At the end of every season, several players are let go from their clubs. Some because of constant injuries, some no longer fit with the club’s mentality, and others simply because they didn’t perform.
Here are a few summer 2016 free agents who could bounce back and revitalize their careers once they find a new home.
1. Emmanuel Adebayor
Remember when Adebayor was a beast? At least in FIFA, he was. Nevertheless, this is a player who was good enough to merit transfers and spells at clubs like Monaco, Arsenal, Manchester City, and even Real Madrid.
Now, the striker who was once an expensive scorer apparently isn’t even good enough to play for Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace. The 32-year-old saw his contract waste away and vanish without even a consideration for an extension with Crystal Palace.
He finished his six months under Pardew scoring one goal in fifteen matches.
So why is he on this list?
Adebayor is here because, despite his latest struggles, he still has the tools he had during his prime.
He is still 6'4", he is still strong, and if he lands in a place with a manager that can bring the best out of him, this Togolese striker could still perform at a high level.
2. Kevin-Prince Boateng
Talk about a high-risk high-reward option.
Kevin-Prince Boateng has the talent to be a dominant force anywhere he goes. He is better than his brother with the ball on his feet, he’s arguably one of the best players Ghana has to offer, and yet, he can’t seem to fit in anywhere.
At 29 years old, Boateng is already what we can consider a journeyman. The midfielder has played for eight different teams during his professional career. He has won a Football League Cup with Tottenham in 2007-08, one Serie A championship with AC Milan in 2010-11, as well a Supercoppa Italiana with the Rossoneri in 2011.
While his talent on the pitch is undeniable, Boateng can be a liability outside of the four lines. During his brief spell at Schalke 04, the midfielder was suspended indefinitely because of “poor behavior.” Whatever poor behavior in that situation meant is still a mystery, but it led to Boateng leaving Germany and returning to play Milan in January.
Another similar episode happened while he was with Ghana for the World Cup in Brazil 2014. He was sent home early alongside teammate Sulley Muntari for allegedly having verbally abused the national team’s manager just hours before their last group stage match.
3. Mario Balotelli
He’s not exactly a free agent, but Balotelli is as available as any player could be after Jurgen Klopp made it clear to everybody that he has no intentions of keeping the 25-year-old at Anfield.
“I have spoken to him about this,” Klopp told reporters. “He’s not at the stage of his career where he should be battling with four or five other players for one or two positions … so it’s clear we need a solution. There will be a club around who would be happy to have the new Mario Balotelli. I have spoken clearly to the player about that.”
Just like Boateng, the biggest issue with Balotelli is his mentality. Although he has the necessary skills to be one of the best in the world, the Italian seems dead set in not taking the next step in his development. After a season loaned to Milan, where he only scored three goals in 23 matches, Balotelli will have to look for a new place to revive his career.
The question now is: who is willing to take him?
Teams in the Chinese League, a few minor clubs in Italy, and perhaps Fenerbahce, all have Balotelli on their radar. If no major clubs show any interest in him before the window closes, Balotelli will have to work some magic to turn his career around playing away from the major leagues.
