Good players whose contracts expire in 2018 or 19

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Good players whose contracts expire in 2018 or 19

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mattteo 11 Mar 18 9.32am
Players who could improve Palace's squad. I mostly provide young players, up to 25 years, in this topic, but a few others slightly older too. Contracts expiring means they'd cost very little. Of course, they would come depending on whether or not the club stays in the PL. Examples of recent players brought in are Izquierdo and Mounie, who have done a great season in Brighton and Huddersfield, of course Mahrez in Leicester, Choupo-Moting in Stoke. IN THE NETHERLANDS: Mustafa Saymak, 25 yo, 1,80 in height, central-attacking midfielder, Dutch-Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? Because he has become accustomed to playing as a central midfielder lately, though he possesses incredible skills. Could be very similar to Kante. Something like Badou who went to Stoke, except that you don't have to pay any money for him. 18 goals and 4 assists in his last 4700 minutes in the Eredivisie. Ayoub Yassin, 24 yo, 1,74, central midfielder or left midfielder, left footed, Dutch-Moroccan, contract expires in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? Cause 12 goals and 16 assists in 5400 minutes in the Eredivisie, many as defensive midfielder. Kristoffer Peterson, 23 yo, 1,80, winger, Swedish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Because 11 goals and 10 assists in his last 400 minutes in the Eredivisie. Simon Gustafson, 23 yo, 1,85, central midfielder- attacking midfielder, Swedish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Feyenoord) [Link] Why? Because he did a great job in Feyenoord's title winning team from last year but isn't given credit. 10 goals and 10 assists in 3200 minutes. Plays a lot as a central midfielder too, but can play on the wing, as he is left footed. Mimoun Mahi, 23 yo, 1,81, winger-striker, Dutch-Moroccan, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Because 29 goals and 8 assists in 4700 minutes!! Ismail Azzaoui, 20 yo, 1,77, winger, Belgian-Moroccan, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Wolfsburg) [Link] Why? Because 3 goals and 5 assists while on loan in the Eredivisie in 900 minutess. Reports of how Tottenham let him go for just 1 million have begun to appear: [Link] Santiago Arias, 25 yo, 1,77, right back, Colombian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 3 goals and 5 assists this season from right back position and previous good seasons as well. Arber Zeneli, 23 yo, 1,76, winger, Swedish-Kosovar, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 9 goals and 9 assists in his last 3500 minutes. Angelino, 21 yo, 1,75, left back, Spanish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Man City) [Link] Why? Cause great breakthrough season for a left back: 2 goals and 4 assists. Sheraldo Becker, 23 yo, 1,80, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 9 goals and 13 assists in 5200 minutes. Not amazing, but not bad for a 23 yo. Dabney dos Santos, 21 yo, 1,76, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 10 goals and 17 assists in 4600 minutes, great for a 21 yo!! Loris Brogno, 25 yo, 1,78, winger, left footed, Belgian-Italian, contract expiring NOW in 2018 [Link] Why? Cause amazing for a small team like Sparta Rotterdam: 9 goals and 9 assists in 2600 minutes in the Eredivisie!! 16 goals and 10 assists in 2800 minutes in the Dutch second division before that. Jorn Vancamp, 19 yo, 1,86, center forward, Belgian, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Anderlecht) [Link] Why? Because 4 goals and 2 assists in 800 minutes in the Eredivisie in his debut season. Previously did great in the UEFA Youth Champions League for Anderlecht U19s. But I doubt Anderlecht wants to use him for its first team. Donis Avdijaj, 21 yo, 1,72, winger- forward, German-Kosovar, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Schalke who don't want him) [Link] Why? Because he is the most prolific player German youth championships have ever given. 76 goals and 19 assists in just 4900 minutes, unmatched! Was on loan in Austria and did ok, 9 goals and 10 assists in 2700 minutes for Sturm Gratz. Has just arrived on loan at Roda (played 4 matches), is in no way guilty that they're rock bottom in the Eredivisie. They will probably not have the money for him if they go down. IN LIGUE 1: Rafael, 27 yo, 1,72, right back, Brazilian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? We all know him, a really hard working right back, good on the offensive too. Would be a massive improvement to sign him up instead of prlonguing Ward's contract. Rafael and Wan Bissaka competing for the right back position next seasons...think about that! Unlikely that le'll want to leave a team as good as Lyon but if they won't make the Champions League groups, they'll have to cut back on the losses and let some high rollers go. He's PL proven and he might want to come back. Money will make the difference in this case eventually. And PL teams have that advantage on teams from other leagues. Adama Niane, 24 yo, 1,83, center forward, Malian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause good Ligue 2 last season with 23 goals and 5 assists in 2400 minutes (though 7 were penalty goals). Not bad in Ligue 1 either for a first season, with 5 goals and 3 assists in 1600 minutes. Gael Kakuta, 26 yo, 1,73, winger, left footed, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Chinese club) [Link] Why? Cause 12 goals and 12 assists in France and Spain in his last 5800 minutes (toughest leagues). He cost the Chinese 5 million, so they'd want smtg for his final year of contract, but the Chinese give up on very large sums of money. He's doing well in low level Amiens this year, helping them to stay up, but I doubt they'll settle with the Chinese. Samuel Grandsir (it means Great Sir! ), 21 yo, 1,68 (but very strong, very well built), winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 2 goals and 6 assists in 2000 minutes in his debut Ligue 1 season. Yannis Salibur, 27 yo, 1,77, left footed, winger, French, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Because 18 goals and 13 assists for a team like Guingamp in 5700 minutes in Ligue 1. There was a lot of talk about PL teams last year, seems to have died down. Jonathan Bamba, 22 yo in a few days, 1,75, winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? Because 9 goals and 8 assists in 2800 minutes in Ligue 1. There are ongoing talks to sing him for Palace as far as I know. Nicolas Benezet, 27 yo, 1,70, winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? A relatively obscure player not many people know about. He would be worth all the money: 11 goals and 9 assists in his last 3500 minutes in Ligue 1. Had a big injury 2 years ago, but I think he has fully recovered cause he is back to playing well. IN SWITZERLAND: Cedric Itten, 21 yo, 1,89, center forward, Swiss, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Because 22 goals and assists in 3000 minutes in the Swiss Super League at his age. IN BELGIUM: Cristian Benavente, 23 yo, 1,73, winger, left footed, Peruvian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 14 goals and 6 assists in 3000 minutes in Belgium. Will probably make the World Cup squad for Peru. Abdoulay Diaby, 26 yo, 1,73, center forward or winger, left footed, Malian, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? Well, this one is a little trickier because I don;t really think he could adapt to English football. He is a prolific goalscorer for Brugge, but he just doesn't "bleed" for the team. His playing style is with a smile on his lips. Still, perhaps someone can have a bettr advised opinion than my own: 27 goals and 12 assists in 4300 minutes (mostly as center forward). Theo Bongonda, 22yo, 1,77, winger, left footed, Belgian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Celta Vigo) [Link] Why? Celta considered that Bongonda should get playing time. He hasn't gotten this in Trabzonspor, where he was first loaned. I know, you'll say "How could a player who wasn't able to get playing time in Trabzonspor play in the Premier League?" But football in Turkey is something very hard to understand. They're doing things very hastily, they don't make long term plans and there are a lot of groups of interests (like agents or club presidents) there which pressure the managers to play the players which they want to promote. So, even though Trabzonspor is a rich club, it is somewhat unprofessional. I don't judge Bongonda by not playing there, I judge him by what he did while playing: 4 goals and 5 assists in La Liga in 3500 minutes. Now, now, I Know it's little, but..in Cup competitions he has often faced top tier teams: 1 goal and 2 assists against Valencia in march 2017 1 assist against Sevilla 1 assist against Manchester United in the Europa League That's a total of 5 goals and 9 assists in 4300 minutes. One in 300 minutes over a long period AT TOP TIER. Not bad for a 21 year old player. IN GERMANY: Mark Uth, 26 yo, 1,85, forward, contract until summer of 2018 (now- slim chance as he's very well seen in Germany and has offers, but PL money might do the trick, it's worth a shot at least) [Link] Why? 25 goals and 8 assists in 4300 minutes in the Bundesliga, awesome feats! Patrick Herrmann, 27 yo, 1,79, winger, German, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 15 goals and 11 assists in his last 4400 Bundesliga minutes. has had a bad last season, but I think he will recover. Could be a good time to get him in as suitors will not accept giving him time to get back on track. Very technical player too, would be adequate replacement for someone like Zaha. Or competition. Branimir Hrgota, 25 yo, 1,85, center forward or winger, left footed, Swedish, contract expires in 2019 (they don't use him at all, I wouldn't be surprised if they let him on a free) [Link] Why? Cause 9 goals in the Bundesliga, 2 in the Cup against a Bundesliga team-Werder and 8 in the Europa League against tough opponents (19 in total)+ 8 assists in just 4000 minutes. Marius Wolf, 22 yo, 1,87, winger, German, contract expiring NOW in 2018 [Link] Why? Cause he has had an extraordinary breakthrough season, with 4 goals and 6 assists in 1700 minutes in the Bundesliga. He's probably happy now in Eintracht Frankfurt and they will make him another offer, but if some other teams comes with a bigger salary proposition.....you never know, he might take the money. Milos Jojic, 25 yo, 1,77, winger, attacking midfielder or central midfielder, Serbian, contract expires in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? FC Koln is going down, but is wasn't anywhere Jovic's fault. He always did his job: 8 goals and 8 assists in 2900 minutes, many as central midfielder. Joel Pohjanpalo, 23 yo, 1,85, center forward, Finnish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (but they might let him go on a free as Leverkusen doesn't use him at all) [Link] Why? Cause 7 goals in 200 minutes for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (you read right, 200 minutes!). And before that 13 goals and 3 assists in 3200 minutes in the 2.Bundesliga (not amazing, but take into consideration that he was a 20-21 yo player). Felix Passlack, 19 yo, 1,70(still growing!), right wingback, German, contract until summer of 2019 (belongs to Borussia Dortmund) [Link] Why? Cause fantastic in the German youth championships at a very young age: 42 goals and 39 assists until the age of 18. Yes, most of these were as right midfielder, but in the recent years he has only played as right back. And with good results (goal and asist in the Champions League and the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund in 950 minutes). Deserves more recognition, he's a more talented Wan-Bissaka (not that Wan-Bissaka is not good, but getting Passlack for cheap would be a dream) IN SPAIN: Munir El-Haddadi, 22 yo, 1,75, striker or winger, left footed, Spanish, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Barcelona) [Link] Why? Cause 15 goals and 9 assists in his last 3900 minutes against La Liga teams. Still, would be kind of hard for such a technical, but firave player, to adapt to the PL. Ibai Gomez, 28 yo, 1,78, winger, Spanish, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 10 goals and 8 assists in his last 3600 minutes in La Liga. Keeps Alaves alive along with El Haddadi, Guidetti and Pedraza (a good, pretty young attack). Daniel Wass, 28 yo, 1,78, central or attacking midfielder, Danish, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause reasons!! One of the best midfielders in Spain: 9 goals and 17 assists in 7200 minutes. Jairo Samperio, 24 yo, 1,73, winger, Spanish, contract expires in summer of 2018, NOW [Link] Why? Cause 11 goals and 14 assists in 4400 minutes in the Bundesliga for Mainz. Used to be Mainz's best player, but I don't know whathappened, had a falling out with the management and they stopped playing him much (there wasn't any serious injury). He went to Las Palmas on a contract until the end of the season, but as they're probably going to get relegated, he'll not stay there after the summer.It's not his fault they're getting relegated, he has just arriver in the winter. Michael Olunga, soon to be 24 yo, 1,90, centre forward, Kenyan, contract expires in summer of 2019 (belongs to Chinese side Guizhou) [Link] Why? Cause 14 goals and 4 assists in 2500 minutes in Sweden and China (he never took penalties). 