The full-back could be an instant hit at Manchester United, Newcastle United, or Arsenal.
The Chelsea revolution is underway, again, as Roman Abramovich faces up to the rebuilding job at hand which was always going to take place this summer.
Now they are European Champions, they can take on the task with a more ruthless and confident edge. One of the players who has been told his contract won’t be renewed is Jose Bosingwa.
The Portuguese right-back’s name should stand out when clubs are looking at potential signings this summer, he was a cornerstone of Chelsea’s Champions League final victory, and their semi-final win in the Nou Camp.
He was instrumental in helping Chelsea keep a clean sheet in Munich, and filled in at centre-back in Barcelona.
Early in the season he had been criticised for his defensive lapses, but he showed when it mattered that he is more than capable.
Signed for £16.5 million by the Blues in 2008, he made over 100 appearances for Chelsea, scrring three times, figures which both could have been higher had he not sustained a bad knee injury in mid-2009 which kept him out of action for over a year. 42 of those appearances have taken place this season.
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At 29, he should present a bargain this summer, and if he stays in the Premier League then the very top clubs should consider coming calling for him.
Here are the three who should be taking a look at him.
Manchester United
It is common knowledge United are looking at a full-back, while they wait for Rafael da Silva to develop the defensive side of his game.
Bosingwa’s age, at 29, makes him a logical choice to provide his experience to the young Brazilian. Both are attacking full-backs, who would complement each other, even if one criticism could be that they are too similar.
United would still have Jones or Smalling to play there if they want to take a more defensive approach, but Bosingwa’s attacking play could balance the side excellently with Evra on the other side.
United have been linked with other right-backs, including Nathaniel Clyne and Mathieu Debuchy, both of who would cost money. Even though Clyne could join ‘for nothing’, his age means Crystal Palace would be owed compensation.
Bosingwa would demand a higher wage than the youngster, but he would bring experience, and present more balance to the squad, than replacing Rafael with another, more inexperienced, youngster.
Signing him for nothing would allow United to spend the cash which is available, on other areas of their squad, including the central midfield area which needs an overhaul, a striker, and even a left-back, plus Hazard if he chooses to sign.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have been linked with both Clyne and Debuchy, the right-backs also interesting Manchester United, as they look for a solution to the position next season.
This season the spot has been occupied by Danny Simpson, who is refusing to sign a new contract over a wage dispute.
Other options the club are exploring include moving Davide Santon to the right, but this would only leave the club needing to sign extra cover at left-back with Ryan Taylor the only real other option.
This is why Jose Bosingwa would be a far better solution. He would provide crucial European experience to the squad, who will embark on a Europa League adventure next season.
Signing Bosingwa would also be a statement of intent that Newcastle are here to stay as one of England’s top clubs, and having a Champions League winner in their ranks could attract more signings of a similar calibre.
We mustn’t forget the key attribute which Mike Ashley will love, he is free, and would surely be an instant upgrade to Simpson.
Arsenal
Bacary Sagna’s leg break against Norwich City at the end of the season should force Arsenal to strongly consider snapping up Bosingwa on a free transfer.
They are already reported to be looking at signing his Chelsea teammate Salomon Kalou, and skipping across London would save both having to uproot.
No return date has been set for Sagna, but even if everything goes smoothly without complication, he may not be seen until early October.
After a poor start last season, Arsenal will not want to take any chances this year, and Carl Jenkinson is the only specialist cover at right-back.
When both were injured in January, Arsenal fans will remember the disastrous effects of playing Johan Djourou in the position, and Bosingwa would be an instant solution.
Sagna may take longer than expected to return, and failing to act could be an error, especially when you consider he may not be able to slot back into playing week in week out right away.
When both are fit, Arsenal will have a squad with greater depth. This season having Bosingwa and Ivanovic available has been a blessing rather than a curse for Chelsea, giving them the ability to rotate and make different tactical decisions, and Arsenal could do with such a choice if they are serious about a title charge.
Would you like to see your club sign Bosingwa on a free?
image: © Julian Mason
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