Continuing on from my posts last week, I’m really in the mood to look at more players that will be out of contract next season. The reason behind this is that I just find it fascinating that clubs haven’t offered certain players contracts when you thought they would have done by now. A few surprises are included, as always, and bargains are to be had next summer that’s for sure. In this piece I will look at La Liga players who are out of contract next summer.
1. Xabi Alonso
The biggest and best name on this list, in my opinion, goes to the Spaniard who has been rock solid for Real Madrid since his arrival. Alonso can dictate play in the midfield with ease and can spray the ball to any player on the pitch, short or long. The signing of Asier Illaramendi is perhaps one of the biggest factors that could lead to the departure of this legend in two cities. If someone can pick him up on a freebie then they have done incredibly well for themselves and should thank the footballing gods for such a gift.
2. Victor Valdes
He rivals his Spanish counterpart in terms of ability in his specialist area and popularity as a whole. He has been the basis of a very strong Barcelona side, that ruled the world at times, for a long time and has every trophy under the sun because of it. However, with the keeper in the final year of his contract and Barca apparently looking for a new goalkeeper, he to could be on the market. Ready for someone to accept the gift of Valdes.
3. Martin Montoya
The Barcelona right-back hasn’t really featured that much this season which is perhaps a sign that Barca were going to get rid of him regardless. However, the player is still just 22 years old and has plenty of years to learn and develop his game.
4. Eliseu
The Malaga winger is a pacey customer that can cause teams a lot of problems as he can just run at them and make them think twice. He’ll be a very good addition to any side that need a consistently good and quality winger.
5. Antonio Amaya
The Real Betis centre back has endured a disastrous campaign with the Betico’s so far but not in terms of personal performances because that’s actually been very good. However, that hasn’t stopped the Spanish side dropping into the relegation zone.
6. Marc Bartra
Another Barcelona defender out of contract at the end of the season, whic is probably why they’re in such desperate need for a new defender, particularly a new centre-back. The 22-year-old has featured in a grand total of nine games for Barca which isn’t a bad return.
7. Raul Garcia
The Atletico Madrid midfielder is a regular feature of Madrid’s game but has only completed the full 90 minutes on two occasions in 14 appearances, which suggests an awful lot about the nature of the role that Garcia has at the club. The fact that he’s played left midfield, right midfield and attacking midfield this season should be a bigger hint on how they use him. He’s an important player to any team which is strange that Madrid may let him go so cheaply.
8. Fabrice-Olinga
The 17-year-old Malaga star is the youngest potential free agents on any list I’ll do in this mini series. His age and his potential is what’s stumping me with his inclusion because he has the talent and the potential so why don’t Malaga offer him something? However, I’m sure Malaga won’t let the Cameroonian leave without some resistance.