- Clear out 2019, who stays and who goes.
- Fixing Wanderers, the way ahead on and off the field
- Ridiculous VAR decisions costs us again
- Potential January Marquee Signings
- We are not that bad, we have just forgotten how to be good
- So close yet so far, again.
- Vague and non committal letter from the chairman blows hot air into a furnace
- Twitter reacts to RBB bans
- RBB members unfairly banned for rant at players
- Time to invest in Western Sydney Wanderers FC plc?
Potential January Marquee Signings
- Updated: January 10, 2019
With the squad under performing and Babbel saying we can expect major signings as early as this January, here is a look at some of the free agents available around the world.
John Obi Mikel – John Obi Mikel would be a dream signing that would surely be the answer to a large number of the on-field problems at the club. Known for his tireless, aggressive and classy midfield play, Mikel has had an illustrious career with a Champions League and 2 English Premier Leagues to his name. Mikel has bag loads of experience at the highest level, but after recently playing just 18 games in the most recent Chinese Super League season for TJ Teda, the 31 year old could be looking for a step down before easing into retirement.
Alfonso Espino – Alfonso Espino has recently become a free agent. The 27 year old left back has won 2 titles in the Primera Division in Uruguay, and with over 100 appearances for Nacional in the Primera Division he has more than enough experience to boss it at A-League level. Espino is solid defensively, while being known to occasionally play on the wing, which would surely provide wanderers with a much needed extra threat down the left, as well as shoring up a shaky defense.
Glen Johnson – Glen Johnson is a very experienced fullback. After a very successful career in England (winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup), Johnson could very well provide the calm experienced head at the back that Wanderers currently are in desperate need of, as well as being a great passer and crosser of the ball, which could add some much needed firepower going forward. Despite playing his entire career on the right, Johnson is known for being especially capable on his weaker left foot, and could definitely slot into the left back position with both Llorente and Elrich under performing of late. Currently a free agent after being released by Stoke City, the A-League is a logical level at this stage of Johnson’s career, as it is a highly competitive league in which he would likely stand out as one of the better players.
Jesus Gamez – The highly experienced 33 year old has recently become a free agent after playing just 7 games in two years at Newcastle United. After struggling to get into a struggling Premier League side for fitness issues as well as quality reasons, it seems the A-League (or a league similar) would be a suitable next destination for the Spaniard. Although the majority of his 266 games for Malaga and 24 games for Atletico Madrid played on the right, Gamez is known for his ability to be just as effective down the left, providing reliable defense as well as vision and attacking threat when on the ball.
Robert Huth – Another massively experienced defender that has had great success in English football, Robert Huth would surely form a concrete partnership with Ziegler, good enough to stop any A-League attack. Throughout his career, Huth has shown great leadership qualities, being a key player in Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title win in the 2015/16 season. Huth’s German nationality would definitely be a positive factor in this transfer, with all of Babbel’s signings so far having some link to German football. Huth is also well renowned as being a great personality in the dressing room, not only in terms of offering guidance to less experienced players but also knowing how to have a laugh. It seems the wanderers camp could use a lift in spirits, and the signing of Huth may just stir up the excitement needed to create a change on the field.
Benoit Tremoulinas – Benoit Tremoulinas is very experienced and decorated left back with a French title and two Europa Leagues (among other trophies) to his name. The Frenchman last played for Sevilla, and after issues with fitness has been a free agent since July of 2017. Tremoulinas is solid defensively, doesn’t lack pace and is excellent on the ball as well, with dribbling and passing capabilities that make him versatile enough to play anywhere up and down the left side of the pitch. Reports suggest that Tremoulinas is fit again and ready to sign for a club, and at 33, the A-League could be a sensible option for him. Perhaps a long shot, but Tremoulinas would definitely fix a huge problem down the left side of the field for Wanderers.
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