After much excitement, the curtain has finally lifted on the new EPL season and what an opening weekend of action is was.
Manchester City made an immediate statement by dismantling West Ham at the London stadium whilst there were big wins for Brighton and Burnley respectively. Although the Premier League transfer window is shut that still doesn’t mean that clubs can’t do anymore business. In fact, there is a plethora of top talent available as free agents and Premier League bosses could still be tempted to act.
Here we’ve picked out just a few free agents who could be worth a punt:
Daniel Sturridge
Dogged by injuries for several seasons, it’s been a frustrating few years for the former Liverpool and Chelsea man. Let’s not forget that under the guidance of Brendan Rogers he struck up a formidable partnership with Suarez in the 2013/14 season that took the reds to within a whisker of their first Premier League title in nearly 30 years- and he was named in the PFA team of the year.
Still only 29, if the striker can put his injuries to bed, get match fit and really get a run of matches under his belt then he could prove to be a decent acquisition for most sides outside the ‘top 6’.
He’s been linked with a move to newly promoted clubs Aston Villa and Sheffield United over recent weeks, who are amongst the favourites with bookmakers to get relegated. However, if he does sign for either club, and finds the net regularly, signing him could be a stroke of genius.
We’ve already seen plucky performances on the opening weekend from both of these outfits and if you’ve ever considered risk- free matched betting then it could be worth signing up and trying the free oddsmonkey service, one of the most renowned matched betting sites on the market, because they could pull off some shock results this term and by taking advantage of bookie offers you can bag yourself a few quid each weekend.
Franck Ribery
During his 12-year spell at Bayern Munich the enigmatic Frenchman was consistently regarded amongst the world’s best players and although he is now 36, he could still have a lot to offer many Premier League clubs.
Let’s not forget this is a winger who has won everything the domestic game has to offer and be his own admission he is still hungry for a new challenge.
Wages could be an issue but inside and outside of the dressing room Ribery could be a real asset.
Yohan Cabaye
With bags full of experience, including stints in the French League with PSG, Yohan Cabaye could surely still do a job in the heart of midfield at a host of Premier League clubs.
During his time at Newcastle he was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the league and, although his career has taken a rather bizarre trajectory over recent years, a fit and hungry Yohan Cabaye could give teams, especially those who will be likely battling for survival, some much needed top-flight experience in the centre of the park.
Claudio Marchisio
After a stunning spell with Serie A giants Juventus, Marchiso made the move to Russia and Zenit last season but things never really worked out, the player couldn’t settle, and his contract was terminated after just 10 months.
On the look out for a new challenge, the 7-time Italian league winner has the game to suit the EPL and at just 33, as a certain Mr Pirlo showed, Italian midfielders with that sort of quality on the ball age like a fine wine.
