These seven World Cup stars are all available on free transfers this summer.
It is often said that managers should not base transfer decisions based on the World Cup, with many expensive deals put together on the basis of a player’s performances on the biggest stage having proven to be unwise at best. There are bargains to be had, however, such as this group of 2014 World Cup stars, all of whom are available on free transfers this summer.
Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa shot to prominence after his display against Brazil in the Selecao’s second game of their own World Cup, with the 28 year-old proving to be a one-man barrier between the Brazilian side and the goal. Ochoa also enjoyed an impressive season at club level, although he was unable to prevent AC Ajaccio’s relegation from Ligue 1, and would surely prove to be a wise investment for any club, including Liverpool and Arsenal, looking to strengthen their goalkeeping position this summer.
Gonzalo Jara (Chile)
You wouldn’t know it from his performances for Chile at the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far, but defender Gonzalo Jara was
released by Championship side Nottingham Forest ahead of the competition. Jara has been a revelation for Chile at the
tournament so far, with the former West Brom man’s composure on the ball coupled with his defensive positioning making him a key part of Jorge Sampaoli’s back three.
Frank Lampard (England)
Chelsea all-time leading goalscoring and all-round legend Frank Lampard announced that he was leaving the Blues before
jetting off to Brazil for England’s World Cup campaign. The goalscoring midfielder was largely peripheral for Jose
Mourinho’s side last season and is expected to embark on a new adventure abroad from next season, possibly in Major League Soccer.
Diego Lugano (Uruguay)
Uruguay captain Diego Lugano missed out on his country’s crucial World Cup win over England with injury, which will have been just another frustration for Lugano after a disappointing season with West Bromwich Albion. The former Paris Saint Germain and Fenerbahce star was released by the Baggies after just nine league appearances for the club as they narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League.
Didier Zokora (Ivory Coast)
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Didier Zokora left Turkish Super League club Trabzonspor ahead of the World Cup, meaning that he is operating for the Ivory Coast in Brazil despite not currently having a club. The experienced player, who has also turned out for Genk, Saint Etienne and Sevilla, is unlikely to have too many problems finding new employers once he returns to Europe from South America.
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
Samuel Eto’o is the biggest star of Cameroonian football, but has been part of a disappointing 2014 FIFA World Cup
campaign for the Indomitable Lions as they crahsed out after just two games. Despite playing a useful role for Chelsea
last season he left Stamford Bridge after just twelve months in somewhat acrimonious fashion, offering some parting shots for former manager Jose Mourinho.
Shola Ameobi (Nigeria)
Nigeria striker Shola Ameobi is the most used substitute in Premier League history, but he was allowed to leave the club where he has spent his entire career, Newcastle United, at the end of last season. Ameobi will now be hoping to secure another Premier League club on the back of his performances for the Super Eagles, perhaps one where he is allowed to make it into the starting line-up a little bit more often.