The free agents come out to play when the summer transfer window closes. As long as they’ve been released by their clubs before the deadline day then they can be signed at any point in the season. It’ll be a wise move for any manager to look at the free agents, because judging the players on my list, there are a few bargains to be had here.
Whether you go for someone for the experience or the fact that they impressed at previous clubs, no matter what you do, there’s a player for every side lurking about somewhere. Even if it’s just for depth, these players could prove to be useful additions.
1. Craig Gordon
Remember him? He’s been without a club since the summer… Last year. Injuries, form and Simon Mignolet were a few of the reasons that led to his demise. Since those days at Sunderland, no one is yet to take a gamble. He would be a decent back up ‘keeper for any team in need of one.
2. Vincenzo Iaquinta
Perhaps a player that people may be surprised to see on this list based on his past but yet since the start of this summer he has been just that. A grim history of injuries may put off some clubs especially with his age as well but you can’t deny that getting a player that has 40 caps for Italy, scored 8 goals in the Champions League, 90 goals in the Serie A, spent time at Juventus and won the World Cup. He is 33 years old and could help many clubs in England and Europe, in my opinion.
3. Yossi Benayoun
Another player that has been available since the start of the summer and despite his experience in the last couple of seasons at the top of the Barclays Premier League, no one is yet to take a punt on him. As Arsenal saw recently, he’s committed, passionate, energetic and still quite talented and could be worth clubs looking more into his situation.
4. Antonio Adan
The former Real Madrid ‘keeper is another surprise addition on the list, especially as he was keeping Iker Casillas out the team at one stage last season. I’m still surprised that not even a lesser La Liga club have tried to sign him. Anyway, he’s available and could be a good addition to any Premier League clubs.
5. Christian Lobato
The youngest player on this list and was just released this summer by Barcelona ‘B’ so this player has the pedigree which again is why I’m so surprised no one has made an effort to try and sign him. The left midfielder would again be a great addition to any side in Europe and I’m sure he’ll be on the move in January, if not sooner.
6. Mohamadou Diarra
With 65 caps for his national team, Diarra has a wealth of experience and that can get you a long way in this free agent business. However, the player is currently injured and has been since December last year and that’s why Fulhm couldn’t keep him on at the club. He has a surprisingly distinguished past in terms of clubs with Monaco, Real Madrid, Lyon and Vitesse Arnhem are all on his CV.
7. Glenn Loovens
The centre-back has a good history behind him with a number of different clubs around Europe. Real Zaragoza, Cardiff City, Celtic and Feyenoord are on his list. The 30-year-old centre-back is experienced, as is with most of the players on this list, but the point stands with him as well, experience is key in this business.