Sydney FC pulled off the most unbelievable signing in A-League history last week when it signed Italian and Juventus legend Alessando del Piero to a two-year deal.
With the hype of the Del Piero signing still on a high, Newcastle Jets yesterday came out and announced they had captured the signature of 62-time England international, and internet sensation, Emile Heskey.
The two strikers were on the free-agent list after leaving Juventus and Aston Villa respectively at the end of last season. So, who else is on that list that may be of interest to some A-League clubs? Take a look at who we’ve found.
Michael Ballack:
The 35-year-old former German international is without a club after his two-year deal at Bayer Leverkusen ran out in June. Ballack has played at the highest level for Bayern Munich and Chelsea, and has also competed in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup’s along with the Euro Championship’s in 2000, 2004 and 2008. The midfielder has won countless club and individual awards and would undoubtedly create even more interest around the league. It was reported by SBS yesterday that Western Sydney Wanderers are in talks with Ballack, but with their five visa spots already filled, it’s hard to see how that would work.
Juan Roman Riquelme:
This one may be a bit far fetched, but Juan Roman Riquelme is also on the free-agent list after leaving Boca Juniors after their Copa Libertadores final loss against Santos recently. The Argentinean is a living legend at La Bombonera, and it was a shock to see him depart. Riquleme began his club career Boca, before moving to Barcelona and then Villareal. But it’s noted that Riquelme disliked being away from Argentina, and that was a big factor in his move back to Boca in 2008. He has rejected big-money deals from Brazilian clubs and even a possible return to Boca. Riquelme has hinted he wants to play on, so I see no reason why an A-League club should not have a crack.
Owen Hargreaves:
Also known as the man with glass for bones, Owen Hargreaves has had an incredibly difficult career. Shot down by injuries on so many occasions, we were never able to see his best week in week out for Bayern Munich and more notably Manchester United. Hargreaves signed with Manchester City at the beginning of last season, but once again injuries limited him to make only one appearance for the season. With his injury history clubs have been reluctant to sign him, but would an A-League side consider giving it a punt? There is no doubt about his talent, it’s purely a question of ‘can he stay fit?’
Royston Drenthe:
Now this is a surprising one. Dutch winger Royston Drenthe is somehow without a club. The 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan with Everton from Real Madrid, left the Spanish club after his contract expired at the end of June. After making 21 appearances and scoring three goals for the Toffee’s last season, it’s a big surprise to see him still without a club. At his age, a move to the A-League may be a little far fetched, but definitely not out of the question. Have a go, someone.
Michel Salgado:
While he may not be the biggest and most recognised name, you can’t argue with his statistics. Salgado made over 250 appearances for some club called Real Madrid over a span of 10 years. Not bad hey? The right-back moved to Blackburn Rovers in 2009 and made another 60 appearances, but was not offered a renewal at the end of the season. He would be a handy addition to any A-League side, pending he’s within their financial bracket.
Other noteable free-agents:
Nigel Reo-Coker (28)
James McFadden (29)
Fabio Grosso (34)
Did we miss any free-agents who should be on the list? Let us know.
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