The ten best players over 30 looking for one more payday this summer.
10. Jeremie Aliadiere – Lorient
The former Arsenal youngster has found a rich vein of form back in his native France after many believed he was a no hoper. Aliadiere will turn 31 at the end of the month, and after seeing a January move to Marseille fall through he may be hoping that Lorient still decide to cash in on him this time around.
9. Philippe Mexes – AC Milan
The former Auxerre youth product has been a Serie A mainstay over the past ten years, but may finally be set for a move elsewhere as Milan prepare for a vast summer overhaul. Luckily for the 31-year-old, though, he has several Premier League and Monaco keeping tabs on his situation.
8. Pepe Reina – Liverpool
The Liverpool ‘keeper joined Italian giants Napoli on loan last summer after being told that he had no future at Anfield under Brendan Rodgers. However, his form in Serie A has meant that one final move elsewhere is more than warranted. He has made his desire to return to Barcelona known, and may even get his wish as they continue to search for a heir to Victor Valdes.
7. Juan Arango – Borussia Monchengladbach
The 33-year-old Venezuelan has spent most of his career in Spain and Mexico, but has been one of the driving creative forces in a quietly talented Monchengladbach team for the past five years. He is rumoured to be wanted in the Gulf, but could possibly be tempted to stay west for another year or two.
6. Esteban Cambiasso – Inter Milan
The Argentine international has entered the final six months of his career with the Serie A side, and looks set to be let go following ten years of sterling service. He is still being tipped to go to the World Cup this summer, and may stay in South America by making a return home as former club River Plate are believed to be interested.
5. Ivica Olic – Wolfsburg
The 34-year-old is still running defences in the Bundesliga ragged and despite his age doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon. He has perhaps never been as prolific as he should have been, but he has enjoyed a fine career nonetheless. Wanted by Stoke City, he could head to the Premier League this summer before a swan song Stateside in Major League Soccer.
4. Jeremy Mathieu – Valencia
The French full-back has been holding down a regular spot on Valencia’s left side for the past five years, and the club continue to resist approaches for his signature. However, with Monaco and Barcelona both believed to be keen on bringing him in, he may be tempted to push through a transfer before entering the twilight of his career.
3. Bacary Sagna – Arsenal
The 31-year-old right-back has seemingly accepted that he won’t get what he wants from Arsene Wenger as he enters the final few months of his deal at the Emirates, and now looks to be ready to move on for a lucrative deal elsewhere. With Manchester City and Monaco battling it out for his signature, the France international is in the best place possible to negotiate a bigger deal for himself.
2. Miroslav Klose – Lazio
The classy German international has shown that his evergreen ability hasn’t deserted him yet, and will likely have a queue of suitors eager to bring him on board this summer when his contract with Lazio expires. Clubs in the Premier League have been linked with his services, but he could plump to head to the United States for one giant golden handshake.
1. Patrice Evra – Manchester United
With no new offer on the table to keep him at Old Trafford, the 31-year-old looks all geared up for a return home with either Paris Saint Germain or Monaco. Despite United’s poor form this season, Evra can hold his head up high as one of the club’s standout performers and landing him on a free transfer will surely represent quite the bargain when he does eventually find a new home.
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