3 goals and 1 assist in 300 minutes in La Liga for Girona, that's the rate you'd love to see on a backup striker. 6 goals and 2 assists in 1100 minutes i the national team too, very hard to score for Kenya against other African teams. IN RUSSIA: Fedor Smolov, 28 yo, 1,87, center forward, Russian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 50 goals (7 penalties) and 12 assists in 5700 minutes in Russia. He is Russia national team's starting striker. here was a lot of talk about him coming to the PL this window (West Ham I think), but he didn't want to play a defensive style of football. It's normal, he wants to go to a big team, but none from the top 6 will have him. Might come (if you pay him big) IN ITALY: Remo Freuler, 26 yo, 1, 81, central midfielder, Swiss, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Just one of the best central midfielders in the world! 6 goals and 3 assists in the Serie A only until now and the season is not over! 5 goals and 4 assists in last year's Serie A so he has continuity. Also good seasons before that in Switzerland. Bryan Cristante, 23yo, 1,86, central midfielder, Italian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Benfica) [Link] Why? He's one of the best central midfielders in Europe. Grantly, he plays in a 3-4-3 formation, allowing him to get closer to the opposite goal, but still: 13 goals and 4 assists in the last 2 seasons in 4200 minutes is an impressive feat. No doubt Atalanta will try to sign him for good, but they don't have the financial power of a PL team. Samuel Gustafson, 23 yo, 1,87, central midfielder, Swedish, contract expires now in 2018 from parent club Torino [Link] Why? He was very good in his home country, that's why Torino paid to get him in 2016. He's the twin brother of the player from Roda in the Netherlands (also on this list, also central midfielder!!). In Sweden he provided 6 goals and 11 assists in 3400 minutes as a central midfielder. In Italy he got almost no playing time in the Serie A, played mostly in Cup competitions and the Serie B, with 1 assist in 650 minutes. Still, free player, is worth a shot. IN PORTUGAL: Ola John, 25 yo, 1,79, Dutch, winger, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (Benfica) [Link] Why? 11 goals and 18 assists in the last 5700 minutes for Benfica, Hamburg, Reading, Wolverhampton and Deportivo la Coruna in the last years. Benfica doesn;t use him anymore, they promote other players. He's not bad though. Before those stats he had 9 goals and 21 assists in 1 season for Twente in the Netherlands and the Europa League in 3400 minutes. Rafa Soares, 22 yo, 1,78, left back, Portuguese, contract expiring in summer of 2018, NOW. [Link] Why? Cause 4 goals and 10 assists in 4200 minutes in Portugal, as a left back. Raised by FC Porto, didn;t have room to play because of Layun (best assister in Portugal 2 seasons ago) and Alex Telles recently (best left back in Portugal), went on loan to Academica Coimbra and Rio Ave, then at Fulham, but they didn't use him. He is now at Portimonense in the Portuguese first league, but only with a contract until the summer. Hernani, 26 yo, 1,80, winger, left footed, Portuguese, contract expiring in 2019. [Link] Why? Cause awesomeness! 8 goals and 6 assists in 1800 in the Portuguese league last year (was on loan from Porto at Victoria Guimaraes and was the best winger in the league). 4 goals and 6 assists in 600 minutes in the Greek Super League for Olympiakos the year before that. Porto now has him, but rarely uses him. Will not prolongue his contract. IN TURKEY: Oghuzan Ozyakup, 25 yo, 1,80, central midfielder, Turkish-Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Was raised by Arsenal and they were supposedly thinking of getting him back after his impressive Besiktas title winning campaigns: 16 goals and 22 assists in his last 7200 minutes, most as central midfielder. Tolga Cigerci, 1,85, central midfielder, Turkish-German, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? 6 goals from central midfield in 3900 minutes in Turkey and in the Bundesliga for Galatasaray and Hertha. Other goals from left midfield too, but I'm only counting the ones from central midfield. Elvis Manu, 24 yo, 1,78, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? 20 goals and 8 assists in 4550 minutes in the Eredivisie and Europe for Feyenoord, Brighton in the Championship and Genclerbirligi in Turkey. Gencler is a really small team, he desn't really have who to play with there. Ozgur Cek, 27 yo, 1,73, left back, Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Originally a left winger, he has converted to left fullback, with good results in the Turkish Super Lig: 5 goals and assists in 1300 minutes. His team (Rizespor) was relegated though and he now finds himself in the Turkish second division, but continues to be prolific: 7 goals and assists in 1200 minutes (they're in first position). A cheap option and one that would require special authorization (cause he is not in their national team), but one to think about. Thievy Bifouma, 25 yo, 1,80, winger or center forward, French-Congolese, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? 16 goals and 8 assists in 6000 minutes in La Liga (Granada), Ligue 1 (Bastia), Turkish Super Lig (Osmanlispor and Sivasspor). Not great, but not terrible. Also, 10 goals and 4 assists for a lowly team like Congo at national team level (no, not that DR Congo with the good players, the other one!) Sinan Gumus, 24 yo, 1,70, winger, left footed, Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause he's one of the best substitues ever! 15 goals and 7 assists 1600 minutes for Galatasaray against top league Turkish teams. Benfica wanted him last summer on a free. Stayed with Galata, was hardly played, but slowly gets himself into the team. He'd leave if promised more playing time (which he deserves) Emre Akbaba, 25 yo, 1,80, attacking midfielder, Turkish-French, contractexpiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 15 goals and 13 assists in 5000 minutes. IN CHINA: Fernandinho, 24 yo, 1,74, left footed, winger, Brazilian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] No, not that Fernandinho from Man City (!). I usually don't trust players from leagues like this one, but Fernandinho is one I've followed for a long time. Chinese clubs usually ask for a lot of money, but this club he;s playing in (Chongqing Lifan) is a minor club. With 1 year left of contract, he could go cheap. 19 goals and 20 assists in 6300 minutes. Yes, it's China level, but not many wingers there have these many goals and assists. And the ones that do can't be brought in. OTHERS: Emil Salomonsson, Swedish right back of soon to be 29 yo, wonderful player so far, kind of old at 29, but I'd still rather have him than Ward any day: 5 goals and 17 assists in 7700 minutes from right back position in his country. [Link] Lucas Zelaryan, Argentinian of 25 playing in Mexico, very good attacking midfielder or left winger [Link] Julian Quinones, center forward of only 20, also in Mexico (not the best in the world, but to get such a player free of contract at just 20 years of age....) [Link] Marlone, 25 yo winger from Brazil's Serie A [Link] Fernando Karanga, soon to be 27 yo Bulgarian-Brazilian center forward who has stormed the Bulgarian league. Yes, low level, but still....better than Benteke )) [Link] Ferhan Hasani, 27 yo Macedonian attacking midfielder or winger (formerly of Wolfsburg), has set some real records in his country's league (low level competition, but he's quality, so he can improve a team like Palace) [Link] Sugimoto, 25 yo center forward from Japan [Link] Caio, soon to be 24 yo Brazilian winger from the big money UAE Gulf League (you'd think the level is low, but this player is at a totally different standard, has also been great in Japan) [Link] Jefferson Savarino, 20 yo Venezuelan, new sensation of his country's football, did amazing for his age in the MLS too, one of the best prospects in football [Link] Cristian Palacios, 27 yo Uruguayan center forward. I can't tell you more except that this guy is phenomenal!! He has a ratio of goals and assist better than 1 in 100 minutes. He desreves European football. [Link] Stuart Armstrong, 25 yo central or attacking midfielder from Celtic, a real gem [Link] Aleksandr Katai, 27 yo Winger or attacking midfielder from Serbia, did great in his own country, not bad for Alaves (3 goals and 3 assists in 800 minutes), but they loaned him out to the MLS [Link] Gaston Rodriguez, Uruguayan of 25, capable to play both as center forward and as left winger, left footed [Link] Khama Billiat, 27 yo Zimbabwean, has been the best striker in South Africa for years now and maybe the best striker still playing in the African continent. [Link] Kevin Mohwald, 24 yo German attacking midfielde, in the 2.Bundesliga, has had a real explosion in the last years (though he didn't seem great in the youth championships). Maybe he just needed to grow up [Link] Salim Khelifi, 24 yo Swiss winger (despite the name) also in the 2.Bundesliga [Link] Philip Heise, 26 yo very good German left back in the 2.Bundesliga [Link] Aleksandr Kokorin, 26 yo very strong and hard working Russian center forward or winger [Link] Mauricio Pereyra, soon to be 28 yo central or attacking midfielder, Uruguayan but plays in Russia for FC Krasnodar [Link] Facundo Ferreyra, 27 yo Argentinian center forward playing for Shakhtar Donesk [Link] Markus Henriksen, Norwegian, 25 yo central midfielder playing for Hull in the Championship [Link] Mushaga Bakenga, 25 yo Norwegian with great statistics: 46 goals and 17 assists in 8300 minutes. He deserved more playing time than what was given to him. [Link] And also, the striker Casimir Ninga from Montpellier, although not exactly finishing his contract before the summer of 2020, I think this would be a good time to sign him for multiple reasons: 1. They bought him for only 75k!!! Yes, that's right, he came directly from Gabon and made it in Ligue 1, France's top tier. With that much paid for him, they wouldn't ask for gazzillions when they sell (shouldn't anyway) 2. He's having a somewhat weak season: 2 goals in 1000 minutes. 2 other goals in the Cup against Lorient, but Lorient is a Ligue 2 team now (though they could bounce right back). It would be a good time to buy him. 3. But how has he proven himself? Let's compare him to Karl Toko Ekambi, who Palace and many other teams are chasing and who is doing wonders this season in Ligue 1 for Angers. Both are prtty much the same age (Ninga is turning 25 now in March, Ekambi will turn 26 in September) Ninga- 14 goals and 6 assists in 3500 minutes against Ligue 1 teams Ekambi- 19 goals and 9 assists in 4800 minutes Pretty much similar numbers, but Angers are asking around 10 million for Ekambi, while Ninga costs 2 million, maybe 3 at most. Ekambi's advantage is that he's on the rise, but quality wise....it's hard to tell. Coming into a new team would be a new start for either of them. Of course, there are also players like Bernard from Sakhtar Donesk who will be free of contract in the summer, but he's going to another level (probably a top 6 team from the PL) Just think about how good these low cost players above would be, just considering that Bournemouth paid 18 million for a player like Jordon Ibe!! And these players cost between a few hundred to a few million (all of them, cause they have only months left on their contracts) Edited by mattteo (22 Apr 2018 4.47pm)
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mattteo

