Football can be a cruel game at times. Superstars that were deemed irreplaceable by their clubs can turn into dead wood and are invariably tossed aside. Recently, all the Premier League clubs released a list of players they had retained as well as the players whom they had let go off. While they might not meet the standards of their respective clubs, we believe a number of the players on the “Released List” could have a future at other clubs.
Emmanuel Adebayor
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The Togolese striker has developed a reputation as a journeyman. After starting his career at Metz, he has gone on to represent Monaco, Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. Recently released, he can prove to be a good asset for several clubs who are devoid of quality up front with his link-up play as well as an ability to find the back of the net.
While the last two seasons might not have gone as per plan for Adebayor, he can certainly pack a punch with extended playing time. At 32 years of age, he has at least 2 years of top flight football in him. However, he will have to take a huge pay cut in order to ensure playing time as his current wages are believed to be in excess of £ 5million.
Martin Demichelis
The former Bayern and Malaga man has been released by Manchester City on expiry of his 3-year contract with the club on July 1st. Having made more than 500 clubs appearances in his career, the 35-year-old will bring a lot of wisdom and experience to the side he moves to. He did not have a good season with Manchester City, featuring only 31 times with more than half his appearances from the bench. With age, he has lost a lot of his pace to make crucial tackles and interceptions. Nevertheless, his positioning sense remains remarkable and his reputation as an aerially superior defender remains intact.
The defender could prove to be a decent signing for a club which requires a leader in its defensive unit. He is a competitive defender, always ready to put his body on the line for his team. Should he feature alongside a mobile seasoned centre-back, they could become a formidable unit.
Victor Valdes
One of Barcelona’s greatest ever keepers, Victor Valdes is currently without a club after Manchester United decided not to extend his contract with the club. At 34 years of age, he is still young for a keeper and would be a welcome signing for a club which is looking to bridge a year or two before while scouting for a long term replacement.
An excellent shot stopper and a proven winner, Valdes is currently linked with Manchester City as his former boss Pep Guardiola is keen to bring him to “The Etihad” to challenge Joe Hart for the starting spot. Having won almost all that is on the offering as a footballer, it's time Valdes decides whether he would like to stay second fiddle at a big club or become a starter and a leader at a mid table club.
Gaston Ramirez
When Southampton broke the bank to sign the Uruguayan from Bologna for a club record fee of £12 Million, Ramirez was coming on the back of an impressive season with Bologna. The 25-year-old failed to cement a starting spot in the Southampton side which was loaded with quality. After 2 loan spells with Hull and Middlesbrough, he has finally been released by Southampton on expiry of his 4-year contract. However, given his performance on loan at Middlesbrough last season, we expect the player to generate a lot of interest from numerous clubs.
The attacking midfielder scored 7 goals and created 34 chances during his time at the Riverside stadium while also ensuring that he did his fair share of defensive work in the middle of the park. The Boro fans were so impressed with his performance that close to 98% out of the 10000 in an online poll conducted by Gazettelive.com recently were of the view that their club should sign him. However, he has all the required ingredients to become a force to reckon with. Middlesbrough have shown an interest in signing a player. However, they might be forced to withdraw the deal after a work permit issue surrounds the player’s future at England.
Stephane Sessegnon
While he might not be the most glamorous name on the list, Stephane Sessegnon could prove to be a decent signing for most clubs in the second half of the table. He has been involved in numerous survival battles over the course of recent years during his time at Sunderland and West Brom and would be a good signing for a manager looking to sign players to ensure survival in the English top-flight.
The Benin international can play on the left, right as well as in the centre, thus lending a great flexibility to his manager to be. He possesses a good dribbling ability, can get past his man and knows where the back of the goal is, making him a threat on the pitch. He created 27 chances in the last season, averaging a chance every 65 minutes and makes for a sound transfer on a Bosman.
