English transfer market: Five players who offer value

Micah Richards

Micah Richards of Manchester runs with the ball during the Audi Cup 2013 semifinal match between Manchester City and AC Milan at Allianz Arena on July 31, 2013 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

A lot many things were expected of a young Micah Richards when he broke into City’s first team as a teenager. In an ideal world, for all his talent, he should have been an England regular by now. But injuries, loss of form, constant change of managers and an influx of expensive purchases have resulted in a slowdown in Richards’s development, who finds himself on the periphery of the City squad.

At just 25, Richards is yet to enter the peak years for a defender. Along with his youth, he possesses pace, penchant for launching marauding runs down the flank (a valuable asset for an attacking full back), strength and good aerial ability – attributes essential for a top class defender. A move away from Eastlands for more game time and a good season should find him a place in the England squad for the World Cup.

Potential Suitors: Arsenal, again. With Bacary Sagna’s form being less than consistent, Richards could be an astute buy by Wenger. His versatility will see him filling in as a centre back, a much better option than Aaron Ramsey, who filled in that role during times of desperation. A loan move to clubs like Sunderland, Southampton will also offer valuable game time for Richards, at good value for those teams.

Possibility of a move: Medium.