11 Mar 18 9.32am

Players who could improve Palace's squad. I mostly provide young players, up to 25 years, in this topic, but a few others slightly older too. Contracts expiring means they'd cost very little. Of course, they would come depending on whether or not the club stays in the PL. Examples of recent players brought in are Izquierdo and Mounie, who have done a great season in Brighton and Huddersfield, of course Mahrez in Leicester, Choupo-Moting in Stoke.

IN THE NETHERLANDS:

Mustafa Saymak, 25 yo, 1,80 in height, central-attacking midfielder, Dutch-Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2018

[Link]
Why? Because he has become accustomed to playing as a central midfielder lately, though he possesses incredible skills. Could be very similar to Kante. Something like Badou who went to Stoke, except that you don't have to pay any money for him. 18 goals and 4 assists in his last 4700 minutes in the Eredivisie.

Ayoub Yassin, 24 yo, 1,74, central midfielder or left midfielder, left footed, Dutch-Moroccan, contract expires in summer of 2018

[Link]
Why? Cause 12 goals and 16 assists in 5400 minutes in the Eredivisie, many as defensive midfielder.

Kristoffer Peterson, 23 yo, 1,80, winger, Swedish, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Because 11 goals and 10 assists in his last 400 minutes in the Eredivisie.

Simon Gustafson, 23 yo, 1,85, central midfielder- attacking midfielder, Swedish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Feyenoord)

[Link]
Why? Because he did a great job in Feyenoord's title winning team from last year but isn't given credit. 10 goals and 10 assists in 3200 minutes. Plays a lot as a central midfielder too, but can play on the wing, as he is left footed.

Mimoun Mahi, 23 yo, 1,81, winger-striker, Dutch-Moroccan, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Because 29 goals and 8 assists in 4700 minutes!!

