10 Argentines Who Would Benefit from a Transfer in 2015
The transfer window is by no means confined to activity solely from European clubs and players. The market for South American stars both home and abroad is huge, and plenty of stars from Argentina will no doubt be moving to new homes at some point in the next year.
But who could be moving during 2015? Some transfers turn out to be beneficial, but the wrong move at the wrong time can be disastrous for a player. The following 10 Argentines, however, have more reason than most to hope for a change of scenery in the coming 12 months.
10. Ezequiel Lavezzi
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With plenty of talent and a strong work ethic, Paris Saint-Germain's Ezequiel Lavezzi is, in many ways, the professional most teams would like to have in their squad. But at 29 years of age and not guaranteed a first-team place at Parc des Princes, it might be time for Pocho to consider a move.
According to David Wright in the Daily Express, Liverpool are ready to come in with a move for the ex-Napoli man, whose chances would be even more limited if PSG complete the signing of Nicolas Gaitan. With the Reds in desperate need of a first-class striker, the transfer could be good business for everyone involved.
9. Ricky Alvarez
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After a few teething problems in Italy, it did not take long for Ricky Alvarez to show his talent as a member of Inter's squad. But in 2014/15, the winger was shunted out on loan to Sunderland, a move that has proved an unqualified disaster for him.
Alvarez has managed a paltry six league appearances on Wearside, four of those coming off the bench, and has not scored a single goal for the club. With the prospect of a permanent move to the Mackems surely dead, a fresh start is necessary if the player is to rediscover the form that sent him to the World Cup just six months ago.
8. Willy Caballero
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If he can secure first-team football at a high level, Willy Caballero has an excellent chance at establishing himself as Argentina's No. 1 goalkeeper. But it is a big if; having shined so brightly for Malaga, the former Boca man has seen his opportunities severely limited at Manchester City as Joe Hart's deputy.
With Sergio Romero firmly entrenched as the Albiceleste starter, and prospect Geronimo Rulli making a strong case for inclusion at Real Sociedad, a loan or permanent transfer could be Caballero's sole means of claiming the jersey as his own.
7. Lisandro Lopez
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Former Racing Club wonderkid Lisandro Lopez has consistently been one of the top scorers in European football over the last decade. The striker can boast in his trophy cabinet Player of the Year awards for both the Portuguese and French leagues, at Porto and Lyon respectively.
Now, though, the 31-year-old hitman is stranded in Qatar with Al-Gharafah, spending what should be some of the most productive years of his career in a relatively low-profile, albeit high-spending, footballing nation.
His contract, as revealed by Infobae (in Spanish), expires later this year, and Lopez is reported to have a verbal agreement to move back to first club Racing, provided they advance past the first round of the Copa Libertadores. The chance to emulate Diego Milito, who lifted the Transicion championship with the Avellaneda side in 2014, must appeal to the striker.
6. Cristian Ansaldi
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Cristian Ansaldi's main concern, unlike most of the names on this list, will not be changing clubs. The talented full-back has one objective: convince current coach Diego Simeone that he is good enough to hold the flanks for the Colchonero, and thus win a permanent deal in the Spanish capital.
As confirmed by Reuters back in August, Zenit agreed to release their defender on loan to the Liga champions. The move has coincided with a return to national-team duties and far higher exposure; staying in Spain, with Atletico or another leading club, makes a lot of sense for Ansaldi.
5. Matias Kranevitter
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Of all River Plate's championship squad in 2014, few players stood out as much as the terrier-like youngster that held the Millonario together in the middle. Tucuman native Matias Kranevitter was outstanding all year, and the side's worst period of the term coincided with an injury to their anchor in midfield.
At 21 years old, Kranevitter has already invited comparisons with a young Javier Mascherano. It may now be time for the River star to think of moving across the Atlantic, once the club's Copa Libertadores campaign comes to an end in the middle of this year.
4. Paulo Dybala
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Sicilian club Palermo have a brilliant reputation for grooming young South American talent, before selling on at massive profits to Europe's biggest clubs. Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore are two of the stars who have gone on to attract eye-watering bids over the past few years, and Paulo Dybala could well follow in their footsteps.
The skillful forward's goalscoring exploits in Serie A have put all of Europe on alert. Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini, as reported by the Mirror was forced to publicly state that Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City would not be taking his wonderkid away in January.
The summer transfer window, however, could be a different prospect, and a natural progression for the youngster as he continues his ascent in the sport.
3. Mauro Icardi
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Mauro Icardi's goals have been perhaps the only bright spot in what has been an awful season for anyone associated with Inter. The question is, will the talented young striker tolerate being in a mediocre Nerazzurri set-up? And for how long?
The Daily Telegraph suggests that Inter are ready to sell their prize forward, with Chelsea emerging as a possible destination. The former Barcelona trainee would be an intriguing prospect to follow alongside the likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge, and Jose Mourinho's stern leadership could help him reel in the off-field distractions too.
2. Juan Roman Riquelme
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Even at the grand old age of 36, former Boca, Villarreal and Barcelona playmaker Riquelme can still add a touch of class to any team. He demonstrated his ongoing talent during six months at Argentinos Juniors, where, despite his ever-receding physical attributes, he was key in the Bicho’s return to the Primera Division.
Now a free agent, Riquelme is on the look-out for a new employer. David Beckham is keen to sign the former Argentina international for his new MLS franchise, as reported by TyC Sports (via Givemesport).
Beckham may not have things all his own way, however. Cerro Porteno director Eduardo Viola is also hopeful of enticing the No. 10, and told Ole recently that the transfer to bring Riquelme to Paraguay was 60 percent complete.
1. Erik Lamela
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Even the kindest observer would have to admit that Erik Lamela’s first 18 months in north London have not gone to plan. The first season could be attributed to a delay settling in to his new surroundings, but the forward remains an intermittent performer for Spurs even with countryman Mauricio Pochettino directing him from the bench.
Perhaps a breath of fresh air, and a move to a different style of football, could help Lamela rediscover the potential he showed so evidently first for River Plate and later for Roma.
Tottenham will not want to lose their man without recouping a lion’s share of the £26 million shelled out to the Serie A club. But a loan move could be the best option for the talented youngster, who despite some wonderful moments and an unforgettable Rabona goal this season, still looks uncomfortable in the weekly grind of the Premier League.
