In the current days of heady transfer fees, England’s top teams have already shipped out over £50 million and the window isn’t even open yet. Hazard, Marin, Podolski and Kagawa have all agreed deals to move to Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United in big money moves. With football clubs beginning to feel the pinch, TiF takes a look at the smart moves clubs could take this close-season, by pouncing on those players out of contract.
Chelsea’s Forgotten Heroes
Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa both started in Chelsea two finals this season, are played a big role in their success. They won’t be short of offers for a new club, having been released from their contracts following Chelsea’s Munich triumph. Bosingwa, a full back signed from Porto for over £15 million, has often been criticised for his defensive ability, but it cannot be denied that he offers a lot going forward and could be a good signing for a Premiership side. Forward Kalou has appeared as a substitute more times than anybody else in Chelsea’s history, but excelled as a starter under Di Matteo in the latter stages of the season. Again, clubs spending big money could do a lot worse than signing the Ivorian winger on a Bosman.
Hugo Rodellega
A consistent performer over the last few campaigns for Wigan, the Colombian found his opportunities limited towards the end of the season as a January move fell through. A decent forward who can also play on the wing, he’d be another good signing if clubs are consciously watching what they spend. It was rumoured that Arsenal and Tottenham were looking in the mid-season window, could they be in again?
Danny Guthrie
Newcastle has released the Merseyside born midfielder after nearly 100 appearances for the Toon. Having filled in at a number of positions this season when Newcastle suffered injuries, proving himself to be a versatile option. He can count himself unlucky not to have been offered an extended deal, but certainly won’t be short of Premiership options this season.
The Forgotten Man
Owen Hargreaves took a risk by signing for Manchester City this season, and it failed spectacularly. Despite starring in a few League Cup games, he never broke into the first team, and he needs regular football when fit to both maintain football and then get up to match fitness and sharpness. Could a side offer him this? One thing is for sure, a fit and match ready Owen Hargreaves is a fantastic player.
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Guthrie is from Shrewsbury lol