Ismail Azzaoui, 20 yo, 1,77, winger, Belgian-Moroccan, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Wolfsburg)

[Link]
Why? Because 3 goals and 5 assists while on loan in the Eredivisie in 900 minutess. Reports of how Tottenham let him go for just 1 million have begun to appear: [Link]

Santiago Arias, 25 yo, 1,77, right back, Colombian, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 3 goals and 5 assists this season from right back position and previous good seasons as well.

Arber Zeneli, 23 yo, 1,76, winger, Swedish-Kosovar, contract expiring in 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 9 goals and 9 assists in his last 3500 minutes.

Angelino, 21 yo, 1,75, left back, Spanish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Man City)

[Link]
Why? Cause great breakthrough season for a left back: 2 goals and 4 assists.

Sheraldo Becker, 23 yo, 1,80, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 9 goals and 13 assists in 5200 minutes. Not amazing, but not bad for a 23 yo.

Dabney dos Santos, 21 yo, 1,76, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 10 goals and 17 assists in 4600 minutes, great for a 21 yo!!

Loris Brogno, 25 yo, 1,78, winger, left footed, Belgian-Italian, contract expiring NOW in 2018

[Link]
Why? Cause amazing for a small team like Sparta Rotterdam: 9 goals and 9 assists in 2600 minutes in the Eredivisie!! 16 goals and 10 assists in 2800 minutes in the Dutch second division before that.

Jorn Vancamp, 19 yo, 1,86, center forward, Belgian, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Anderlecht)

[Link]
Why? Because 4 goals and 2 assists in 800 minutes in the Eredivisie in his debut season. Previously did great in the UEFA Youth Champions League for Anderlecht U19s. But I doubt Anderlecht wants to use him for its first team.

Donis Avdijaj, 21 yo, 1,72, winger- forward, German-Kosovar, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Schalke who don't want him)

[Link]
Why? Because he is the most prolific player German youth championships have ever given. 76 goals and 19 assists in just 4900 minutes, unmatched! Was on loan in Austria and did ok, 9 goals and 10 assists in 2700 minutes for Sturm Gratz. Has just arrived on loan at Roda (played 4 matches), is in no way guilty that they're rock bottom in the Eredivisie. They will probably not have the money for him if they go down.

IN LIGUE 1:

Rafael, 27 yo, 1,72, right back, Brazilian, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? We all know him, a really hard working right back, good on the offensive too. Would be a massive improvement to sign him up instead of prlonguing Ward's contract. Rafael and Wan Bissaka competing for the right back position next seasons...think about that! Unlikely that le'll want to leave a team as good as Lyon but if they won't make the Champions League groups, they'll have to cut back on the losses and let some high rollers go. He's PL proven and he might want to come back. Money will make the difference in this case eventually. And PL teams have that advantage on teams from other leagues.

Adama Niane, 24 yo, 1,83, center forward, Malian, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause good Ligue 2 last season with 23 goals and 5 assists in 2400 minutes (though 7 were penalty goals). Not bad in Ligue 1 either for a first season, with 5 goals and 3 assists in 1600 minutes.

Gael Kakuta, 26 yo, 1,73, winger, left footed, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Chinese club)

[Link]
Why? Cause 12 goals and 12 assists in France and Spain in his last 5800 minutes (toughest leagues). He cost the Chinese 5 million, so they'd want smtg for his final year of contract, but the Chinese give up on very large sums of money. He's doing well in low level Amiens this year, helping them to stay up, but I doubt they'll settle with the Chinese.

Samuel Grandsir (it means Great Sir! ), 21 yo, 1,68 (but very strong, very well built), winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 2 goals and 6 assists in 2000 minutes in his debut Ligue 1 season.

Yannis Salibur, 27 yo, 1,77, left footed, winger, French, contract expiring in 2019

[Link]
Why? Because 18 goals and 13 assists for a team like Guingamp in 5700 minutes in Ligue 1. There was a lot of talk about PL teams last year, seems to have died down.

Jonathan Bamba, 22 yo in a few days, 1,75, winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2018

[Link]
Why? Because 9 goals and 8 assists in 2800 minutes in Ligue 1. There are ongoing talks to sing him for Palace as far as I know.

Nicolas Benezet, 27 yo, 1,70, winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? A relatively obscure player not many people know about. He would be worth all the money: 11 goals and 9 assists in his last 3500 minutes in Ligue 1. Had a big injury 2 years ago, but I think he has fully recovered cause he is back to playing well.

IN SWITZERLAND:

Cedric Itten, 21 yo, 1,89, center forward, Swiss, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Because 22 goals and assists in 3000 minutes in the Swiss Super League at his age.

IN BELGIUM:

Cristian Benavente, 23 yo, 1,73, winger, left footed, Peruvian, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 14 goals and 6 assists in 3000 minutes in Belgium. Will probably make the World Cup squad for Peru.

Abdoulay Diaby, 26 yo, 1,73, center forward or winger, left footed, Malian, contract expiring in summer of 2018

[Link]
Why? Well, this one is a little trickier because I don;t really think he could adapt to English football. He is a prolific goalscorer for Brugge, but he just doesn't "bleed" for the team. His playing style is with a smile on his lips. Still, perhaps someone can have a bettr advised opinion than my own: 27 goals and 12 assists in 4300 minutes (mostly as center forward).

Theo Bongonda, 22yo, 1,77, winger, left footed, Belgian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Celta Vigo)

[Link]
Why? Celta considered that Bongonda should get playing time. He hasn't gotten this in Trabzonspor, where he was first loaned. I know, you'll say "How could a player who wasn't able to get playing time in Trabzonspor play in the Premier League?" But football in Turkey is something very hard to understand. They're doing things very hastily, they don't make long term plans and there are a lot of groups of interests (like agents or club presidents) there which pressure the managers to play the players which they want to promote. So, even though Trabzonspor is a rich club, it is somewhat unprofessional. I don't judge Bongonda by not playing there, I judge him by what he did while playing:
4 goals and 5 assists in La Liga in 3500 minutes.
Now, now, I Know it's little, but..in Cup competitions he has often faced top tier teams:
1 goal and 2 assists against Valencia in march 2017
1 assist against Sevilla
1 assist against Manchester United in the Europa League
That's a total of 5 goals and 9 assists in 4300 minutes. One in 300 minutes over a long period AT TOP TIER. Not bad for a 21 year old player.

IN GERMANY:

Mark Uth, 26 yo, 1,85, forward, contract until summer of 2018 (now- slim chance as he's very well seen in Germany and has offers, but PL money might do the trick, it's worth a shot at least)

[Link]
Why? 25 goals and 8 assists in 4300 minutes in the Bundesliga, awesome feats!

Patrick Herrmann, 27 yo, 1,79, winger, German, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 15 goals and 11 assists in his last 4400 Bundesliga minutes. has had a bad last season, but I think he will recover. Could be a good time to get him in as suitors will not accept giving him time to get back on track. Very technical player too, would be adequate replacement for someone like Zaha. Or competition.

Branimir Hrgota, 25 yo, 1,85, center forward or winger, left footed, Swedish, contract expires in 2019 (they don't use him at all, I wouldn't be surprised if they let him on a free)

[Link]
Why? Cause 9 goals in the Bundesliga, 2 in the Cup against a Bundesliga team-Werder and 8 in the Europa League against tough opponents (19 in total)+ 8 assists in just 4000 minutes.

Marius Wolf, 22 yo, 1,87, winger, German, contract expiring NOW in 2018

[Link]
Why? Cause he has had an extraordinary breakthrough season, with 4 goals and 6 assists in 1700 minutes in the Bundesliga. He's probably happy now in Eintracht Frankfurt and they will make him another offer, but if some other teams comes with a bigger salary proposition.....you never know, he might take the money.

Milos Jojic, 25 yo, 1,77, winger, attacking midfielder or central midfielder, Serbian, contract expires in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? FC Koln is going down, but is wasn't anywhere Jovic's fault. He always did his job: 8 goals and 8 assists in 2900 minutes, many as central midfielder.

