An entire XI of players not wanted by their clubs this summer.
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Goalkeeper – Iker Casillas
Out in the cold for some time now at Real Madrid, it is a sad end to the career of one of the all-time goalkeeping greats Iker Casillas. The Spaniard, who endured a nightmare at this summer’s World Cup, is likely to leave at the end of his contract next summer and has been replaced as number one for this season by new signing Keylor Navas, who arrives at the Bernabeu after impressing at Levante. The likes of Arsenal and Manchester City have previously been linked with Casillas, but he may be a gamble now after looking well past his best and a shadow of his former commanding self.
Right-back – Dani Alves
With many changes going on at the Nou Camp this summer, Barcelona could be ready to bid farewell to another big name this summer as Dani Alves continues to be linked with a number of clubs. Liverpool and Manchester United have shown an interest in the Brazilian right-back, who was one of the best in the world in his position at his peak. Barca are now known to be keen on signing Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina as his replacement, and will look to push Alves out before the end of the transfer window.Left-back – Fabio Coentrao
Nearly shipped out by Real Madrid last summer, Fabio Coentrao continues to be linked with a number of clubs after struggling to hold down a regular place in the side. The Portuguese left-back has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in recent times, though their interest may have cooled with players coming in from elsewhere to fill that role in their teams. Coentrao is by no means a bad player, but one of many at the Bernabeu to find too much in the way of high class competition hindering his progress.
Centre-back – Thomas Vermaelen
Unwanted by Arsenal after being dropped for some poor form back in the 2012/13 season, Thomas Vermaelen looks increasingly likely to be shown the door this summer with some big names in Manchester United and Barcelona monitoring his situation. The Belgian centre-back could benefit from a move to get back to his best, having initially been a vitally important player for the Gunners when he signed from Ajax back in 2009, though Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are the undisputed first choice centre-back pairing now.
Centre-back – Daniel Agger
Another big-name Premier League defender, Liverpool seemingly don’t have a place for Daniel Agger for next season after spending £20m on signing Dejan Lovren from Southampton to improve their backline. The Reds were poor defensively last season, with Agger looking past his best. Despite this, Barcelona remain admirers of his, while his former club, Danish giants Brondby, perhaps look a more accurate representation of where he’s come to in his career.
Right midfield – Angel Di Maria
One of Real Madrid’s best players last season, Angel Di Maria’s likely sale to Paris Saint-Germain shows how ridiculous the Spanish giants’ transfer policy can be at times. The Argentine notched up a superb 11 goals and 26 assists last season to help Real to victories in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, but has already been replaced by Colombian World Cup star James Rodriguez in that attacking midfield role as the Bernabeu outfit continue their policy of ditching their established stars in the pursuit of more glamorous ‘Galactico’ signings.
Left midfield – Isco
Another top talent who may find himself frozen out at Real Madrid, Isco could be heading for the exit just one year after arriving at the club from Malaga, where he had been regarded as one of the most exciting young players in world football. The 22-year-old has unsurprisingly found himself in and out of the Madrid team since joining, and looks even more unlikely to be a regular now with the club making more signings in midfield. The likes of Liverpool and Manchester City are said to be interested in the Spanish playmaker, who deserves a chance elsewhere after a difficult time at Real.
Central midfield – Fredy Guarin
According to recent rumours, Inter Milan are ready to listen to offers for Manchester United target Fredy Guarin. The Colombian international has been one of Serie A’s top performers in the midfield area in recent times, but the club appear to have given up on keeping him after he nearly joined Juventus in January and seems set to bring in a reasonable transfer fee. Inter’s loss could be United’s gain as this tough-tackling midfield battler with an eye for goal would make a superb addition for Louis van Gaal’s side.
Central midfield – Marouane Fellaini
The man Guarin could be brought in to replace, Marouane Fellaini is another big-name transfer from last summer that hasn’t worked out at all. The Belgian midfielder looked a superb player at previous club Everton, but has been a big disappointment since his £27.5m move and could now leave for almost half that just a year later. Napoli are said to be interested in Fellaini, but it is thought that they won’t pay more than £15m to rescue him from his Old Trafford nightmare this summer.
Striker – Edinson Cavani
After a whopping £55m move from Napoli last summer, it is perhaps no surprise that Edinson Cavani has struggled to cope with expectations at Paris Saint-Germain. The Uruguayan striker has not looked at his best since making the move to Ligue 1, and is seemingly not in the club’s plans for next season as they look to sacrifice him in an attempt to adhere to Uefa’s Financial Fair Play laws. Cavani would no doubt be a great signing for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United this summer, and they will hope to take advantage of the fact that he is not currently valued by PSG.
Striker – Mario Balotelli
Another top talent who could leave for relatively cheap this summer, AC Milan seem ready to part ways with the troublesome Mario Balotelli. The controversial Italian striker is already well known in England for his antics whilst at Manchester City, and Milan have decided that they could let him go for as little as £14m as they give up on getting him to settle and focus solely on his football. The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with him in recent times, though none has taken the gamble on ‘Super Mario’ just yet.
Unwanted players XI in full: