

Roberto Soldado (Getafe)

Once thought of as a very talented youngster Soldado finally seems to be finding his feet, and the net on a more regular basis than he’d previously managed. Soldado’s new found goalscoring talent is the final thing needed to a player who already played well all around but lacked the final touch. Soldado now looks a goalscorer and could do well for any team fighting for a Champion’s League spot.

Nino (Tenerife)

One for a slightly smaller team out there; one positive to come out of Tenerife’s season in the top flight is Nino, a determined fighter of a striker who doesn’t stop trying to help his team. As Tenerife looked like they were going down it’s been Nino who’s saved them numerous times, even getting a crucial hat-trick along the way. Capable of scoring in all manner of ways, if Tenerife go down Nino would be a fine signing for any side expected to finish in the bottom half or maybe even an outsider for European qualification.

Raul (Real Madrid)

And lastly, one whose summer move will interest many. The Real Madrid legend has as good as admitted that he’s moving on this summer and there should be no shortage of admirers for a man who has breathed success throughout his career. Raul may have struggled to get a first team spot at Real this season but that’s only due to the fierce competition, he was a regular just last season and still looked like a goalscorer. A big European team could try their luck with Raul and might get a couple of good seasons out of him yet.

And there you have it, ten Spaniards who should be on the move and are definitely worth signing. Goalscorers, creative providers and flying stoppers, they’re all there and managers would be fools not to consider them as their new signings. Anyone who you don’t think deserves to be there or should be there instead? Let us know.