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Clubs around the world have casting their eyes and flashing their chequebooks at this season’s in form Premier League players. Real Madrid have, in no uncertain terms, indicated that they would like to sign Sergio Aguero whilst Robin van Persie and Gareth Bale have been attracting attention like moths to a flame. Yet the reality for most clubs is somewhat less glamorous. Managers with less extravagant transfer funds are forced to look elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t bargains to be had. This season has seen a drop in form of previously championed players, all of whom should be available for a cut price.
Dimitar Berbatov
To say Berbatov has been underused this season would be an understatement. Last year’s top scorer in the league has grossly fallen out of favour due to the rise of Danny Welbeck and continued form of Rooney and Hernandez. None of this, however, should detract from his obvious worth to other clubs. United’s style of play has never centred on the 31 year old Bulgarian, to his detriment. Yet were a club to sign him and play to his strengths he would be a valuable asset. Berbatov’s contract is up at the end of the season but United have said they will activate a clause whereby an extra year can be added should they wish too. Even with his one year extension the former Tottenham man should be available for less than £10m. Not bad for one of the most technically brilliant players in the Premier League.
Didier Drogba
After his bout of malaria earlier in the season the Ivorian’s form dropped significantly. His 18-month tussle for a starting place with Fernando Torres has clearly impeded the form that could have stemmed from continuous playing time, but the 32 year old is far from finished as a player. Performances such as his against Spurs and Barcelona recently demonstrated that although he is not the player he was two years ago he is still a valuable asset. He could play a part in any Premier League side and his decision not to extend his contract beyond the summer should have many clubs worldwide sitting up and paying attention. Understandably his wages are thought to be a stumbling block – hence many tout him to move to the Far East for one last big contract. However, the opportunity to sign such an exceptional striker for free should not go unconsidered by English clubs. Considering his age many think such a move would be too risky, but you only need look at the continued success of Raul or Del Piero (both in their late thirties) to see that he could have three or four years left in him.
Adel Taarabt
It was widely thought that last year’s Championship player of the season, and the man who effectively won promotion for QPR single handed, would make a big money move to PSG last summer. But the transfer never materialised and the Moroccan midfielder has endured a tempestuous season with, arguably, more troughs than peaks. Until recently Taarabt had the record for the most shots attempted without scoring and he has, by and large, frustrated R’s fans. However, you have to remember that he is only 22 years old and he is still a long way from fulfilling his potential. His disappointing season will have lowered his price tag and, although it could be a gamble, there should be a few managers willing to try their hand at taming, and developing an unquestionable talent.
Andy Carroll
The most expensive English footballer in history, somehow you’d find it hard to believe that his price tag would be even half of what it was 18 months ago. Carroll, despite scoring two vital goals recently, has had a torrid season. Goals have been hard to come by, as has a place in the starting eleven. His partnership with Suarez has never really materialised and he has divided opinion on Merseyside. However, that doesn’t mean that we should forget why he was originally signed by Liverpool. Yes: he is a threat in the air, but he is also so much more than that. When he is on form he can hold up the ball well, has good technique and an unrivalled physical presence. It may have only been one game, but if you think back to Carroll’s England debut you could even argue that he performs much better when you play the ball to his feet, not in the air. This could also suggest why he has underperformed at Liverpool. Carroll has the potential to play for a top club; maybe Liverpool just isn’t the place for him. A change of manager, team-mates and environment could be the catalyst needed to regain both his form and confidence. Whether Liverpool’s owners are ready to give up on the former Newcastle man is unclear.
Fernando Torres
I must admit that I was disappointed to see Torres start scoring again this season, purely for selfish reasons. Firstly I don’t support Chelsea, but secondly because if he had failed to regain any kind of form it would have been plausible for Chelsea to try and offload him for a reasonable price in the summer. This of course is still a possibility, the price might just be a little higher. Nonetheless, you would imagine that were he to be sold it would be for around half of what Chelsea paid Liverpool. Anyone who claims that Torres is finished as a top striker should hold their judgement for another a year at least. The former Liverpool man is only 28. Moreover, whilst his goal-scoring tally has been unimpressive since he moved to west London some of his build up play has been as impressive as it ever was at Liverpool. It’s easy to discount the Spaniard, a British transfer record, but this is a player who, only a few years ago, came third in the Ballon D’or. Should Abramovich decide in the summer that he has run out of patience with Torres, it would be hard to imagine a more gifted striker for sale at a better price anywhere in the world.
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