After spending last season on loan to French club Lille, Joe Cole was hoping that he would be able to prove himself at Liverpool under new manager Brendan Rodgers but after the Reds’ activity in the transfer market, the 30-year-old faces yet more frustration on the sidelines. We look at seven options for the player who joined Liverpool on a free from Chelsea in 2010.
West Ham United
It has been rumoured that Sam Allardyce and West Ham have shown an interest in bringing their former captain back home to Upton Park, nine years after he left for Chelsea as they try to strengthen their ranks in order to avoid a return back to the Championship. Allardyce has recently brought in winger Matt Jarvis from Wolves but is still keen to add more class to his squad before the end of the transfer window and Cole could be just the man.
Fulham
If a move back to East London is not possible then how about a move to the West side of the capital and Fulham? The Cottagers have accepted a bid from Tottenham for Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele and it is expected that Clint Dempsey will also be gone before too long, leaving the club a little short on the creative front. After losing the experienced head of Danny Murphy after he joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers, Joe Cole could be just the player to pull the strings in Martin Jol’s midfield.
Aston Villa
Paul Lambert’s side claimed there first win of the season last night after beating League One side Tranmere Rovers 3-0 at Villa Park in the second round of the League Cup. There is however, a lot of work still to be done as the former Norwich City manager aims to heal the scars left by previous Villa boss, Alex McLeish. With Marc Albrighton out until the end of October with a foot injury and fellow midfielder Gary Gardner ruled out for eight or nine months anterior cruciate ligament injury, an attacking midfielder like Cole could be just what the doctor ordered.
Reading
Joe Cole was linked with a move to the Royals during the summer as the club prepared for life back in the top flight after a two-year absence. Reading have started this season in the Premier League with a 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City before giving a credible performance in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of European Champions Chelsea. Experienced players at any promoted club are paramount to their chances of staying in the league and it is this and the creative style of Joe Cole that would be beneficial for Brian McDermott’s side.
Lille
After such a successful spell at the Ligue 1 club last season where Cole scored nine goals and made six assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, Lille manager Rudi Garcia spoke of his desire to keep the play-maker at the club – however, this was not to be after new Kop boss, Rodgers wanted him to return to Anfield. During his time in France, Cole recaptured the form which once made him the most highly-praised midfielders in the country. A move back across the channel could be the best destination for a player who felt so at home during his time there.
Major League Soccer
Cole may feel his time in England is up so perhaps a move to America could be on the cards. Many players have moved to the States from the Premier League but not only those heading towards the end of their careers. Most recently, Tim Cahill signed for the New York Red Bulls from Everton – many were surprised by this move as they thought the midfielder still had a lot to offer the Premier League but this speaks volumes for the up and coming MLS.
And lastly… Liverpool
The midfielder could still yet choose to stay at Anfield and fight for his place in the squad. Already, Lucas Leiva has returned to the treatment room with a thigh injury and has been ruled out for two to three months, opening the door slightly for Cole as the midfield get shifted around to fill the gap. Like every Liverpool manager before him, the pressure will be on Rodgers to turn things around at the club and if things don’t improve then he could be forced to try something different and play the former England star. We all know about Rodgers’ passing philosophy so surely Cole wouldn’t have any problems fitting into it, if given the right number of opportunities.
What do you think the best option for Joe Cole is?
image: © k1ngk0ng
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