Joel Pohjanpalo, 23 yo, 1,85, center forward, Finnish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (but they might let him go on a free as Leverkusen doesn't use him at all)

[Link]
Why? Cause 7 goals in 200 minutes for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (you read right, 200 minutes!). And before that 13 goals and 3 assists in 3200 minutes in the 2.Bundesliga (not amazing, but take into consideration that he was a 20-21 yo player).

Felix Passlack, 19 yo, 1,70(still growing!), right wingback, German, contract until summer of 2019 (belongs to Borussia Dortmund)

[Link]
Why? Cause fantastic in the German youth championships at a very young age: 42 goals and 39 assists until the age of 18. Yes, most of these were as right midfielder, but in the recent years he has only played as right back. And with good results (goal and asist in the Champions League and the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund in 950 minutes). Deserves more recognition, he's a more talented Wan-Bissaka (not that Wan-Bissaka is not good, but getting Passlack for cheap would be a dream)

IN SPAIN:

Munir El-Haddadi, 22 yo, 1,75, striker or winger, left footed, Spanish, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Barcelona)

[Link]
Why? Cause 15 goals and 9 assists in his last 3900 minutes against La Liga teams. Still, would be kind of hard for such a technical, but firave player, to adapt to the PL.

Ibai Gomez, 28 yo, 1,78, winger, Spanish, contract expiring in 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 10 goals and 8 assists in his last 3600 minutes in La Liga. Keeps Alaves alive along with El Haddadi, Guidetti and Pedraza (a good, pretty young attack).

Daniel Wass, 28 yo, 1,78, central or attacking midfielder, Danish, contract expiring in 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause reasons!! One of the best midfielders in Spain: 9 goals and 17 assists in 7200 minutes.

Jairo Samperio, 24 yo, 1,73, winger, Spanish, contract expires in summer of 2018, NOW

[Link]
Why? Cause 11 goals and 14 assists in 4400 minutes in the Bundesliga for Mainz. Used to be Mainz's best player, but I don't know whathappened, had a falling out with the management and they stopped playing him much (there wasn't any serious injury). He went to Las Palmas on a contract until the end of the season, but as they're probably going to get relegated, he'll not stay there after the summer.It's not his fault they're getting relegated, he has just arriver in the winter.

Michael Olunga, soon to be 24 yo, 1,90, centre forward, Kenyan, contract expires in summer of 2019 (belongs to Chinese side Guizhou)

[Link]
Why? Cause 14 goals and 4 assists in 2500 minutes in Sweden and China (he never took penalties). 3 goals and 1 assist in 300 minutes in La Liga for Girona, that's the rate you'd love to see on a backup striker. 6 goals and 2 assists in 1100 minutes i the national team too, very hard to score for Kenya against other African teams.

IN RUSSIA:

Fedor Smolov, 28 yo, 1,87, center forward, Russian, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 50 goals (7 penalties) and 12 assists in 5700 minutes in Russia. He is Russia national team's starting striker. here was a lot of talk about him coming to the PL this window (West Ham I think), but he didn't want to play a defensive style of football. It's normal, he wants to go to a big team, but none from the top 6 will have him. Might come (if you pay him big)

IN ITALY:

Remo Freuler, 26 yo, 1, 81, central midfielder, Swiss, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Just one of the best central midfielders in the world! 6 goals and 3 assists in the Serie A only until now and the season is not over! 5 goals and 4 assists in last year's Serie A so he has continuity. Also good seasons before that in Switzerland.

Bryan Cristante, 23yo, 1,86, central midfielder, Italian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Benfica)

[Link]
Why? He's one of the best central midfielders in Europe. Grantly, he plays in a 3-4-3 formation, allowing him to get closer to the opposite goal, but still: 13 goals and 4 assists in the last 2 seasons in 4200 minutes is an impressive feat. No doubt Atalanta will try to sign him for good, but they don't have the financial power of a PL team.

Samuel Gustafson, 23 yo, 1,87, central midfielder, Swedish, contract expires now in 2018 from parent club Torino

[Link]
Why? He was very good in his home country, that's why Torino paid to get him in 2016. He's the twin brother of the player from Roda in the Netherlands (also on this list, also central midfielder!!). In Sweden he provided 6 goals and 11 assists in 3400 minutes as a central midfielder. In Italy he got almost no playing time in the Serie A, played mostly in Cup competitions and the Serie B, with 1 assist in 650 minutes. Still, free player, is worth a shot.

IN PORTUGAL:

Ola John, 25 yo, 1,79, Dutch, winger, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (Benfica)

[Link]
Why? 11 goals and 18 assists in the last 5700 minutes for Benfica, Hamburg, Reading, Wolverhampton and Deportivo la Coruna in the last years. Benfica doesn;t use him anymore, they promote other players. He's not bad though. Before those stats he had 9 goals and 21 assists in 1 season for Twente in the Netherlands and the Europa League in 3400 minutes.

Rafa Soares, 22 yo, 1,78, left back, Portuguese, contract expiring in summer of 2018, NOW.

[Link]
Why? Cause 4 goals and 10 assists in 4200 minutes in Portugal, as a left back. Raised by FC Porto, didn;t have room to play because of Layun (best assister in Portugal 2 seasons ago) and Alex Telles recently (best left back in Portugal), went on loan to Academica Coimbra and Rio Ave, then at Fulham, but they didn't use him. He is now at Portimonense in the Portuguese first league, but only with a contract until the summer.

Hernani, 26 yo, 1,80, winger, left footed, Portuguese, contract expiring in 2019.

[Link]
Why? Cause awesomeness! 8 goals and 6 assists in 1800 in the Portuguese league last year (was on loan from Porto at Victoria Guimaraes and was the best winger in the league). 4 goals and 6 assists in 600 minutes in the Greek Super League for Olympiakos the year before that. Porto now has him, but rarely uses him. Will not prolongue his contract.

IN TURKEY:

Oghuzan Ozyakup, 25 yo, 1,80, central midfielder, Turkish-Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2018

[Link]
Was raised by Arsenal and they were supposedly thinking of getting him back after his impressive Besiktas title winning campaigns: 16 goals and 22 assists in his last 7200 minutes, most as central midfielder.

Tolga Cigerci, 1,85, central midfielder, Turkish-German, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? 6 goals from central midfield in 3900 minutes in Turkey and in the Bundesliga for Galatasaray and Hertha. Other goals from left midfield too, but I'm only counting the ones from central midfield.

Elvis Manu, 24 yo, 1,78, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? 20 goals and 8 assists in 4550 minutes in the Eredivisie and Europe for Feyenoord, Brighton in the Championship and Genclerbirligi in Turkey. Gencler is a really small team, he desn't really have who to play with there.

Ozgur Cek, 27 yo, 1,73, left back, Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Originally a left winger, he has converted to left fullback, with good results in the Turkish Super Lig: 5 goals and assists in 1300 minutes. His team (Rizespor) was relegated though and he now finds himself in the Turkish second division, but continues to be prolific: 7 goals and assists in 1200 minutes (they're in first position). A cheap option and one that would require special authorization (cause he is not in their national team), but one to think about.

Thievy Bifouma, 25 yo, 1,80, winger or center forward, French-Congolese, contract expiring in summer of 2018

[Link]
Why? 16 goals and 8 assists in 6000 minutes in La Liga (Granada), Ligue 1 (Bastia), Turkish Super Lig (Osmanlispor and Sivasspor). Not great, but not terrible. Also, 10 goals and 4 assists for a lowly team like Congo at national team level (no, not that DR Congo with the good players, the other one!)

Sinan Gumus, 24 yo, 1,70, winger, left footed, Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause he's one of the best substitues ever! 15 goals and 7 assists 1600 minutes for Galatasaray against top league Turkish teams. Benfica wanted him last summer on a free. Stayed with Galata, was hardly played, but slowly gets himself into the team. He'd leave if promised more playing time (which he deserves)

Emre Akbaba, 25 yo, 1,80, attacking midfielder, Turkish-French, contractexpiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
Why? Cause 15 goals and 13 assists in 5000 minutes.

