Free Agents: 3 strikers who can still make an impact next season

In an inflated football transfer market where the price for players is reaching the sky, signing a quality player for free is definitely a boon for any club. Additionally, it is helpful for the players as well because they are able to negotiate higher pay for themselves. This has led to many players intentionally running down their contracts and then relying on their agent to get a lucrative deal for them.

However, it is not just about the players as the club can benefit immensely, if the move is strategized properly. Many free agents have gone on to make a huge impact on their excellent performances and helped their new club achieve success, Juventus being the prime example.

A lot of high profile transfers are expected to happen this season, however, there are some talented and well-known players who will be available for free in this transfer window. Here we look at the 3 forwards that are free agents this summer and can prove to be quality additions to a team.

#1 Danny Welbeck

After playing for two of the biggest teams in England, Danny Welbeck will be available on a free transfer this summer. The striker moved from Manchester United to Arsenal in 2014 for a fee of £16 million. However, the English player was always a fringe player at both the clubs and despite some impressive performances, he was never able to establish a place in the starting line-up.

The ex-Manchester United forward started off his Arsenal career impressively. His pace, flair and explosive style of football aligned well with the Gunners. He even managed to score an impressive hat-trick against Galatasaray in the Champions League during his initial months at the Emirates. Unfortunately, his inconsistency and more importantly, his recurring injuries have let him down time and again. This is why after scoring just 32 goals during his 5 years with Arsenal, the English striker was released by the North Londoners towards the end of this season.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old still can look at the bright side as he still has some of his prime years ahead of him and there are a lot of clubs interested in signing him this summer.

#2 Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is a player who has not able to achieve his world-class potential. His journey has been an eventful one, sadly, more off-field than on-field.

The striker’s initial years were his best years till now. Back then, he was considered to be one of the best goal-scorers in the world and the striker lived up to those expectations. The Italian was blessed with all the qualities that a striker needs and was touted to achieve greatness in football. However, his indiscipline and poor attitude created a hindrance in his rise. This is why despite his impressive performances on the field, the player did not last long enough at a single club. On one side his off-field antics continued to increase and on the other, his form declined match after match.

After a disappointing last couple of years, the 28-year-old has now finally shown signs of resurgence during his recent loan spell at Marseille as he scored 8 goals in 15 games for the French team. At 28, the Italian striker is a free agent now but still has a lot to offer. His overall tally of 156 career goals speaks volumes about his quality and it will be exciting to see where he goes next.

#3 Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge is another player whose career graph does not do justice to the talent he possesses. The English striker has faced a continuous decline after his magnificent initial years at Anfield.

Back in 2013, the striker was an exciting talent that was not being utilized properly by Chelsea. This led to his move to Liverpool in January 2013 and with this move, began the rise of Daniel Sturridge. He made an instant impact at Anfield and proved his doubters wrong with some impressive performances in his first season. The season proved out to be even better as the forward, along with his strike partner, Luis Suarez, played a crucial role in Liverpool’s title push in the Premier League 2013/14 as he managed to contribute to 34 goals that season. However, since then, the striker has not been able to continue the same form and has spent most of his time on the sidelines.

The last couple of years have been very disappointing for the 28-year-old, which is why Liverpool released him this summer. Nonetheless, the striker can definitely bounce back and is currently evaluating his options in order to revive his career next season.