La Liga is a rich talent pool for clubs to explore. Recent seasons have seen Michu, Chico Flores and Arouna Kone come to England for very small fees and there are plenty more to be found. We know about the likes of Isco, Negredo and Muniain, but how about some of the cheaper options? Who is available for a comparatively cheaper transfer fee? Who could be the next Michu and who might be interested? Let’s take a look:
Ignacio Camacho (23) – Malaga
Scout Report: Camacho is an excellent passing midfielder with good footballing intelligence and a willingness to show tenacity and endeavor in his defensive duties. He is a tempo setter, playing a straight forward passing game and then moving in to space to receive the ball again. It makes him an excellent fulcrum. He is a tough tackler and hard worker defensively, and uses his intelligence to position himself effectively. A wonderful team mate and good leader who could transform a team that struggles to maintain possession.How much? Malaga are in financial bother and he will be up for sale for less than he should be. Has the talent of a £10m player but could be had for £5m.Who should sign him? He would an ideal addition for Everton as Roberto Martinez needs a pure passing midfielder to help integrate his system properly.
Sergio Canales (22) – Valencia
Scout Report: Canales was once regarded as the best prospect in Spain. He burst into the Racing Santander team at the age of 18, and immediately became their key player. He is exactly what you would expect of a Spanish attacking midfielder. He’s crafty, creative, technical and gets involved in making and scoring goals. He has a good eye for a pass and is a good decision-maker. His trump card is running at defences with the ball at his feet and the ability to pick out passes from clever runners. Adds creativity and intelligence to any attack he’s part of.How much? He’s had some injury issues and so has drifted in and out of the Valencia team which probably means he can be had for about £4m. Valencia have some financial issues and he’s not a guaranteed starter for them.Who should sign him? He’d fit in nicely with the technicians at Swansea if they are happy with Michu playing upfront more often.
Ander Herrera (23) – Athletic Bilbao
Scout Report: Herrera is a fast and fleet-footed central attacking midfielder. He’s got a full array of tricks and gets himself into very dangerous areas, especially when running from deep. He’s best when counter attacking, and was a key man in Athletic Bilbao’s run to the Europa League final in 2012 when they counter attacked their way through the entire competition.How much? Bilbao are not the richest club and have a new stadium to pay for, so would be tempted by £6-7m.Who should sign him? West Brom played a fluent and fast breaking counter-attack system last season in which Romelu Lukaku caused devastation. They need a new ring leader.
Pedro Leon (26) – Real Madrid
Scout Report: Leon was signed by Real Madrid after a he had a great season with Getafe in 2009/10, where he scored nine goals and provided 12 assists, but has not imposed himself at the Bernabeu. He spent last season back on loan at Getafe where he scored three goals and set up seven from his right wing position. He has great technique and delivery, and enough pace to cause defenders problems. He’s intelligent on the ball and a great runner off it.How much? Real would probably be happy to get some money for him, so anything in the £2-3m range would be acceptable for them.Who should sign him? He’d be an ideal man to add some quality and width to a Stoke attack which desperately lacks it.
Tomer Hemed (26) – Real Mallorca
Scout Report: Hemed is a big, strong and technical striker best used as a hold up man supported by more skillful attacking midfielders. He’s a good shielder of the ball and has a decent eye for goal, having scored a total of 22 goals in the last two seasons in a struggling Mallorca side.How much? Mallorca would probably be tempted at £3-4m.Who should sign him? He would be a good rotation option at Southampton to better utilise Lallana and Gaston Ramirez.