The best XI of players in European football still available on a free transfer

Football is all about money these days, right? Success is dependent purely on your ability to spend big in the transfer market and offer a six-figure weekly wage, right?

There is plenty of evidence to back this up as Premier League clubs have spent big again this summer. Liverpool have put over £163.9 million into their squad this season and even newly-promoted Fulham have spent in excess of £50m.

However, for those seeking a bargain, there are some big names still available on free transfers.

With that in mind, Squawka Football has put together the best XI of those still available for nothing.

Although, not every position has a standout candidate…

GK: Boaz Myhill

Previous club: Birmingham City (on loan)

The former Welsh international may not have played much while acting as an understudy for Ben Foster at the Baggies but he would still be a capable No.2

Part of the Hull City side that shot up the Football League which culminated with a Championship play-off final victory in 2008, Myhill has the rare distinction of playing for the same club in all four divisions of the Football League.

RB: Jeremy Pied

 

Previous club: Southampton

The Uruguayan centre-back has had a solid career with National where his leadership qualities saw him captain the side as well as win the Primera Division title twice with them. He was named as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and has been linked with several sides across three continents, including Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United.

CB: Diego Reyes

Previous club: Espanyol (on loan)

The Mexican international has played for some of Europe’s top clubs including Portuguese giants Porto who he joined from Mexican side Club America in 2013. He has been a key defender for the National team with 53 caps, though missed the 2018 World Cup with a hamstring injury. If he can get fit he will be an excellent signing for a number of clubs in Europe.

CB: Philipp Wollscheild

Previous club: Metz

The centre-back, who was once compared to Per Mertesacker, has struggled to find consistency in the last couple of seasons but his strength as an all-rounder would make him a decent squad player. At 6ft 4 he is excellent in the air but occasional lapses in concentration have let him down during his career.

LB: Guilherme Siqueira

Previous club: Valencia (on loan)

Guilherme Siqueira started his career in Italy with Udinese before having major success with Benfica – winning the domestic treble in 2013/14. He moved to Atletico Madrid in 2014 but struggled to make an impact having most recently completed a loan spell at Valencia.

CDM: Miguel Veloso

Previous club: Genoa

The Portuguese midfielder has arguably failed to live up to expectations in either of his spells at Genoa but he would offer many sides a very capable defensive midfield option. He was touted as a major prospect when at Sporting but was disappointing during his first stint in Liguria. At 32-years-old and with 56 international caps under his belt, Veloso would offer an experienced head at many teams and could even help bring on some younger players.

CM: Yaya Toure

Previous club: Manchester City

Yaya Toure may well be past his best but that still makes him better than most midfielders in the Premier League. The Ivorian has had a glowing career and believes he can still play in the English top flight for another two years. His wage demands may put sides off but without a transfer fee, he is definitely a player worth going for – plus his experience and leadership could be a key asset. It is not every day that a three-time Premier League champion and four-time African Player of the Year is available for nothing.

CM: Max Meyer

Previous club: Schalke

The jewel in the crown on this list, Meyer has been linked to some of Europe’s biggest clubs with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal reportedly showing an interest. The German international has spent his entire career at Schalke making 191 appearances and scoring 21 goals, although fell out with the club’s hierarchy which led to an early suspension before his contract ultimately expired.

AM: Hatem Ben Arfa

Previous club: PSG

The undoubted talent of Ben Arfa has been overshadowed by question marks over his attitude and work rate but, if you can motivate him, he will be a great addition. Capped 15 by France, Ben Arfa started out as an exciting player with Lyon before moving to their rivals Marseille. His move to Premier League Newcastle was hit and miss and injuries have been a problem at times but PSG signed him for a reason and at 31, he still has at least a couple of good years in him.

LW: Bernard

Previous club: Shakhtar Donetsk

The skilful winger is still only 25 and has left Shakhtar after a five-year spell during which he has contributed 28 goals in 157 appearances. He joined the Ukrainian side in 2013 from Atletico Mineiro and quickly became a key player. Capped 14 times at international level, the Brazilian will be much sought after – don’t expect him to be available for long.

CF: Pontus Wernbloom

Previous club: CSKA Moscow

The big Swedish midfielder has been a key player for CSKA since signing from AZ in 2012. Usually, a defensive midfielder that can protect the defence and utilise his height to defend set pieces, Wernbloom was employed more as a striker during the 2017/18 campaign. He chose to leave Russia for family reasons but would be an excellent signing after coming off his most prolific season since 2008, scoring eight goals in 37 appearances to help his side to a second place finish after he assumed the Fellaini role of going forward when CSKA needed a goal.

The post The best XI of players in European football still available on a free transfer appeared first on Squawka News.

From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2vpC7ri