Fernando Torres is set to quit Atletico Madrid after his contract runs out this summer but will not retire from professional football yet. This will make him one of the most decorated free agents other than Samir Nasri.
Torres was a big name in the Premier League during his time with Liverpool and Chelsea. He set the league on fire in his debut season with the Reds, scoring 24 in 33 games, which eventually earned him the nomination for the 2008 Balon d’Or.
Unfortunately, an injury crisis curbed his mercurial form in Europe’s top flight and the Spaniard slowly disintegrated into one of the less illustrious number nines. He helped Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League 2011/12 season by scoring the winning goal against Barcelona in the Second Leg of the Semi Final tie.
He is one of the sweethearts of Wanda Metropolitano and has already racked up 330 appearances with the side. But now, he is no longer considered in the starting XI on a regular basis. Diego Simeone has younger and more able options in Diego Costa, Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro.
Torres has still managed to chip in from his substitute appearances this season with 7 goals and 2 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. At 34, he might be a veteran of the game but still has a lot of football left in him.
His poacher like instincts and his goal-scoring experience can come in handy for a number of Premier League outfits. Here are a few clubs who should offer him a deal ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Newcastle United
The Magpies have returned to the Premier League but the fight to survival has been a gruesome one. With their leading number nine, Dwight Gayle struggling to find the back of the net, Rafael Benitez has been forced to find secondary options in Leicester City’s Islam Slimani.
The Algerian has not featured for the club yet, due to injury concerns and will return to the Foxes at the end of his loan spell.
Benitez has worked with Torres and knows what the striker is capable of. A short-term reunion can prove to be lucrative for both parties.
Crystal Palace
How long does Roy Hodgson plan on sticking with Christian Benteke? The Belgian has been shambolic in front of goal this season. If relegation is prevented, the Eagles need to make a change even if they have Alexander Sorloth as backup.
Read More: Newcastle United Interested In Midfield Starlet: Is He Worth The Fuss?
Southampton
They will be pleased to have Charlie Austin and Shane Long back in the scoresheet but a consistent starter will be called upon next summer. If the Saints manage to stay in England’s top-flight, they can no longer survive with Gabbiadini, Long and Guido Carrillo in the squad.
