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About ten days ago, Premier League clubs released an official list of 123 players from their 2010/11 squads who have been laid off. Thus, there is absolutely no shortage of free agents on the market this summer who are looking for new clubs.
Here is a list of the top 18 (11+7) freebies worth snapping up.
GK: Marcus Hahnemann, 39.
He may be touching 40, but that has never really been a problem for Goalkeepers. He has bags of experience and would be a real asset to any mid-table team.
RB: Nigel Reo-Coker, 27.
I know what you’re thinking, what is a robust midfielder doing at right-back? With his versatility and combative tackling, Reo-Cocker is a squad player any manager would love to have.
CB: Jonathan Woodgate, 31.
Woodgate has always been injury-prone. But on a good day, the ex-Real Madrid player is one the most all-round defenders you’re ever going to find in England. Wouldn’t be a gamble on a pay-as-you-play deal, surely?
CB: Matthew Upson, 32.
There is a rush for English players in the market, but Upson is the wrong side of 30. Solid at the back and a brilliant reader of the game, some would say he’d be a perfect fit for Arsenal, i.e. if a return is on the cards.
LB: John Paintsil, 30.
The Ghanaian can only wonder what he must have done wrong with his consistent performances at Fulham. Usually a Right-Back, but equally adept at Left-Back and Centre-Midfield, his versatility should attract suitors.
RM: Sebastian Larsson, 26.
The Swede is obviously too good to be plying his trade in the Championship. As of 22nd June, his move to Sunderland has been confirmed and will officially sign 1st of June for them when his contract with the relegated Birmingham expires on the 30th.
CM: Patrick Vieira, 34.
He’s been there, and done that, both in the Premier League and the Serie A. With his experience, he will bring that added sense of composure to the middle of the park. Linked with a player-coach role, shockingly back to Manchester City or probably un-shockingly, Arsenal.
CM: Zoltan Gera, 32.
Gera has proved himself to be a quality premier league attacking midfielder. At 32, he may struggle to get a start, but would be a brilliant addition to bring on during a game that lacks that creative spark.
LM: Lee Bowyer, 34.
Bowyer clearly has history that goes against him and holds the record for most yellow cards received in the Premier League. But as he showed us at Birmingham last season, he still is a consistent performer willing to do what the manager orders.
ST: John Carew, 31.
The big-man for Norway was rather unlucky at Stoke, but formed a decent partnership with Gabby Agbonlahor, under Martin O’Neil. Still only 31, he could do a still serve a Premier League club well next term.
ST: Diomansy Kamara, 30.
Fulham’s super-sub was surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage. But the Senegalese international knows very well where the back of the net is and do a fine job for mid-table team.
Substitutes Bench: Jason Brown, Jonathan Spector, Owen Hargreaves, Jason Koumas, Bolo Zenden, Eidur Gudjohnsen and James McFadden.
