Despite falling behind the Premier League in terms of the amount of money it generates, La Liga is still one of the most watched sporting leagues in the world – thanks to the triumvirate of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
But in football, as is the case with most jobs these days, people – and players – are drawn by the chance to make more money than their peers. And the Premier League – apart from the ridiculously rich Chinese leagues – is the destination most footballers choose. They can make more money, and have the chance to play in Europe should they join a top seven side.
So, here’s looking at five La Liga talents – not necessarily of any age group – who could join the Premier League in the upcoming summer transfer window:
#1 Sergi Samper
Barcelona have loaned out 22-year-old Sergi Samper to Granada CF for the entirety of the current season and he’s been a regular starter for Lucas Alcaraz. But with Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets all ahead in the pecking order, it’s likely the youngster will look for a move away in search of regular first-team football.
Arsenal were really interested in signing him last summer but he chose to stay back and fight for a place. In hindsight, given he’s on a team fighting relegation, he would enjoy the chance of playing in a side in the top four of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Samper, though, has an admirer in former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola who is desperately looking for defensive central midfielders to come in and right his ship. The Citizens have looked shaky in the middle of the park and could use the 22-year-old’s creativity and positioning.
Possible destination: Manchester City
#2 Jose Luis Gaya
Spanish left-back Jose Luis Gaya is still the talk of the town despite not making it into the rumours in recent months. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both interested in signing the 21-year-old but will have to fight off quite a few Premier League clubs who can offer both more money and more game time.
Right at the top of the list is UEFA Champions League regulars Arsenal. The Gunners have Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs on their books right now but both of them have failed to help the team when needed the most. And should they continue in similar vein, they’ll both be allowed to leave the club in the summer.
Currently out with an Achilles tendon injury, the Spaniard is expected to be back by the end of March and could continue his fine run of form as one of the most impressive performers in a Valencia side that has looked lacklustre this season. Arsenal could use his pace and attacking mindset to balance it out with Hector Bellerin doing a terrific job on the right.
Possible destination: Arsenal
#3 Angel Correa
Having finally recovered from his heart condition and now back at 100%, Angel Correa is showing the world just why he was touted as Lionel Messi’s successor for the Argentina national team. Having been born in the same city as the Barcelona man, Correa chose Madrid over the Catalan club and is now making a name for himself under Diego Simeone.
Still only 21, Correa is quick, agile on his feet and loves scoring goals. He’s versatile enough to play on either the right wing or as a centre-forward or just behind the striker.
With his pace on the counter, his dribbling skills and vision, he would excel with a team like Chelsea or Tottenham. The London pair has impressed much this season with their systems and could use the Argentine to further strike fear into the heart of their rivals.
Possible destinations: Chelsea and Tottenham
#4 Steven N’Zonzi
From experiencing relegation from the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers to becoming one of the mainstays in a team challenging for the La Liga title, it has been quite a steep rise in stature for the young Frenchman. After establishing himself as one of the brightest midfield prospects with his play at Stoke, N’Zonzi headed out to Spain
Now at La Liga’s surprise package, Sevilla, N’Zonzi is finally showing everyone just what he’s capable of. Holding the fort for Jorge Sampaoli’s men this season, the Frenchman has been excellent contributing heavily in his side beating Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid and only sharing the points with FC Barcelona.
A target for a host of Premier League and European clubs this summer, N’Zonzi could make the switch especially if the rumours about Jorge Sampaoli are true. Liverpool are on the search for a tough-tackling, intuitive defensive midfielder and could very well target the Frenchman. He’s 28 and heading into the prime of his career now, it’ll all work out excellently for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Possible destination: Liverpool
#1 Antoine Griezmann
The hottest property on the transfer market at the moment is Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann. The 25-year-old can’t stop being on the front pages every time he puts in a good performance – or every time Manchester United put in a bad one.
And given the future of Diego Simeone is currently up in the air, the Frenchman has even more of an impetus to push for a move and the Premier League seems like the perfect destination for someone who loves attacking the ball like he does.
Griezmann will not come cheap and should clubs want to sign, will have to conjure up world-record bids for Atletico Madrid to listen. Given the new TV deal kicks in, the clubs in the Premier League will be able to spend the kind of money being touted for the Frenchman,
Possible destination: Manchester United