IN CHINA:

Fernandinho, 24 yo, 1,74, left footed, winger, Brazilian, contract expiring in summer of 2019

[Link]
No, not that Fernandinho from Man City (!). I usually don't trust players from leagues like this one, but Fernandinho is one I've followed for a long time. Chinese clubs usually ask for a lot of money, but this club he;s playing in (Chongqing Lifan) is a minor club. With 1 year left of contract, he could go cheap. 19 goals and 20 assists in 6300 minutes. Yes, it's China level, but not many wingers there have these many goals and assists. And the ones that do can't be brought in.

OTHERS:

Emil Salomonsson, Swedish right back of soon to be 29 yo, wonderful player so far, kind of old at 29, but I'd still rather have him than Ward any day: 5 goals and 17 assists in 7700 minutes from right back position in his country.
[Link]

Lucas Zelaryan, Argentinian of 25 playing in Mexico, very good attacking midfielder or left winger
[Link]

Julian Quinones, center forward of only 20, also in Mexico (not the best in the world, but to get such a player free of contract at just 20 years of age....)
[Link]

Marlone, 25 yo winger from Brazil's Serie A
[Link]

Fernando Karanga, soon to be 27 yo Bulgarian-Brazilian center forward who has stormed the Bulgarian league. Yes, low level, but still....better than Benteke ))
[Link]

Ferhan Hasani, 27 yo Macedonian attacking midfielder or winger (formerly of Wolfsburg), has set some real records in his country's league (low level competition, but he's quality, so he can improve a team like Palace)
[Link]

Sugimoto, 25 yo center forward from Japan
[Link]

Caio, soon to be 24 yo Brazilian winger from the big money UAE Gulf League (you'd think the level is low, but this player is at a totally different standard, has also been great in Japan)
[Link]

Jefferson Savarino, 20 yo Venezuelan, new sensation of his country's football, did amazing for his age in the MLS too, one of the best prospects in football
[Link]

Cristian Palacios, 27 yo Uruguayan center forward. I can't tell you more except that this guy is phenomenal!! He has a ratio of goals and assist better than 1 in 100 minutes. He desreves European football.
[Link]

Stuart Armstrong, 25 yo central or attacking midfielder from Celtic, a real gem
[Link]

Aleksandr Katai, 27 yo Winger or attacking midfielder from Serbia, did great in his own country, not bad for Alaves (3 goals and 3 assists in 800 minutes), but they loaned him out to the MLS
[Link]

Gaston Rodriguez, Uruguayan of 25, capable to play both as center forward and as left winger, left footed
[Link]

Khama Billiat, 27 yo Zimbabwean, has been the best striker in South Africa for years now and maybe the best striker still playing in the African continent.
[Link]

Kevin Mohwald, 24 yo German attacking midfielde, in the 2.Bundesliga, has had a real explosion in the last years (though he didn't seem great in the youth championships). Maybe he just needed to grow up
[Link]

Salim Khelifi, 24 yo Swiss winger (despite the name) also in the 2.Bundesliga
[Link]

Philip Heise, 26 yo very good German left back in the 2.Bundesliga
[Link]

Aleksandr Kokorin, 26 yo very strong and hard working Russian center forward or winger
[Link]

Mauricio Pereyra, soon to be 28 yo central or attacking midfielder, Uruguayan but plays in Russia for FC Krasnodar

[Link]

Facundo Ferreyra, 27 yo Argentinian center forward playing for Shakhtar Donesk
[Link]

Markus Henriksen, Norwegian, 25 yo central midfielder playing for Hull in the Championship
[Link]

Mushaga Bakenga, 25 yo Norwegian with great statistics: 46 goals and 17 assists in 8300 minutes. He deserved more playing time than what was given to him.
[Link]

And also, the striker Casimir Ninga from Montpellier, although not exactly finishing his contract before the summer of 2020, I think this would be a good time to sign him for multiple reasons:
1. They bought him for only 75k!!! Yes, that's right, he came directly from Gabon and made it in Ligue 1, France's top tier. With that much paid for him, they wouldn't ask for gazzillions when they sell (shouldn't anyway)
2. He's having a somewhat weak season: 2 goals in 1000 minutes. 2 other goals in the Cup against Lorient, but Lorient is a Ligue 2 team now (though they could bounce right back). It would be a good time to buy him.
3. But how has he proven himself? Let's compare him to Karl Toko Ekambi, who Palace and many other teams are chasing and who is doing wonders this season in Ligue 1 for Angers. Both are prtty much the same age (Ninga is turning 25 now in March, Ekambi will turn 26 in September)
Ninga- 14 goals and 6 assists in 3500 minutes against Ligue 1 teams
Ekambi- 19 goals and 9 assists in 4800 minutes

Pretty much similar numbers, but Angers are asking around 10 million for Ekambi, while Ninga costs 2 million, maybe 3 at most. Ekambi's advantage is that he's on the rise, but quality wise....it's hard to tell. Coming into a new team would be a new start for either of them.

Of course, there are also players like Bernard from Sakhtar Donesk who will be free of contract in the summer, but he's going to another level (probably a top 6 team from the PL)

Just think about how good these low cost players above would be, just considering that Bournemouth paid 18 million for a player like Jordon Ibe!! And these players cost between a few hundred to a few million (all of them, cause they have only months left on their contracts)

Edited by mattteo (22 Apr 2018 4.47pm)

