Coral’s European leagues free transfer starting XI
Published:
Ahead of the summer where there will no doubt be ridiculous fees being spent on players, Coral football writers have come up with a starting XI of stars outside of the Premier League that will be available for free.
Do you agree with our line-up of out-of-contract European league names?
Goalkeeper: Neto (Fiorentina)
Brazilian keeper Neto was unlucky not to be called up by his country for the Copa America this summer, having featured heavily for Viola this season. At the age of 25, he would be a great addition for a top 10 Premier League team.
Right back: Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Another not called up by the Samba Boys, although the star full back has gained many caps for his nation, Alves could be set to end his spell with Barcelona this season. He is 32 but could still do a job for a top team, with Manchester United (9/2 to win the Premier League next term) apparently interested.
Centre back: Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan)
Giant centre back and Inter captain Ranocchia recently played the full 90 minutes for Italy against England, but looks likely to end his four-year spell with the San Siro side. The famous club have once again failed to get a Champions League place, so the defender seemingly wants out.
Centre back: Christopher Samba (Dynamo Moscow)
Defensive beast Samba has had two spells in England, with Blackburn Rovers and QPR, the latter of which he’d rather forget, but could be a decent target for a return. The Congo international’s contract is up with his current Russian outfit.
Left back: Marcell Jansen (Hamburg)
With 45 Germany caps, left-sided 29-year-old Jansen would be a great capture for many Premier League teams. Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat gave him his senior debut while the duo worked together at Borussia Monchengladbach, and could swoop for him if his team (17/2 for relegation) stay up.
Centre midfield: Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
World Cup winner Khedira has already announced that he will leave Real when his contract is up at the end of the current campaign, and the German anchorman will no doubt have many top suitors after him. Would be a great capture for a top Premier League or Bundesliga side.
Centre midfield: Nigel de Jong (AC Milan)
Midfield destroyer De Jong has been linked with a move back to Manchester, but this time with United, as his compatriot Louis van Gaal rates the player. The former City star is still just 30 and would be a good squad player.
Right wing: Andre Ayew (Marseille)
Marcelo Bielsa’s Marseille topped Ligue 1 for much of the season, although slipped up towards the end, and Ayew was one of the stars of the side. The 25-year-old Ghana international has stated he would love to join a Premier League club, and his 11 goals this term from the wing will do wonders for his chances.
Attacking midfield: Alberto Bueno (Rayo Vallecano)
Former Real Madrid youth player Bueno may want a second chance to prove himself in England after an uninspiring loan spell with Derby County in 2010/11. The 27-year-old Spaniard has had a great season with current club Rayo, scoring 16 goals in 35 La Liga matches to put them in the top 10.
Left wing: Evgen Konoplyanka (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk)
Dnipro (5/2 to win the Europa League) clubman Konoplyanka has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, but has so far decided to stay with the Ukrainian club. However, finally his contract is up this summer, and is an apparent target for Liverpool and Tottenham again.
Striker: Andre-Pierre Gignac (Marseille)
Another Marseille man makes this team, and France international Gignac would seemingly be a perfect fit for the Premier League. He has fired in an impressive 21 Ligue 1 goals this term, and would be a bargain on a Bosman.
