As the transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid looks set to smash all existing records you have to start to wonder if there is any value left in the transfer market. One place you may find some quality bargains that won’t cost the earth is by searching out for the players who are out of contract or have been released by their clubs.
Since the introduction of the Bosman ruling into football there follows a mad chase to land the best players whose contract are running out. The introduction of the UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations should make these players even more attractive to chairman up and down the country. These are all the players that will cost your side absolutely nothing, aside from wages, signing on-fees and then the agent cut of course. So a bargain in football terms. Here is a best XI made up of the players left that could be signed for free this summer
Goalkeeper: Craig Gordon
The 30-year-old former Sunderland keeper has been without a club for 12 months since leaving the Stadium of Light last summer, and he since has been linked with various English and Scottish sides during the pre-season. He has spent the summer training at Rangers as the former Hearts keeper seeks a new club. The former Scotland international has struggled after the Black Cats paid a British goalkeeper transfer record of £9m in 2007. Following only 94 appearances in five years he was let go last summer after suffering recurring injuries. If Rangers decide against offering Gordon a deal at Ibrox, then he could look back to England for one last throw of the dice in his troubled career.
Right Back: Chris Baird
It came as somewhat of a surprise to the casual viewer of Fulham to see the defender released this summer after six years of service at Craven Cottage and the Northern Ireland international would certainly make a respectable signing for any lower-end Premier League club or side at the top of the Championship. Baird has been training with QPR as he attempts to keep his fitness up and the 61-cap Northern Irish international could now make the permanent switch to Loftus Road to join up with Harry Redknapp’s recently relegated side. Another option for Baird is at Bolton who have also reportedly been in talks to bring the 31-year-old to the Reebok Stadium but as yet nothing has been agreed and he remains available.
Centre Back: Manuel Friedrich
It was choice between the former Germany international or recently released Sunderland defender Titus Bramble so we plumped for the 33-year-old reliable centre-back who has playing experience at the highest level of the game rather that the former Newcastle man . Friedrich may not be quite the player he once was but would still represent a reliable option in defence and also will offer desirable leadership abilities at the back for a potential new team.
Centre Back: William Gallas
Despite reaching the grand old age of 36, Gallas still made 24 appearances for Andre Villas-Boas’ side last season but was still released at the end of the season after falling further down the pecking order at White Hart Lane. Despite this he would certainly offer vast experience and represent a good acquisition for a lower Premier League side. Newly promoted Crystal Palace have been linked with his services and he would surely much-needed depth to their squad although his wage demands may prove a concern.
Left Back: Anthony Réveillère
A host of Premier League clubs are reportedly chasing the French international after he left Lyon earlier this summer. The versatile full-back boasts a wealth of experience for club and country while he has also made well over 30 starts in the Champions League over the years. Cardiff City have been credited with interest in Reveillere and the player is reportedly keen to try his hand in the Premier League this summer.
Right Midfield: Yossi Benayoun
The Israel international was released by Chelsea after a disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge following a £5.5m signing from Liverpool in July 2010. He had a period last season back on-loan at West Ham United where his Premier League adventure back in 2005 but he failed to shine at Upton Park due to injury. The 33-year-old had been left pondering a move to the MLS with New York Red Bulls to put his career back on the rails but interest from Crystal Palace and West Brom may see him continuing to perform in England during the new season.
Centre Midfield: Mahamadou Diarra
Diarra was released by Fulham at the end of the season after only making just 19 appearances in his two injury-hit seasons at Craven Cottage. However it appears that the Mali international could be given a second chance by boss Martin Jol after the former Lyon and Real Madrid man recovered from his knee injury to train with the Cottagers. If the defensive midfielder fails to earn a new contract with his former side then he would definitely represent value in a packed market place
Centre Midfield: Thomas Hitzlesperger
The 31-year-old goal-scoring midfielder has always been a consistent performer in both England and Germany over the years. Nine appearances at Everton last season were not enough to earn the 52-cap German international a contract at Goodison Park and he is once again looking for a new club. The former Aston Villa and West Ham man, nicknamed ‘Der Hammer’ would add a dynamic presence to another Premier League side as well as possibly a few well struck goals.
Centre Midfield: Mathieu Flamini
The French international defensive midfielder is available on a free transfer this summer after being released by AC Milan. Flamini, who started his career at Marseille before he snapped up by Arsenal as a youngster, spent five seasons at the San Siro playing over 120 games for the Serie A club following his transfer from the Emirates Stadium in May 2008. Now it appears that the 29-year-old will rejoin the Gunners after training with Arsene Wenger’s side during the summer and proving his continued ability to the French boss. However for now he remains available and it will be interesting to see if any club tries to snatch him away from Arsenal.
Left Midfield: David Bentley
One time thought to be the natural heir of England legend David Beckham, Bentley has finally left White Hart Lane after a torrid time as his career ventured from one loan spell to another. The former England international will now be looking for some stability in a career that has gone badly off track since his £15m move from Blackburn Rovers in July 2008. Bentley spent last season out on-loan at FC Rostov and back at his former club Blackburn and has already attracted attention from across Europe. Malaga, Espanyol, FC Utrecht are all reportedly interested in the 28-year-old as he looks to restore some credibility in his career that started with so much promise. If Bentley can reproduce some of the form from his younger days he’ll be a great value acquisition in the transfer window.
Striker: Carlton Cole
The former West Ham striker would be a capable addition to any lower end Premier League club or one fighting for promotion in the Championship. He certainly needs a new challenge after a disappointing end to his career at Upton Park after he scored just twice in his 29 appearances for the Hammers last term. It was something of a surprise to see reports suggesting that Tottenham may be interested in his services after he featured in a behind-closed doors friendly in August but is more likely that the 29-year-old is looking to maintain his fitness rather than gaining a contract at White Hart Lane. Crystal Palace had been linked with the former Chelsea academy product but Ian Holloway has now dismissed speculation and remains without a club.