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dp Tunbridge Wells 11 Mar 18 4.21pm
Originally posted by mattteo Players who could improve Palace's squad. I mostly provide young players, up to 25 years, in this topic, but a few others slightly older too. Contracts expiring means they'd cost very little. Of course, they would come depending on whether or not the club stays in the PL. Examples of recent players brought in are Izquierdo and Mounie, who have done a great season in Brighton and Huddersfield, of course Mahrez in Leicester, Choupo-Moting in Stoke. IN THE NETHERLANDS: Mustafa Saymak, 25 yo, 1,80 in height, central-attacking midfielder, Dutch-Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? Because he has become accustomed to playing as a central midfielder lately, though he possesses incredible skills. Could be very similar to Kante. Something like Badou who went to Stoke, except that you don't have to pay any money for him. 18 goals and 4 assists in his last 4700 minutes in the Eredivisie. Kristoffer Peterson, 23 yo, 1,80, winger, Swedish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Because 11 goals and 10 assists in his last 400 minutes in the Eredivisie. Simon Gustafson, 23 yo, 1,85, central midfielder- attacking midfielder, Swedish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Feyenoord) [Link] Why? Because he did a great job in Feyenoord's title winning team from last year but isn't given credit. 10 goals and 10 assists in 3200 minutes. Plays a lot as a central midfielder too, but can play on the wing, as he is left footed. Mimoun Mahi, 23 yo, 1,81, winger-striker, Dutch-Moroccan, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Because 29 goals and 8 assists in 4700 minutes!! Ismail Azzaoui, 20 yo, 1,77, winger, Belgian-Moroccan, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Wolfsburg) [Link] Why? Because 3 goals and 5 assists while on loan in the Eredivisie in 900 minutess. Reports of how Tottenham let him go for just 1 million have begun to appear: [Link] Santiago Arias, 25 yo, 1,77, right back, Colombian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 3 goals and 5 assists this season from right back position and previous good seasons as well. Arber Zeneli, 23 yo, 1,76, winger, Swedish-Kosovar, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 9 goals and 9 assists in his last 3500 minutes. Angelino, 21 yo, 1,75, left back, Spanish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Man City) [Link] Why? Cause great breakthrough season for a left back: 2 goals and 4 assists. Sheraldo Becker, 23 yo, 1,80, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 9 goals and 13 assists in 5200 minutes. Not amazing, but not bad for a 23 yo. Dabney dos Santos, 21 yo, 1,76, winger, Dutch, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 10 goals and 17 assists in 4600 minutes, great for a 21 yo!! Loris Brogno, 25 yo, 1,78, winger, left footed, Belgian-Italian, contract expiring NOW in 2018 [Link] Why? Cause amazing for a small team like Sparta Rotterdam: 9 goals and 9 assists in 2600 minutes in the Eredivisie!! 16 goals and 10 assists in 2800 minutes in the Dutch second division before that. Jorn Vancamp, 19 yo, 1,86, center forward, Belgian, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Anderlecht) [Link] Why? Because 4 goals and 2 assists in 800 minutes in the Eredivisie in his debut season. Previously did great in the UEFA Youth Champions League for Anderlecht U19s. But I doubt Anderlecht wants to use him for its first team. Donis Avdijaj, 21 yo, 1,72, winger- forward, German-Kosovar, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Schalke who don't want him) [Link] Why? Because he is the most prolific player German youth championships have ever given. 76 goals and 19 assists in just 4900 minutes, unmatched! Was on loan in Austria and did ok, 9 goals and 10 assists in 2700 minutes for Sturm Gratz. Has just arrived on loan at Roda (played 4 matches), is in no way guilty that they're rock bottom in the Eredivisie. They will probably not have the money for him if they go down. IN LIGUE 1: Adama Niane, 24 yo, 1,83, center forward, Malian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause good Ligue 2 last season with 23 goals and 5 assists in 2400 minutes (though 7 were penalty goals). Not bad in Ligue 1 either for a first season, with 5 goals and 3 assists in 1600 minutes. Gael Kakuta, 26 yo, 1,73, winger, left footed, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Chinese club) [Link] Why? Cause 12 goals and 12 assists in France and Spain in his last 5800 minutes (toughest leagues). He cost the Chinese 5 million, so they'd want smtg for his final year of contract, but the Chinese give up on very large sums of money. He's doing well in low level Amiens this year, helping them to stay up, but I doubt they'll settle with the Chinese. Samuel Grandsir (it means Great Sir! ), 21 yo, 1,68 (but very strong, very well built), winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 2 goals and 6 assists in 2000 minutes in his debut Ligue 1 season. Yannis Salibur, 27 yo, 1,77, left footed, winger, French, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Because 18 goals and 13 assists for a team like Guingamp in 5700 minutes in Ligue 1. There was a lot of talk about PL teams last year, seems to have died down. Jonathan Bamba, 22 yo in a few days, 1,75, winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? Because 9 goals and 8 assists in 2800 minutes in Ligue 1. There are ongoing talks to sing him for Palace as far as I know. Nicolas Benezet, 27 yo, 1,70, winger, French, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? A relatively obscure player not many people know about. He would be worth all the money: 11 goals and 9 assists in his last 3500 minutes in Ligue 1. Had a big injury 2 years ago, but I think he has fully recovered cause he is back to playing well. IN SWITZERLAND: Cedric Itten, 21 yo, 1,89, center forward, Swiss, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Because 22 goals and assists in 3000 minutes in the Swiss Super League at his age. IN BELGIUM: Cristian Benavente, 23 yo, 1,73, winger, left footed, Peruvian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 14 goals and 6 assists in 3000 minutes in Belgium. Will probably make the World Cup squad for Peru. Abdoulay Diaby, 26 yo, 1,73, center forward or winger, left footed, Malian, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? Well, this one is a little trickier because I don;t really think he could adapt to English football. He is a prolific goalscorer for Brugge, but he just doesn't "bleed" for the team. His playing style is with a smile on his lips. Still, perhaps someone can have a bettr advised opinion than my own: 27 goals and 12 assists in 4300 minutes (mostly as center forward). Theo Bongonda, 22yo, 1,77, winger, left footed, Belgian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (belongs to Celta Vigo) [Link] Why? Celta considered that Bongonda should get playing time. He hasn't gotten this in Trabzonspor, where he was first loaned. I know, you'll say "How could a player who wasn't able to get playing time in Trabzonspor play in the Premier League?" But football in Turkey is something very hard to understand. They're doing things very hastily, they don't make long term plans and there are a lot of groups of interests (like agents or club presidents) there which pressure the managers to play the players which they want to promote. So, even though Trabzonspor is a rich club, it is somewhat unprofessional. I don't judge Bongonda by not playing there, I judge him by what he did while playing: 4 goals and 5 assists in La Liga in 3500 minutes. Now, now, I Know it's little, but..in Cup competitions he has often faced top tier teams: 1 goal and 2 assists against Valencia in march 2017 1 assist against Sevilla 1 assist against Manchester United in the Europa League That's a total of 5 goals and 9 assists in 4300 minutes. One in 300 minutes over a long period AT TOP TIER. Not bad for a 21 year old player. IN GERMANY: Patrick Herrmann, 27 yo, 1,79, winger, German, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 15 goals and 11 assists in his last 4400 Bundesliga minutes. has had a bad last season, but I think he will recover. Could be a good time to get him in as suitors will not accept giving him time to get back on track. Very technical player too, would be adequate replacement for someone like Zaha. Or competition. Branimir Hrgota, 25 yo, 1,85, center forward or winger, left footed, Swedish, contract expires in 2019 (they don't use him at all, I wouldn't be surprised if they let him on a free) [Link] Why? Cause 9 goals in the Bundesliga, 2 in the Cup against a Bundesliga team-Werder and 8 in the Europa League against tough opponents (19 in total)+ 8 assists in just 4000 minutes. Marius Wolf, 22 yo, 1,87, winger, German, contract expiring NOW in 2018 [Link] Why? Cause he has had an extraordinary breakthrough season, with 4 goals and 6 assists in 1700 minutes in the Bundesliga. He's probably happy now in Eintracht Frankfurt and they will make him another offer, but if some other teams comes with a bigger salary proposition.....you never know, he might take the money. Milos Jojic, 25 yo, 1,77, winger, attacking midfielder or central midfielder, Serbian, contract expires in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? FC Koln is going down, but is wasn't anywhere Jovic's fault. He always did his job: 8 goals and 8 assists in 2900 minutes, many as central midfielder. Joel Pohjanpalo, 23 yo, 1,85, center forward, Finnish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 (but they might let him go on a free as Leverkusen doesn't use him at all) [Link] Why? Cause 7 goals in 200 minutes for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (you read right, 200 minutes!). And before that 13 goals and 3 assists in 3200 minutes in the 2.Bundesliga (not amazing, but take into consideration that he was a 20-21 yo player). Felix Passlack, 19 yo, 1,70(still growing!), right wingback, German, contract until summer of 2019 (belongs to Borussia Dortmund) [Link] Why? Cause fantastic in the German youth championships at a very young age: 42 goals and 39 assists until the age of 18. Yes, most of these were as right midfielder, but in the recent