5 players who should change clubs to save their careers

As the season is going on, we are in the twilight of the 2013 summer transfer window. Let’s take a look at the top players who should leave their club for greener pastures:

Ricardo Kaka

The man who rampaged through Manchester United en route to the 2007 Champions League triumph, the one who beat Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the stalwarts in World Football to the Ballon d’Or in 2007, is now languishing in the substitutes bench every time Real Madrid plays. Since a record move to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2009, his career, which was at its peak, came down like a roller-coaster.

Ever overshadowed by teammate Ronaldo in Madrid, as well as Real’s acquisition of better players since his arrival, and injuries have only worsened his problem. He should have left Spain last season but no move materialised. This window is the last chance for him to move away and still establish a good career in Europe. His position at Madrid is at a greater danger than ever with the arrivals of Isco and Illaramendi.

Iker Casillas

A year ago, I wouldn’t have even dreamt of adding Casillas to this list. However, today, there is every possibility that he would not end his career at the Bernabeu. He was a born Madridsta, Real Madrid’s Golden boy. Since his debut in 1999 the likes of Figo, Zidane, Beckham have all played for Madrid and left but he still remains. But it was evident from the start of last season that Mourinho wanted Casillas out of his way.

First he benched him in favour of Adan and then a thumb injury for Casillas provided Mourinho with a golden chance. He went in for Diego Lopez in the winter transfer window and Diego Lopez established himself as the first-choice keeper before Casillas’ return. Now, with the arrival of Ancelloti, who has started Lopez in the first two games, Casillas’ career is hanging in the balance. On one hand, the thought of leaving Real Madrid, the club which means everything to him. On the other hand is his career, which could possibly come to a standstill if he stays at Madrid.

Juan Mata

While every Chelsea fan is celebrating Mourinho’s second-homecoming they seem to have forgotten about Juan Mata, the man who has carried the Chelsea baton for the last two years and won the Chelsea’s Player of the year award twice in a row. This nimble-footed magician, who has been pivotal for Chelsea in the last two seasons, is yet to start for them this season. While this could be owing to his injury and Confederations Cup triumph, it doesn’t look so.

Mourinho hasn’t placed his faith in Mata and has gone to buy three players who play in his position. At 25, he is playing the best football in his life and staying at an overloaded Chelsea team where the boss is not in favour of him could hamper his progress. Getting a new club shouldn’t be a problem for him as the top clubs in Europe are waiting for his signature. Mourinho may have already made the first mistake in his return to the Premier League.

Emmanuel Adebayor

While not as big a name as others on the list, he has made a name for himself in the Premier League in the past years. He was one of Manchester City‘s first big signings after their takeover by Sheikh Mansour. While he wasn’t a big hit at Manchester City, his loan move to Tottenham in the 2011/12 season was when he caught everyone’s eye. Scoring 17 goals and 11 assists he sealed a move in the following summer window.

However, subsequently, his career has gone downwards after a poor season with just a return of 5 goals. With Spurs having secured Soldado, who will lead their attack this season, and Defoe waiting, it is likely that Adebayor will remain in the fringes if he stays. Thus Adebayor’s move away from the club would benefit both the parties.

Thomas Vermaelen

The “Verminator”, as he is called by the Arsenal faithful, signed for Arsenal in 2010 and many fans felt they had a top class centre-back. The Belgian defender looked commanding, and most importantly, was scoring goals. He had a brilliant first season in which only Nemanja Vidic was possibly better than him, and he made an appearance in the PFA team of the season. Following Van Persie’s departure he was made the captain which was a move appreciated by many.

However, since taking over as captain, he has disappointed with poor showings against many of the teams in the Premier League. He had a torrid season last season and was left out on the fringes ever since Koscielny’s return. With Koscielny and Mertesacker being preferred by Wenger, it is time he leaves the club for greener pastures. Arsenal too would make a good deal selling him and could buy a potential younger replacement.