When free stuffcome in the form of well-endowed Premier League players, there are very few things that are sweeter. Who doesnt like freebies? Its like asking who doesnt want to feel good. These deals represent a shrewd piece of business which can make a huge difference come the end of the season for the respective teams, whether it be for pushing for the championship or escape from the dropzone.Here are 5 of the best free agent signings so far in the Premier League this summer:
#5 Rio Ferdinand - Queen Park Rangers
Harry Redknapp needs all the experience he can get in QPRs’ first season back in the Premier League and that’s exactly what Rio Ferdianand gives them.
At the age of 35, Ferdinand’s best days are way behind him. However, he brings to Loftus Road something which only a few can offer – the experience of playing 18 seasons in the Premier League and the pedigree of a winner.
They say “iron sharpens iron”. Not only will Ferdinand provide a calm head and leadership at the back for Harry Redknapp, he will be an encyclopedia for yougsters to read into every day at the training ground.
Steven Caulker couldn’t have asked for a much better opportunity to learn. And Redknapp couldn’t have got a better deal.
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#4 Bafetimbi Gomis - Swansea City
It’s one year later than we expected, but Bafetimbi Gomis has finally made it to the Premier League.
The Frenchman was ever so close to joining Newcastle United last season but disagreements regarding wages and signing on fees last year and even this summer means Gomis now finds himself plying his trade in South Wales.
Gomis adds even more muscle to a forward line already headed by Wilifried Bony. With the French international on board, Gary Monk can certainly boast of great depth in his ranks at the forward position. The former Saint Etienne and Lyon hitman certainly knows where the back of the net is and is a proven international.
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#3 Gareth Barry - Everton
While everybody was talking about the £28million Everton splashed on Romelu Lukaku, few noticed the arrival of Gareth Barry at Goodison Park earlier this summer on a free from Manchester City.
The ex-England international was the general in the middle of the park for Everton last season. He was the man to whom Roberto Martinez looked at to bring his plans on the drawing board to realization.
While everyone marveled at the flair of Lukaku, Mirallas and Barkley last season, Barry laid down the bedrock on which Everton’s success was built. If Everton are to recreate their strong performances yet again, Barry will have to be the man playing with a chip on his shoulder to keep the side ticking.
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#2 Jack Colback - Newcastle United
Young and filled with potential? Checked. Coming back to his boyhood club? Checked. Nicked off the fiercest rival on a free? Checked.
Jack Colback in a nutshell represents the wonderful summer of recruitment that has taken place at St. James’ Park. The Magpies have already captured seven with a further two in the pipelines. But few will be as important as the signing of Colback, who walked away from Sunderland to come to the club he supported as a boy after his contract expired at the Stadium of Light.
He is probably one of the most underrated players in the Premier League at the moment. He is certainly no Yohan Cabaye, but he gives Newcastle a certain upgrade in central midfield. A gritty midfielder, Coback is also blessed with a brilliant first touch and rarely gives the ball away.
Gus Poyet, however, will need no reminder. Colback’s stellar performances for the Black Cats helped them come back from the jaws of relegation last season. Unfortunately for them, they weren’t able to keep hold of their treasure. The red-haired lad from Killingworth now looks set to don the black and white of Newcastle. He is widely expected to beat out Vurnon Anita and Moussa Sissoko to become the main accomplice of Cheick Tiote at the centre of the field for Newcastle.
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#1 Bacary Sagna - Manchester City
Manchester City already arguably had one of the best right-backs in the business in Pablo Zabaleta. Now, they have doubled up on that spot with sigining of Bacary Sagna. The Frenchman comes to the Etihad in search of silverware (the main ones) after spending seven seasons in North London with Arsenal.
During his spell with Arsenal, he went from the “next big thing” to “the big thing” when it comes to right-backs in the game. Sagna gives Pellegrini an even bigger headache, but of the sorts managers tend to love.
So, what does he add to Manchester City? He is probably the most dependent when it comes to one-on-one situations. The Frenchman came out on top 62% of the time (best in the EPL) on these occasions compared to only a 46% success rate of Zabaleta. Sagna also triumphs Zabaleta when it comes to intercepting plays and in terms of consistency.
While Sagna may not be as maverick with his movements forward as Zabaleta, he provides a greater assurance at the back. With Champions League glory still eluding the Eastlands club, Pellegrini might look to Sagna to provide the defence with more steel when it comes to dealing with the big boys.
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