EPL 2016/17: Upcoming free agent XI
When the winter and summer transfer windows open, it’s a time of excitement for football fans. There’s the constant speculation, rumours and names bandied about that generates massive coverage.
There are discussions on what players are needed to strengthen certain weak spots in the team and what players are ‘deadwood’ and need to be sold. And of course, when the signing does eventually take place, the frenzy and the excitement is at a maximum.
Free-agents or ‘bosman transfers’ are a part and parcel of football these days, with experienced internationals, league winners and decorated players often playing major roles in smaller clubs or players running out their contract to move to a bigger club.
Here, we take a look at some players who will be available on a free after the 2016-17 season and who will undoubtedly add quality to the squad.
Goalkeeper
Adrian
Age: 29
Team: West Ham United
Signed by Sam Allardyce from Betis back in July, 2013, he initially served as backup to Finnish goalkeeper, Jussi Jääskeläinen.
However, he didn’t take very long to establish himself as the number 1, putting in some wonderful performances and walking away with multiple club awards at the end of the season, including ‘Save of the Season’, ‘Signing of the Season’ and ‘Best Individual Performance’.
At the start of this season, he got his first international call-up the Spain squad. With his contract set to expire in June next year, plenty of clubs could do with a shot-stopper of his quality between the sticks.
Alternative: Alex Manninger (Liverpool)