Players from Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United feature on our list…
Owen Hargreaves
The Manchester City man’s move quite simply hasn’t worked out. It’s a shame, as at his best Hargreaves was an important England international, and was only just beginning his journey in English football when he got injured. He was released by Man United last summer, and rivals City tried to be clever by snapping him up on a free, but it hasn’t worked out. Perhaps it was worth the gamble, but City won’t be keeping him on at the end of the season, and he will have to consider retirement, or trying his luck elsewhere, perhaps at a lower level.
Abou Diaby
It is not Abou Diaby’s fault he has been so injury prone, but it is time for Arsenal to consider getting rid. Diaby is still only 25, but has barely played this season, and is again injured. Arsenal’s squad is expected to see new arrivals in the summer, which may make his progress even more difficult. When he returns to fitness, Diaby needs to play regular football to rebuld his career, and he is unlikely to get that at the Emirates. Perhaps a season long loan should be considered, but the option of cutting ties altogether should not be discounted.
Alan Smith
This one, like Hargreaves, is a near certainty. Smith is the second ex-Manchester United player on our list, who is still on Newcastle United’s books. He has been on loan at the MK Dons since January, and a career in the lower leagues beckons. His contract is up at the end of the season and Mike Ashley will not renew it. His time at Newcastle has been a real failure, suffering more bad injuries, but also unable to hold down a regular position. He should forget being a midfielder and go back to what he did best, being a striker.
William Gallas
Tottenham have a decision to make this summer with regards to their centre-backs. Either Ledley King or William Gallas are likely to be let go, but we feel keeping King on a pay-as-you-play deal might be a better option. Gallas is older, and has been an asset during his time at the club, but this summer is a good chance to move him on. Spurs have been linked with Jan Vertonghen, and already have Michael Dawson, Younes Kaboul plus young Brazilian Bruno Uvini waiting in the wings, so its time to say thank you but goodbye to Gallas.
Michael Owen
Sorry Michael, your time at Manchester United is up. It could still be that he comes on and scores a crucial goal in the title race, but even that will be unlikely to convince the club to keep him. Owen has had a couple of good moments at United, winner against City, hat-trick in Wolfsburg, but the majority of it has been spent sitting in the treatment room or on the bench. United will likely let him go in the summer, and there will of course be a number of clubs vying for his services. We still think he can do a job for a Premier League side, such as Aston Villa, but for United, he has had his chance.
Do you agree with these? Who else should be on our list?
image: © gordonflood.com
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
