Bosman Transfer News: 5 Potential Striking Options
With the summer transfer window just around the corner, clubs are weighing up their options to sign quality players keeping one eye on the financial fair play. Considering the faltering global economy and the ever increasing wage bills, free transfers could be the real deal as the onus is more on the bargain buys rather than the multi-million pound acquisitions.
There are a number of high profile players, whose contracts are due to expire in the summer and would be willing to seek a new challenge.
Here’s a list of five front-men who could possibly attract interest from elite clubs across Europe :
1. Didier Drogba (Chelsea) : The Ivorian has been Chelsea’s most prolific goal scoring forward, ever-since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, seven seasons ago. However, negotiations of a new deal have stalled which has alerted a number of clubs across Europe and Asia. At 34, the robust hitman has still got a few years of top flight football in his arsenal and would welcome the prospect of new horizons. Anzhi Makhachkala and Shanghai Shenhua have already expressed an interest to sign Drogba with Real Madrid also keeping tabs on the forward.
2. Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United): Manchester United’s record signing was the premier league’s top scorer couple of seasons ago, but has struggled to hold down a regular place due to the emergence of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez. The Bulgarian was left frustrated on the bench for majority of the campaign and is set to leave Old Trafford in the summer. At just 30 years of age, there would be plenty of options for the former golden boot winner as he looks to claim his place back in the higher echelons of world football. PSG were rumoured to have been interested in the services of the lanky striker and for Berbatov, the lure of Champions League football could well be the clinching factor.
3. Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus): The iconic forward confirmed his departure from Juventus after 18 glorious years with the Italian powerhouse. Del Piero has left quite the legacy which is going to be difficult to match for any possible replacement or for any other player. At 37, he’s got pedigree and reputation on his side and should have no shortage of suitors come summer. There are reports of ‘Il Pinturicchio’ displaying his traits in Asia next season, though MLS seems to be his likely destination.
4. Hugo Rodallega (Wigan): As a player who can play out wide or centrally, the Colombian seemed to have everything going in his favour. However, Rodallega has endured a torrid 2011/12 campaign, including a lengthy injury spell, which ultimately cost him a place in the starting line-up and was later frozen out by manager Roberto Martinez. His performances have deteriorated over the years and it’ll be interesting to see if a top club makes a move for the 26 year old. Having said that, it would be foolish to write him off just yet.
5. Junior Hoilett (Blackburn): Without the 21 year old, Blackburn could have been cast adrift and he has proved time and again that he is ready to step up and play at the top level.The Canadian is a tremendous crosser of the ball and is not afraid to take on the defenders at times.Players of his calibre and stature are seldom available for free, and I won’t be surprised if there are more than half a dozen clubs vying for his signature.
