Independent on Saturday

FIVE PLAYERS WHO NEED A TRANSFER TO REVIVE THEIR FLAGGING CAREERS

THERE are some players who simply need a transfer before the start of the next season so they can revive their careers while there is still time. Their clubs will also benefit by selling these misfits to bring in revenue, while making space within their squad for potential new recruits.

Anthony Martial

When Martial joined Manchester United in 2015, he was touted as a potential future Ballon d’Or contender. The Frenchman has shown glimpses of brilliance in his time at Old Trafford, but has not lived up to his potential. He even missed out on France’s 2018 World Cup winning squad, and it will be surprising if he makes the Les Bleus cut for the 2022 World Cup, barring a massive upsurge in form between now and that event.

Martial even spent the second half of last season on loan with Sevilla, but the La Liga club has opted to not sign him permanently.

Timo Werner

The German is yet another victim of the Chelsea striker curse, joining the likes of Alvaro Morata, Fernando Torres and Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea need a more prolific striker if they are to challenge for the league title, and after two seasons it’s safe to say that Werner will probably not score over 20 goals per season while he is on their books.

Thomas Tuchel may be better off deploying Kai Havertz as a false nine next season. Werner is a quality player, as was seen by his record for RB Leipzig in Germany, and he may be better off in a different environment.

Adama Traore

One of the most physically strong footballers around, Traore’s loan spell with Barcelona did not exactly go according to plan and he is now back at Wolves.

At 26, he is not a young player anymore and now needs to join a club where he can finally start achieving his true potential.

It will not be an entirely bad idea for a club playing in the Europa League or Champions League to take a gamble on the Spaniard.

He is capable of match-winning performances when on song and is blessed with pace.

Keylor Navas

Now 35, Navas is not exactly at a stage of his career where he should be playing second fiddle. With Gianluigi Donnarumma set to be PSG’s first-choice keeper from now, he will not usurp the Italian who is considerably younger .

Navas is still an elite keeper and he could still be an option for any club that is looking for an experienced and reliable shot-stopper between the sticks.

Samuel Umtiti

At one time hailed as one of the best defenders around, the Frenchman’s career has taken a massive downward spiral over the past four years. Some could even be forgiven for forgetting that he still plays football, currently at Barcelona.

At 28, Umtiti still has time to revive his career. He missed out on selection for France’s Euro squad and needs to be in a new environment if he wants to help his country defend their World Cup title in Qatar later this year.

METRO

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2022-07-02T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-07-02T07:00:00.0000000Z

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