La Liga Transfers: 5 Players Who Should Be Leaving Spain in January

When a player is made aware that he’s being head hunted by the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, his head inevitably fills with thoughts of untold riches and previously inexperienced glories that comes with being associated with clubs of such royal standing.

But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, as so many budding and seasoned footballers have found to their displeasure.

What sometimes transpires are long periods on the bench, or a loan, or even numerous loans spells to other clubs—a place in the first-choice XI is never guaranteed, no matter one's pedigree.

The La Liga has an abundance of said-type of players, and more times than not, the best way to and sometimes the only way to resurrect a player's career is to hand in their transfer notice and pursue their (perhaps tempered) dreams elsewhere.

5. Henrique Adriano

Henrique signed for Barca in 2008 from Palmeiras, the same club he now finds himself out on loan to.

The Brazilian defender hasn’t made any appearances for Barcelona since he signed on the dotted line.

His first loan spell was at Bayer Leverkusen and then Racing Santander. All in all he has made 95 appearances for the three clubs.

The 25-year-old needs to make a decision—either continue the loan spells or seek pastures anew where he figures into the club's plans.

4. Lassana Diarra

The former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth player signed for the Madridista in late December, 2008.

The Frenchman can play as a right-back, but his preferred position is as a defensive midfielder.

His time at Real has seen him passed over for others in the team, to such an extent he rarely sees first-team football.

There was speculation that he might leave the club in the summer of 2010, but nothing ever came to fruition.

At 26, he’s still in his prime and should jump ship if the opportunity ever arises or else both his club and once-burgeoning international career will remain stagnant.

3. Keirrison

Keirrison joined the Nou Camp from Palmeiras in the summer of 2009 on a five-year contract, but was subsequently loaned out to Benifica to gain experience in European football.

The Brazilian's time at Benefica was short due to the number of strikers Benefica had at their disposal, so once again he was loaned out, this time to Fiorentina.

Keirrison spent less than six months in Serie A before yet another loan spell, this time with Brazilian side Santos.

At this point in time Keirrison is on loan at Cruzeiro.

Since his arrival at Barcelona, the 22-year-old has played for four different clubs and has scored six goals in 28 appearances.

Keirrison has spent over two years as a Barca player but hasn’t played a single game for them.

He should leave for first-team football—preferably in his home of Brazil.

2. Sergio Canales

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is on a two-year loan to Valencia CF.

Originally Canales was signed from Racing Santander in June of 2010.

Prior to his loan move to Valencia he had made 15 appearances for Madrid, before being shipped off to hone his craft.

Valencia have the option of buying him after his two years run out, and as he’s young and still learning, that wouldn’t be a bad idea for Canales.

So far, he’s been linked with moves to Manchester City and Arsenal, but he too might find himself in the same situation as Kaká—staying put at Madrid/Valencia.

1. Kaká

Former FIFA World Player of the Year Kaká, who signed from AC Milan more than two years ago for the Bernabéu has been plagued by a myriad of injuries, and has only featured in 62 matches whilst scoring 18 goals in all competitions for the Galácticos.

His start to the 2011/12 season has been good, but with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuaín and Karim Benzema up front, the likelihood of him getting the nod over the aforementioned strikers—each of whom is in spectacular form—is slim.

His best bet would be to find a club that is in dire need of his services, where he’ll be at least guaranteed consistent first-team football.

Inter has shown interest, but this seems unlikely given his AC Milan links. Then again, it could be fitting revenge for former Inter Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cross-town switch for the Rossoneri (after a stint with FC Barcelona)

Another factor in Kaká exiting the Bernabéu is that Madrid’s director-general Jorge Valdano has stated that no Galáctico will be leaving in the winter transfer window.

However, you can never say never in football.