World's Best Free Agents - Part 1
Believe it or not, the transfer window isn’t the only way to add quality to your squad. There is actually a such thing as… (wait for it) …a free agent.
Although there’s usually a reason as to why players find themselves without a club, whether it be through injury, age, gradual decline in quality and/or wages being too high – there are some big names in the current list of free agents, just waiting to be snapped up by the right club.
In fact, I’m pretty sure that the experience and quality of the names in this list could help reinforce a variety of squads in World Football.
Romain Alessandrini
In 2017 Romain Alessandrini ended his time at Marseille and signed for MLS side LA Galaxy.
In his first season in Major League Soccer, he scored 13 goals and racked up 12 assists in 27 starts for the Los Angeles side.
Although his second season wasn’t as strong as his first, it was still very impressive. In just 26 starts for the club, he contributed with 11 goals and 9 assists.
Unfortunately though, his third season was hampered by injuries and, despite negotiations from the club, his contract expired following the 2019 season.
Of course, this now means that Alessandrini is free to sign for any club who is in for him.
Verdict: Sign him up!
In my opinion, at the age of 30, he could do a job at some bottom-half Premier League teams/high-end Championship teams, due to his exceptional end product for the position that he plays.
He would also add a great deal of experience, and the fact that the club would only have to pay his wages means that a signing like this would most certainly be worth the gamble.
Alessandrini spent 3 years at Marseille.
Emiliano Viviano
At 34 years of age, former Inter Milan and Arsenal Goalkeeper, Emiliano Viviano finds himself without a club.
The 6ft 5in Shot-Stopper has been capped 6 times for the Italian National Team, and has had spells at some of the world’s biggest clubs, so it comes as a surprise as to why he now finds himself as a free agent.
After accumulating over 100 appearances for Italian outfit Sampdoria; Viviano moved to Sporting CP in 2018, in the Portuguese sides’ attempt to replace Rui Patricio, after his transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, a year later he found himself back in Serie A with S.P.A.L, on loan until the end of the season.
Verdict: Join the MLS
With the amount of experience that Viviano has had at the highest level of football, I’m shocked that he’s without a club.
Although he could still do a job at some bottom half Serie A clubs, I personally feel that he would shine in the MLS, and provide some much sought after experience to young goalkeepers in the respective league.
Viviano at Arsenal in 2013.
Fábio Coentrāo
When Fabio Coentrao joined Real Madrid from Benfica in a £27m deal at the age of 23 – it made him the 2nd most expensive defender of all time, back in 2011.
Although he achieved success with Los Blancos, it was hoped that Fabio would elevate his game to new heights, under the guidance of then manager Jose Mourinho, whilst also playing alongside Portuguese compatriot; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Pictured: Ronaldo (left) with compatriot Coentrao (right)
Unfortunately, his five seasons at Madrid were interrupted by injuries and inconsistent form which led to loan spells at Ligue 1 outfit Monaco and Sporting CP – eventually leading to a free transfer to boyhood club Rio Ave, in 2018.
Now though, at the age of 31 years old, the versatile Portuguese defender (who can also play in midfield) finds himself without a club – despite being one of the most decorated players in his position.
It has to be said, his injury record and wage demands have played a part in this scenario.
Verdict: Worth the gamble
Like the aforementioned names in this list, Coentrao can bring an array of invaluable experience to his next club.
He’s been linked to Serie A pair Fiorentina and Bologna, in reports as recent as January 2020.
However, with no deals yet concluded, the move to reboot Coentrao’s career remains to be seen.
If you enjoyed this article, look out for Part 2 in the coming weeks.
HAVE YOUR SAY!
Do you think these aforementioned players could do a job at your club?
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