After the recent flurry of player movement, there are a limited number of options still available for those looking to sign players. Here is an overview at some other interesting targets that may be worth your attention.
The “paulo dybala” is a player that many clubs are interested in, but he will be out of reach for most teams. Here are some alternative free agent options.
In July 2022, a slew of outstanding players, including Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Antonio Rudiger, and Paulo Dybala, will become free agents, enough to complete a decent XI. However, these talents will still cost their future teams a lot of money in terms of salary and signing-on fees.
1 Related
Outside of these superstars, teams have some fascinating alternatives for players who can be signed for free if a pre-contract deal can be reached before the January transfer window begins in less than a month.
Here, we look at some of the players that may have fallen under the radar of the major teams, but who may undoubtedly contribute if signed.
– Watch ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (available in the United States only) – Don’t have ESPN? Get immediate access
Belotti has 94 goals in 204 league games for Torino, making him one of the most regarded Serie A centre-forwards in recent years. Though the club hasn’t given up hope of extending the Italy international’s contract, after he returns from a two-month layoff due to a hamstring injury, there will undoubtedly be interest from Champions League teams.
Belotti is a physically powerful player who attracts little attention; what you see is essentially what you get. Since joining Torino in 2015, he has a tendency to draw fouls and prefers to finish with strength rather than finesse. He can hit the ball with either foot, particularly from beyond the box, and his stamina allows him to play for the whole game, with his level being consistent throughout.
With Juventus’ new austere government attempting to balance the books after years of being one of the highest-paid clubs in Europe, the Italy winger might be one of the first to depart. Bernardeschi was signed from Fiorentina for €40 million with much excitement in 2017, and many anticipated him to become Italy’s most creative player. However, although his contribution has been recognized, his effect on matches tends to come in bursts.
When he’s in top form, he can defeat opponents for fun and participate in free-flowing combinations from a variety of offensive positions, but when he’s not, he may appear average. If he wants to continue at Juventus, he will apparently have to accept a significant pay cut, although he has lots of admirers.
When Witsel broke through as a box-to-box midfielder for Standard Liege more than a decade ago, he was slated for superstardom. With over 100 caps for one of the finest national teams in the world (Belgium), it’s difficult to argue that he hasn’t lived up to the hype, but injuries and a transfer to China at the pinnacle of his career mean his club career never quite lived up to the hype.
Witsel doesn’t cover as much territory these days as he did in his twenties, and his defensive effort isn’t as meticulous or efficient. Despite this, the Belgian is still a capable player who can control the tempo of the game and lead from a deeper midfield position. Any squad in need of direction should keep an eye on him.
After turning down a series of fresh contract offers, Nketiah appears destined to depart Arsenal in January (or at the very least next summer). The striker has been in fantastic form in the Carabao Cup, scoring in both meetings despite being used little in the Premier League this season, partially owing to injury but also due to competition and his contractual status. He has also performed well for England’s under-21 squad, earning him the position of captain at the UEFA European Under-21 Championships in 2021.
Nketiah, a fast, sharp centre-forward with good movement off the ball, originally drew attention with his lightning speed and goal-scoring ability. He hasn’t progressed at the same pace as Arsenal’s other established academy graduates, such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, but he seems to be developing into a well-rounded attacker capable of picking up the ball from deep. Regardless of where he ends up, his next team will be getting a forward with a promising future.
Boubacar Kamara might be a wonderful fit for a premier league team. Getty Images/NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP
Marseille have unable to secure a new deal for one of their top players, despite repeated efforts, and are likely to lose at least €30 million if the France U-21 midfielder leaves for free next summer.
Kamara, who travels about the field with ease and can play in the midst of the defensive line or right in front of it, is most known for his destructive talents. He’s great at winning the ball high up the field, winning about 75% of his headers despite being just 5-foot-10, and has good positioning awareness. Getting Kamara’s signature may be the best deal of the year.
As he begins to use his expertise, the Germany international is reaching the optimum age for a centre-back. He can play right-back in a pinch, as he did for Germany at Euro 2020 this summer, is comfortable playing with a high line, and has adequate speed over longer distances to chase down an opponent’s runs in behind.
Ginter dominates in the air and likes to produce on big occasions, despite the fact that he may be more combative in defensive situations (he has excelled against both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in recent games.) He is thought to be dissatisfied with the new conditions provided by his club after losing out on Champions League participation this season and might leave.
The Athens-born Albania No. 1 was an indisputable regular for Lazio from 2017 to 2020, despite being kept out of the lineup by former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. He’s been in negotiations about a new contract for months, but there’s little purpose in staying in the Italian city until manager Maurizio Sarri gives him more playing time.
Strakosha, despite his size, is adept at dealing with crosses and set pieces. He can locate his teammates and initiate counter-attacks early because to his vision and ability to pick out a long pass. He has already been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, and at 26 years old, he is still young enough for a team to rely on him for another decade.
