Any aspirations of top-flight football are fading fast for players released by England’s top 20 clubs this summer.
Most sides have too many bodies to pack into their permitted 25-man squad, meaning free agents will need to look elsewhere for employment.
For some, that means the riches of Saudi Arabia. For others, a new life in the MLS. But for those who wish to remain in Blighty, the EFL is where it’s at. Here are seven former Premier League players currently out of contract who could be tempted by an offer…
LYLE TAYLOR FORWARD AGE: 33
Taylor’s availability is something of a surprise. Having failed to secure a move away from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2022, the rangy striker’s contract expired in May and a scramble for his signature was widely anticipated.
Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall and Rotherham were all credited with an interest but, four months on, Taylor is still on the market.
At 33, age is certainly a factor. So, too, is inactivity. Taylor’s last competitive game came on loan at Birmingham on the final day of the 2021-22 season, meaning he has not kicked a ball in anger for almost a year and a half.
What Taylor does have is a proven track record in the EFL, especially in League One where he scored 21 goals in 41 games for Charlton in 2018-19. The third tier is Tayor’s most likely destination but, if his salary demands are reasonable, a supporting role at a Championship club is not out of the question.
LUKE FREEMAN MIDFIELDER AGE: 31
Lady Luck has not been in Freeman’s corner over the last four years. Since joining Sheffield United in a £5m switch from QPR following the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League, the 31-year-old has endured four surgeries in as many years.
Bu hikaye The Football League Paper dergisinin September 10, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Football League Paper dergisinin September 10, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
HUDDERSFIELD boss Michael Duff questioned his players’ mentality after goalkeeper Chris Maxwell’s bloomer handed NonLeague Tamworth a shock win.
ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
DECISIVE goals at either end of the game from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams helped League Two Morecambe avoid a potential banana skin against National League South outfit Worthing.
MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
GARY Rowett says Leeds’ glittering arsenal of attacking stars will bring the Championship title to Elland Road.
POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
Murphy's in to deny the Tigers
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.
