BARGAIN BUYS
Black Friday: potential bargains in Spain when the sales arrive
As the now famous Black Friday hits the world of shopping ahead of Christmas we look at some players from LaLiga that could be snapped up for a good price.
With the recent phenomenon of Black Friday discount day madness just around the corner, we thought we’d scan the European leagues for some bargains in the world of football.
First up, here are a few names from our domestic competition in Spain. Although none of these players are available to buy on November 25, the January transfer window is not far away and clubs may be looking to snap them up at a very reasonable price…although their current owners may have something to say about that.
Youssef En-Nesyri (Malaga): transfermarkt value - €1.0M
The 21-year old striker stood out last year in the Malaga youth ranks and was promoted to the first team squad ahead of the pre-season preparations. During the summer he scored six goals, more than anyone else, and has been rewarded by Juande Ramos with seven appearances so far in the league. His form has also caught the eye of the national team with five caps for Morocco this season.
Pablo Sarabia (Sevilla): transfermarkt value - €7.5M
After being part of the Getafe side that was relegated at the end of the 2015/16 season, he was relieved of the drop himself when Sevilla handed over less than a million euros for him. His seven goals from midfield for the Madrid side was enough to attract the attention of the Europa Cup winners, as well Valencia, and his goals to game ratio (0.22%) has been maintained so far this season with 3 goals.
The 24-year old started off his career in Real Madrid’s academy and played one game for the first team in 2010/11 as a teenager.
Sergio Escudero (Sevilla, 27, LB): transfermarkt value - €3.5M
This defender is arguably in the prime of his career and, yet despite his growing reputation, still flies under many people’s radars. After time at Schalke and Getafe he is now holding down a place in an impressive Sevilla side and was called up for his first cap in the last international break.
Mauricio Lemos (Las Palmas, 20, CB): transfermarkt value - €7.5M
A young central defender plying his trade in the Primera División, on loan to a newly promoted side, and making a mark. This Uruguayan headed to Rubin Kazan from his homeland on loan and was then bought outright before joining the Spanish islanders, again on loan and then fully. He’s played for his national side at U20 and currently at U23 level and it may not be long until he appears alongside Luis Suárez and co. If someone wants to sign him at a reasonable price – a team that can offer minutes rather than bench-time – then they should be quick. His stock is rising.
Iago Aspas (Celta, 29, CF): transfermarkt value - €10.0M
Not so much a hidden gem anymore as the ex-Liverpool has just been called up for national duty, with Julen Lopetegui selecting the Celta man as a replacement for the injured Diego Costa. But although many saw him struggle to make a real impression at his time at Liverpool (only netting once), his impact upon a return to the Spanish top flight has been remarkable. Ten goals in 25 games for Sevilla followed by 18 last term at Celta and a current one-in-two ratio after 14 games this season. Much less under the radar than before but, with Aduríz proving that age is just but a number, Aspas may still offer very good value.
And one from the store at the back...
Fran Beltrán (Rayo, 17, CM): transfermarkt value - €n/aM
Not eighteen until next February, this youngster is getting pitch time in LaLiga 123 at Madrid based Rayo Vallecano. Coming through the youth side and impressing at centre midfield he has now played in eight games for the first team – six as starter - notching his first goal away to Tenerife at the end of October. With plenty room to develop, could this lad be a Black Friday-esque special for one lucky shopper?