Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,158,297 members, 7,836,297 topics. Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2024 at 03:37 AM

Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can - Sports - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can (524 Views)

Yağmur Aşık, Wife Of Emre Aşık Paid Hitman $1.3m To Kill Him / Fernando Torres Retires From Football After 6-1 Final Match Loss In Japan(Photos / Fernando Torres In Uyo For Atletico VS Super Eagles (Photos) (2) (3) (4)

(1) (Reply) (Go Down)

Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:07am On May 17, 2018
With the football season winding down, attention is set to turn to the summer transfer market and all the big money wheeling and dealing.

The Premier League's transfer window is now officially open, while it's June 9 for France, July 1 for Italy and Germany, and July 2 for Spain.

As always, there is a selection of elite players who are now out of contract and whose future remains up in the air.

We take a look at some of the leading players across Europe on the look-out for a new challenge in the weeks ahead.


GOALKEEPER
Pepe Reina (Napoli)

The veteran Spanish goalkeeper has kept 18 clean sheets in 36 league matches as Napoli have mounted their most sustained crack at the Scudetto in several years.

Ultimately, it proved in vain as Juventus secured their seventh successive title last weekend, but Reina, 35, emerged with his personal reputation enhanced.

Out of contract at the end of the season, it looks likely he'll make the move to Milan but nothing has been confirmed as yet.

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by Cadec007(m): 11:10am On May 17, 2018
make i park my mustang here, oya op kwantinue
Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:11am On May 17, 2018
DEFENCE
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

Regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation, Chiellini is, at the age of 33, entering the twilight of his top-level career. Or is he?

Though his Juventus contract is about to expire, he could yet remain at the Italian champions or could well find himself at another of Europe's leading lights. He has been linked with Chelsea this season.

Chiellini, who has played 38 matches this season, shows little sign of slowing down and he will be hoping to sign a contract extension after 470 matches and 13 years at Juve.

1 Like

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:12am On May 17, 2018
Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)

The other half of Juve's formidable central defensive partnership, 37-year-old Barzagli has been in talks over a new contract since January.

Though all likelihood is that he will sign in the end, Juve have been surprisingly content to allow his deal to tick down in such a way.

Barzagli has been involved in 37 matches for Juventus this season, proving that ageing legs aren't much of a hindrance as yet.

1 Like

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:13am On May 17, 2018
Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus)

Completing a Juventus defensive trio is left-back Asamoah, whose current deal is also about to expire.

The 29-year-old Ghanaian, who has had limited Serie A and Champions League appearances this season, has been linked to Inter Milan in Italy, as well as Premier League sides Everton and Tottenham.

Asamoah has played it cool all season, insisting he hasn't been thinking about his contract, but decision time is fast approaching.

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:14am On May 17, 2018
MIDFIELD
Emre Can (Liverpool)

Sticking with the Juventus theme, the Italian champions have been heavily-linked with Can, who looks set to depart Anfield after four seasons.

Any potential deal for the 24-year-old German midfielder is likely to be confirmed after Liverpool's Champions League final against Real Madrid on Saturday week.

Can suffered a blow when he was left out of Germany's World Cup squad this week but that will at least keep his mind clear to make the right move.

1 Like

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:14am On May 17, 2018
Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United)

After five years at Manchester United, the love-him or hate-him figure of Fellaini looks likely to be moving on this summer.

An injury-plagued season has meant a continuation of his bit-part role at Old Trafford, though Jose Mourinho does seem to want to keep hold of the Belgian.

However, Fellaini has been outspoken in his annoyance that United didn't offer him a contract extension sooner and Milan are among the interested parties.

1 Like

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:15am On May 17, 2018
Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace)

The French midfielder, 32, played his part in lifting Crystal Palace from relegation certainties to Premier League survivors, but is out of contract next month.

Though he is expected to hold talks with the club over extending his three-year stay at Selhurst Park, Cabaye could be tempted by a new challenge elsewhere.

Palace, for their part, are keen to tie him down before offers come in given his important role in Palace's survival under Roy Hodgson.

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:16am On May 17, 2018
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Wilshere has enjoyed a very good season, staying injury-free and showing glimpses of his best form when playing for Arsenal, mainly in their EFL Cup and Europa League runs.

Despite such a disrupted career, the 26-year-old still has plenty to offer but it remains to be seen whether that will come at the Emirates or elsewhere.

The Gunners have offered Wilshere a deal on reduced terms, but he may be tempted by the promise of more regular football at somewhere like Everton or Wolves.

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:17am On May 17, 2018
Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

The Ivorian midfielder leaves a shining legacy at Manchester City as he bids farewell following seven seasons and three Premier League titles.

Though 35, there are many who believe Toure could still perform in the Premier League and there are certain to be offers.

But with probably just a couple of years left in him, Toure could seek one final hurrah in Major League Soccer or the Chinese Super League.

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by Cadec007(m): 11:18am On May 17, 2018
nice piece next
Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:18am On May 17, 2018
FORWARDS
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)

It's been a frustrating campaign for Torres, who has scored just eight goals for Atletico Madrid despite 44 - predominantly substitute - appearances in all competitions.

With a real struggle for game time on his hands, the 34-year-old looks certain to leave and pursue a fresh challenge.

At least he ends his time at Atletico on a high note after making a late cameo in Wednesday night's Europa League final win over Marseille.

1 Like

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by oluwafemme129(m): 11:19am On May 17, 2018
Mario Balotelli (Nice)

Balotelli has enjoyed two revitalising years on the south coast of France, scoring 26 goals in 37 games over the last season and steering largely clear of controversy.

But the Italian looks likely to move on as his contract expires and, despite all the baggage, there probably won't be any shortage of interest.

Balotelli will be available on a free transfer from July 1 so brace yourself.

1 Like

Re: Out Of Contract XI: Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres, Jack Wilshere And Emre Can by Cadec007(m): 11:27am On May 17, 2018
hmmm

(1) (Reply)

Rice Law Is A Common Sense In The Abe Administration / Manchester United To Join FA Women's Championship / Derby County Announces Frank Lampard As Manager

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 51
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.