With the European footballing scene experiencing a complete standstill at this point owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spanish La Liga has been temporarily suspended with no set return date anywhere in sight. The nation of Spain has been affected quite badly by the virus, and it’s not surprising that the Spanish FA was among the first to make the call to suspend the competition. With that said though, clubs will have to worry about any players whose contract at the club only extends until the final day of the planned league season.
Best Out Of Contract La Liga XI At The End Of The Current Season
GK – Antonio Adán – Atletico Madrid
The 32-year-old Atletico Madrid short-stopper has been the backup option at the Spanish giants for a couple of seasons now, prior to which he was the first-choice at Real Betis. Having initially come through the Real Madrid academy, the veteran has enough experience to ply his trade efficiently elsewhere.
RB – Antonio Barragan – Real Betis
This former Liverpool and Middlesbrough man is a right-back but has the quality required to play in a slightly advanced role down that flank as well. Having spent five years at Valencia and the last couple at Betis, the full-back would be a good option for any team in search of experience in that role.
CB – Ezequiel Garay – Valencia
The veteran centre-half was one of the many Spanish players who’ve been linked with a move to the Premier League every season without fail. Despite spending a short stint at Real Madrid, the defender’s dream move across the channel just never seemed to materialise ultimately.
CB – Naldo – Espanyol
Often mistaken for his name-sake who is also from Brazil, the 31-year-old is one of the taller centre-halves in La Liga, and would make a smart addition to any team in search of experienced defensive reinforcements. The defender has been in and out of the side over periods this season.
LB – Didac Vila – Espanyol
The Espanyol academy graduate was always touted for big things as a youngster, and his dream move to AC Milan was completed in the winter of 2011. Despite making the switch, the Spaniard only ever featured in one fixture for the Serie A giants and was soon shipped back to the La Liga.
CDM – Mikel San Jose – Athletic Bilbao
The former Liverpool academy graduate is another one of the players in this list who was always touted for greatness but just seemed to fall a few inches short every step of the way. Now 30, the versatile midfielder has featured in only nine La Liga games all season but has the experience required to transform a team.
RW – Nolito – Sevilla
This Spanish international speedster had a short and rather unsuccessful stint at Manchester City, where he went on to play in a total of 30 fixtures, scoring six and setting up a further five in the process. Still quite rapid with the ball at his feet, the 16-cap Spanish international would be an excellent attacking addition.
CAM – Hatem Ben Arfa – Real Valladolid
Another one of the players with a link to the Premier League, the former Newcastle United man is 33 now but continues to ply his trade in the La Liga with Real Valladolid. He signed at the club with a six-month deal in January, which is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
CAM – Santi Cazorla – Villarreal
The former Arsenal man is probably the most valuable player on this list given that he’s still quite deadly with the ball at his feet. Adept at picking out difficult passes, the Spaniard would make an excellent coup for any Premier League side hoping to gain control in midfield. What a fairy tale it would be if Arsenal decides to bring him back to North London.
LW – Arda Turan – Barcelona
Probably one of the biggest flop signings in Barcelona’s long-standing history, the former Atletico Madrid man was ineffective for large parts, and it’s perhaps not surprising that he’s only played in 55 matches for the club. Currently playing in the Turkish League, Turan is out of contract at Barca at the end of the term.
ST – Roberto Soldado – Granada
The 34-year-old Spaniard has had somewhat ineffective spells at Real Madrid and Tottenham over the course of his illustrious career. Having scored twice and assisted five from his 23 La Liga games this season, it’s safe to say that the Spaniard’s stock is in decline.
Substitutes
GK – Sergio Alvarez – Celta Vigo
CB – Facundo Roncaglia – Osasuna
CM – Gonzalo Escalante – Eibar
CM – Ander Itturaspe – Espanyol
RW – Alvaro Vadillo – Granada
