5 free agents Premier League sides should look at

They could get a real bargain

Premier League clubs spent almost £1.4 billion on transfers this summer, smashing last year’s record spend. The transfer window is now shut until January but clubs can still bring in free agents if they have space in their squad.

Some teams will have failed to get the transfer business they wanted done. Others will have seen areas they need to strengthen over the opening three games. A free signing could prove to be a handy fix.

Here are five free agents who can still make a real contribution at Premier League level.

Giuseppe Rossi

There’s never been a question about Giuseppe Rossi’s talent. The Italian striker is a clinical finisher with a great touch who can create chances for others too.

His main problem has been staying fit after a number of serious injuries. He was released by Fiorentina this summer after loan spells at Levante and Celta Vigo.

Signing the 30-year-old would be a risk given his injury history. But he would provide real quality in the final third when he is on the pitch. He would also count as a homegrown player, having joined Manchester United as a 17-year-old.

Bacary Sagna

Playing as a full-back in a Pep Guardiola side is incredibly demanding. They provide much of the width and need to get up and down the pitch constantly.

It was asking too much of Bacary Sagna at 34-years-old. He’s not ready for the scrapheap just yet though. He’s reportedly wanted by Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

The right-back has made over 250 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Manchester City. He may be fairly limited going forward but he’s rock solid defensively. Any side looking for experience at the back could do with taking a look at him.

Joe Ledley

Joe Ledley played a key role Wales’ remarkable run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals last summer. A year later and the 30-year-old is without a club after being released by Crystal Palace.

Ledley is a powerful presence in midfield and he works tirelessly to win possession in central areas. He’s the sort of player who can allow more creative teammates to flourish.

He has turned down two Championship clubs and could be a smart signing for a top-flight side looking to beef up their midfield options.

Jan Kirchhoff

Jan Kirchhoff is another player who would probably have a club if it weren’t for his injury woes.

The 26-year-old primarily played as a centre-back for Mainz, Bayern Munich and Schalke in the Bundesliga. However, Sam Allardyce deployed him as a defensive midfielder after signing him for Sunderland in January 2016.

Kirchhoff’s displays there helped to keep the Black Cats up that year. He was also named the PFA Fan’s Player of the Month in April 2016.

He only managed seven league appearances last term and was sorely missed. Sunderland were relegated after finishing bottom.

Chico Flores

Chico Flores has top-flight experience in England, Italy and Spain, although he’s spent the last three years playing in Qatar.

The 30-year-old could be a good addition to a bottom-half Premier League side in need of additions at the back. However, it would be a gamble given his lack of high-level competition recently.

Espanyol have been linked with a move for the former Spain Under-21 international.

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