years he has only played as right back. And with good results (goal and asist in the Champions League and the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund in 950 minutes). Deserves more recognition, he's a more talented Wan-Bissaka (not that Wan-Bissaka is not good, but getting Passlack for cheap would be a dream) IN SPAIN: Munir El-Haddadi, 22 yo, 1,75, striker or winger, left footed, Spanish, contract expiring in 2019 (belongs to Barcelona) [Link] Why? Cause 15 goals and 9 assists in his last 3900 minutes against La Liga teams. Still, would be kind of hard for such a technical, but firave player, to adapt to the PL. Ibai Gomez, 28 yo, 1,78, winger, Spanish, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 10 goals and 8 assists in his last 3600 minutes in La Liga. Keeps Alaves alive along with El Haddadi, Guidetti and Pedraza (a good, pretty young attack). Daniel Wass, 28 yo, 1,78, central or attacking midfielder, Danish, contract expiring in 2019 [Link] Why? Cause reasons!! One of the best midfielders in Spain: 9 goals and 17 assists in 7200 minutes. Jairo Samperio, 24 yo, 1,73, winger, Spanish, contract expires in summer of 2018, NOW [Link] Why? Cause 11 goals and 14 assists in 4400 minutes in the Bundesliga for Mainz. Used to be Mainz's best player, but I don't know whathappened, had a falling out with the management and they stopped playing him much (there wasn't any serious injury). He went to Las Palmas on a contract until the end of the season, but as they're probably going to get relegated, he'll not stay there after the summer.It's not his fault they're getting relegated, he has just arriver in the winter. IN RUSSIA: Fedor Smolov, 28 yo, 1,87, center forward, Russian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 50 goals (7 penalties) and 12 assists in 5700 minutes in Russia. He is Russia national team's starting striker. here was a lot of talk about him coming to the PL this window (West Ham I think), but he didn't want to play a defensive style of football. It's normal, he wants to go to a big team, but none from the top 6 will have him. Might come (if you pay him big) IN PORTUGAL: Rafa Soares, 22 yo, 1,78, left back, Portuguese, contract expiring in summer of 2018, NOW. [Link] Why? Cause 4 goals and 10 assists in 4200 minutes in Portugal, as a left back. Raised by FC Porto, didn;t have room to play because of Layun (best assister in Portugal 2 seasons ago) and Alex Telles recently (best left back in Portugal), went on loan to Academica Coimbra and Rio Ave, then at Fulham, but they didn't use him. He is now at Portimonense in the Portuguese first league, but only with a contract until the summer. Hernani, 26 yo, 1,80, winger, left footed, Portuguese, contract expiring in 2019. [Link] Why? Cause awesomeness! 8 goals and 6 assists in 1800 in the Portuguese league last year (was on loan from Porto at Victoria Guimaraes and was the best winger in the league). 4 goals and 6 assists in 600 minutes in the Greek Super League for Olympiakos the year before that. Porto now has him, but rarely uses him. Will not prolongue his contract. IN TURKEY: Oghuzan Ozyakup, 25 yo, 1,80, central midfielder, Turkish-Dutch, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Was raised by Arsenal and they were supposedly thinking of getting him back after his impressive Besiktas title winning campaigns: 16 goals and 22 assists in his last 7200 minutes, most as central midfielder. Ozgur Cek, 27 yo, 1,73, left back, Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Originally a left winger, he has converted to left fullback, with good results in the Turkish Super Lig: 5 goals and assists in 1300 minutes. His team (Rizespor) was relegated though and he now finds himself in the Turkish second division, but continues to be prolific: 7 goals and assists in 1200 minutes (they're in first position). A cheap option and one that would require special authorization (cause he is not in their national team), but one to think about. Thievy Bifouma, 25 yo, 1,80, winger or center forward, French-Congolese, contract expiring in summer of 2018 [Link] Why? 16 goals and 8 assists in 6000 minutes in La Liga (Granada), Ligue 1 (Bastia), Turkish Super Lig (Osmanlispor and Sivasspor). Not great, but not terrible. Also, 10 goals and 4 assists for a lowly team like Congo at national team level (no, not that DR Congo with the good players, the other one!) Sinan Gumus, 24 yo, 1,70, winger, left footed, Turkish, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause he's one of the best substitues ever! 15 goals and 7 assists 1600 minutes for Galatasaray against top league Turkish teams. Benfica wanted him last summer on a free. Stayed with Galata, was hardly played, but slowly gets himself into the team. He'd leave if promised more playing time (which he deserves) Emre Akbaba, 25 yo, 1,80, attacking midfielder, Turkish-French, contractexpiring in summer of 2019 [Link] Why? Cause 15 goals and 13 assists in 5000 minutes. IN CHINA: Fernandinho, 24 yo, 1,74, left footed, winger, Brazilian, contract expiring in summer of 2019 [Link] No, not that Fernandinho from Man City (!). I usually don't trust players from leagues like this one, but Fernandinho is one I've followed for a long time. Chinese clubs usually ask for a lot of money, but this club he;s playing in (Chongqing Lifan) is a minor club. With 1 year left of contract, he could go cheap. 19 goals and 20 assists in 6300 minutes. Yes, it's China level, but not many wingers there have these many goals and assists. And the ones that do can't be brought in. OTHERS: Lucas Zelaryan, Argentinian of 25 playing in Mexico, very good attacking midfielder or left winger [Link] Julian Quinones, center forward of only 20, also in Mexico (not the best in the world, but to get such a player free of contract at just 20 years of age....) [Link] Marlone, 25 yo winger from Brazil's Serie A [Link] Fernando Karanga, soon to be 27 yo Bulgarian-Brazilian center forward who has stormed the Bulgarian league. Yes, low level, but still....better than Benteke )) [Link] Ferhan Hasani, 27 yo Macedonian attacking midfielder or winger (formerly of Wolfsburg), has set some real records in his country's league (low level competition, but he's quality, so he can improve a team like Palace) [Link] Sugimoto, 25 yo center forward from Japan [Link] Caio, soon to be 24 yo Brazilian winger from the big money UAE Gulf League (you'd think the level is low, but this player is at a totally different standard, has also been great in Japan) [Link] Jefferson Savarino, 20 yo Venezuelan, new sensation of his country's football, did amazing for his age in the MLS too, one of the best prospects in football [Link] Cristian Palacios, 27 yo Uruguayan center forward. I can't tell you more except that this guy is phenomenal!! He has a ratio of goals and assist better than 1 in 100 minutes. He desreves European football. [Link] Stuart Armstrong, 25 yo central or attacking midfielder from Celtic, a real gem [Link] Aleksandr Katai, 27 yo Winger or attacking midfielder from Serbia, did great in his own country, not bad for Alaves (3 goals and 3 assists in 800 minutes), but they loaned him out to the MLS [Link] Gaston Rodriguez, Uruguayan of 25, capable to play both as center forward and as left winger, left footed [Link] Khama Billiat, 27 yo Zimbabwean, has been the best striker in South Africa for years now and maybe the best striker still playing in the African continent. [Link] Kevin Mohwald, 24 yo German attacking midfielde, in the 2.Bundesliga, has had a real explosion in the last years (though he didn't seem great in the youth championships). Maybe he just needed to grow up [Link] Salim Khelifi, 24 yo Swiss winger (despite the name) also in the 2.Bundesliga [Link] Philip Heise, 26 yo very good German left back in the 2.Bundesliga [Link] Aleksandr Kokorin, 26 yo very strong and hard working Russian center forward or winger [Link] Mauricio Pereyra, soon to be 28 yo central or attacking midfielder, Uruguayan but plays in Russia for FC Krasnodar [Link] Facundo Ferreyra, 27 yo Argentinian center forward playing for Shakhtar Donesk [Link] Markus Henriksen, Norwegian, 25 yo central midfielder playing for Hull in the Championship [Link] Mushaga Bakenga, 25 yo Norwegian with great statistics: 46 goals and 17 assists in 8300 minutes. He deserved more playing time than what was given to him. [Link] And also, the striker Casimir Ninga from Montpellier, although not exactly finishing his contract before the summer of 2020, I think this would be a good time to sign him for multiple reasons: 1. They bought him for only 75k!!! Yes, that's right, he came directly from Gabon and made it in Ligue 1, France's top tier. With that much paid for him, they wouldn't ask for gazzillions when they sell (shouldn't anyway) 2. He's having a somewhat weak season: 2 goals in 1000 minutes. 2 other goals in the Cup against Lorient, but Lorient is a Ligue 2 team now (though they could bounce right back). It would be a good time to buy him. 3. But how has he proven himself? Let's compare him to Karl Toko Ekambi, who Palace and many other teams are chasing and who is doing wonders this season in Ligue 1 for Angers. Both are prtty much the same age (Ninga is turning 25 now in March, Ekambi will turn 26 in September) Ninga- 14 goals and 6 assists in 3500 minutes against Ligue 1 teams Ekambi- 19 goals and 9 assists in 4800 minutes Pretty much similar numbers, but Angers are asking around 10 million for Ekambi, while Ninga costs 2 million, maybe 3 at most. Ekambi's advantage is that he's on the rise, but quality wise....it's hard to tell. Coming into a new team would be a new start for either of them. Of course, there are also players like Bernard from Sakhtar Donesk who will be free of contract in the summer, but he's going to another level (probably a top 6 team from the PL) Just think about how good these low cost players above would be, just considering that Bournemouth paid 18 million for a player like Jordon Ibe!! And these players cost between a few hundred to a few million (all of them, cause they have only months left on their contracts) Edited by mattteo (11 Mar 2018 2.31pm) Cool. That is quite a list. Is there any one you would rate over the rest?
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Tunbridge Wells 11 Mar 18 4.21pm

Originally posted by mattteo