Free Agents XI: The best free players for their positions
TBS looks at the best players that your club can sign for free this summer.
Covid-19 has had a massive impact on the world of football financially. While football has resumed, it is being played behind closed doors. With no fans and no matchday revenue from tickets, every team has had to cut down on their expenditure. That has meant that the transfer budgets of each team has also decreased from what was initially expected. As a result, free agents have been even more valuable during this summer transfer window for clubs. Here, TBS looks at the best players that your club can sign for free this summer.
Goalkeeper:
Joe Hart
Age: 33
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Value: €2.4m
The last few seasons have not been kind to the former England number one. Unsuccessful loan spells at Torino and West Ham saw his value plummet. Hart's last club was Burnley where he faced competition from Tom Heaton and then Nick Pope for the starting position.
Although the recent past hasn't been kind to him, Hart is determined to prove his doubters wrong. In his own words, he needs a club to show faith in him so he can repay them.
A move to the Championship looks to be the best route for this once great goalkeeper.
Honourable mention:
Anton Mitryushkin: Age: 24 Value: €1.8m
Right Back:
Nathaniel Clyne
Age: 29
Value: €8m
The emergence of Trent Alexander Arnold has coincided with the fall of Clyne. A failed loan spell at Bournemouth further accelerated his decline but at 29, he still feels like he has lots to give. The 14-time capped England international played 14 times for Bournemouth this season as he struggled with fitness and injuries. A move to the Championship along with compatriot Joe Hart could be the best for him.
Honourable mention:
Omar Ellabdellaoui: Age: 28 Value: €4.8m
Center Back:
Thiago Silva
Age: 35
Value: €4.8m
Silva maybe 35 but his performances for PSG show little sign of decline. Still completing more than 94% of his passes and having a 6.97 average rating on WhoScored, the Brazilian could be a decent figurehead for any big club looking for defensive reinforcements.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs have all been linked with him and we could see him finish his illustrious career in the Premier League.
Malang Sarr
Age: 21
Value: €16m
At only 21, Sarr has already made over 100 appearances for OGC Nice. A very capable defender, the French U-21 international has attracted plenty of interest this summer. Arsenal yet again have been linked with Sarr along with a few other Premier League and Bundesliga sides.
Honourable mention:
Benjamin Stambouli: Age:29 Value: €9.5m
Robin Knoche: Age: 28 Value: €6.5m
Left Back:
Jan Vertonghen
Age: 33
Value: €14.5m
The Belgian will have to display his versatility in our XI through playing as a Left Back. He recently played his last ever game for Spurs and some signs of decline have been visible in his game. Vertonghen is an excellent passer of the ball and a born leader. A move to Serie A via Roma has been discussed in recent weeks.
Honourable mention:
Christian Ansaldi: Age: 33 Value: €4m
Center Midfielder:
Mario Gotze
Age: 28
Value: €10.5m
The 2014 World Cup winner still remains a magnificent footballer and recent club Dortmund were keen to keep him in their books but wage disputes mean that he's a free agent. At 28, the German is at his physical peak and could be a very good pickup for a top-half club. AC Milan have been linked along with Spanish club Valencia.
David Silva
Age: 34
Value: €12m
A modern premier league legend, the Spaniard has been fantastic for Manchester City this season with 16 goal contributions in the Premier League in 1833 minutes. The maestro has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS via David Beckham's Inter Miami along with a move back to Valencia.
Honourable mention:
Janik Haberer: Age:26 Value: €8m
Jeff Hendrick: Age: 28 Value: €9m
Angel Gomes: Age: 19 Value: €3.6m
Right Winger:
Willian
Age: 31
Value: €22.5m
The Brazilian has been one of Chelsea's best players this season with 16 goal contributions in 2600 minutes from the right-wing. Where the midfielder will end up come next season is still hazy as he has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge and some reports have suggested that he'll sign a new contract.
Honourable mention:
Jose Callejon Age: 33 Value: €9.5m
Pedro Age:33 Value: €9.5m
Left Winger:
Ryan Fraser: Age: 26 Value: €17.5m
Recently relegated Bournemouth were flying high last season all thanks to Ryan Fraser's incredible performances. The Scotsman's output has dropped massively this season but stats suggest that it could be down to the mental side of the game. Linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Fraser will surely be back to the Premier League next season.
Honourable mention:
Tomas Chancalay Age:21 Value:€4.5m
Strikers:
Max Kruse
Age: 32
Value: €8.5m
The German has been spectacular for Fenerbache this season with 13 goal contributions in his limited 1600 minutes. Though 32, the 14-time capped German is versatile and would be a very decent accusation for any of the bottom half or mid-table side in the Premier League.
Edinson Cavani
Age: 33
Value: €20m
PSG's all-time top scorer is available on a free transfer this summer. The Uruguayan has been decent in his limited minutes in the French capital with 9 goals in 732 minutes. Newcastle, Napoli and many other Serie A sides have been linked with the veteran who will certainly add firepower to any team he graces.
Honourable mention:
Mario Mandzukic: Age:34 Value: €4m
Borja Baston : Age: 27 Value: €3.2m
*All values have been taken from Transfermarkt.com
