At the end of each season, clubs from across the world submit a list of players that they have either released or have had their contracts expired. For some, this may because the club deem the player surplus to requirements or, quite simply, no longer good enough for a place. This is not to say that they cannot still do a job elsewhere, and these five players released by Premier League clubs could easily do a job elsewhere in England.
Click here for part 1
Zlatan Ibrahimović
At the age of 35, there are not many strikers who can still perform on the big stage week in week out. Zlatan Ibrahimović, on the other hand, netted 28 times in just 46 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United last season. In what has been a fine career, the Swede has won titles in Spain, Italy, Holland and France and has also enjoyed European success at Manchester United.
After averaging a goal every one-and-a-half games, Ibrahimović suffered severe ligament damage in April. Despite refusing to accept any wages until he was fit again, on the 9th of June 2017, he was officially released by Manchester United.
For a player of his calibre and experience, Ibrahimović would be a quality signing for any club across the world. Whether he follows ex-Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to MLS or completes a money-fuelled move to China, the Swedish Player of the Year ten years running will always deliver.
Joe Ledley
Having joined the club’s youth system aged just nine, Joe Ledley spent six years playing for Cardiff City from 2004 to 2010. Following 229 appearances and 27 goals, the centre midfielder left the club in the summer of 2010 as his contract expired.
Had the Bluebirds not lost the Championship play-off final to Blackpool, things might have been different. Ledley then made the move up north to Scotland and won back-to-back SPL titles with Celtic in 2012 and 2013. He was part of the squad which produced one of the club’s greatest ever victories by beating Barcelona in the Champions League group stage in 2012, taking them into the last 16 of the competition.
In 2014, Ledley signed for newly-promoted Crystal Palace and made over 80 appearances, scoring six goals, most notably in the 3-1 victory at home to Liverpool later that year. In the summer of 2017, he was released.
Having already attracted attention from Championship clubs Aston Villa and his boyhood club Cardiff city, it looks increasing likely that the 30-year-old will drop down a division. He would be a shrewd addition for any club in the Championship, bringing with him bundles of international and club level experience.
Jesus Navas
Navas notched up well over 300 appearances Sevilla between 2003 and 2013. In that time, he won six major titles, including two successive UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007, as well as contributing 35 goals and 76 assists. In June 2013, he completed a £15 million move to Manchester City. In his first season in England, Navas won the League Cup and Premier League title. He went on to make 123 appearances for City before being released this summer.
Having made over 600 appearances for both club and country despite being just 31 years of age, Navas would be a coup for any side in the top division. It is likely that he will look to move abroad with his next move, with Lazio reportedly interested in the reliable winger.
John Ruddy
Capped once by England in 2012, Ruddy made well over 200 appearances for Norwich between 2010 and 2017. Starting his career with Cambridge United aged 18, Ruddy signed for Everton in 2005 for a fee around 250,000, making only one first team appearance in his five years there after nine different loan moves.
In 2010, Ruddy joined Paul Lambert at Norwich City. In his first full season with the club, he played in all but one of their 46 league games as they finished second in the Championship and achieved promotion to the Premier League. His form earned him a call-up to England’s Euro 2012 squad, but he had to pull out due to injury. After seven years in East Anglia, he was released this summer.
Despite having a wealth of experience, at 30, Ruddy is only just reaching his prime and would be a strong signing for most mid-table Premier League clubs. Having already attracted interest from Sunderland and Aston Villa, it is likely that Ruddy will stay in the Championship where he would be assured first team football.
Martin Cáceres
Having been released by Southampton in June 2017 after just one Premier League appearance, Cáceres is looking for his eleventh club in just twelve years. Having signed for Villarreal in 2007, the centre-back was loaned out instantly and a year later, Barcelona signed him for a fee of around £16.5 million. Plagued by injury throughout his career, he made loan moves to both Sevilla and Juventus before joining the latter on a permanent deal in 2012. Due to further injuries, he made just 51 appearances in over four years and was released in 2016.
Despite his injury struggles, Cáceres has made over 70 appearances for Uruguay and won five Serie A titles with Juventus. With the right training regime, the 30-year-old could still be a good addition to any defence.
Main Photo
