Life’s a Pitch: Why Premier League clubs should avoid signing Wesley Sneijder

Revered football superstar Wesley Sneijder is up for grabs. Up for grabs to those with £25m to cover his wages over the next two and a half year and £6m to buy him, that is. He may be available, but he doesn’t come cheap.

And after a falling out with Inter Milan over his unwillingness to take a pay cut from his £200,000 a week salary, the only club to come in for the 28 year old so far is Turkish side, Galatasaray. And he’s not exactly giving off the kind of vibes that would suggest he fancies it much.

The suggestion is he wants to come to England. But even if he did agree to a slight pay cut, how many clubs could seriously afford him? Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd. But do they need him? That’s the question Nick Miller looks at.

And, more importantly, do they, plus the other teams such as Tottenham and Liverpool, need the hassle? Sneijder hasn’t been on top form for some time, has struggled with injury, and as Nick points out, only really succeeds with managers who have made him the fulcrum of the team.

Of these team continually linked with the mercurial Dutchman, Liverpool have already made their first move in the January transfer window by signing Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. And with Fabio Borini back from injury, Brendan Rodgers has a new selection dilemma over his attack.

So, what would be his preferred frontline? The Life’s a Pitch team get to grips with this question, suggesting a front three of Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Sturridge is the most likely. Not that Suarez is likely to still be at Anfield next season without Champions League football, according to Dave Kidd.

But Spurs’ chances of a top-four finish look much healthier, says John Cross. And with a couple of key signings this summer the could challenge the Manchester strange hold on the title.

Elsewhere, we look at the top transfer rumours and assess whether those deals already done this month will turn out to be money well spent or a complete waste of money.

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Why no Premier League club should get involved with Sneijder

Nick Miller explains why he believes it would be an expensive mistake for a Premier League club to sign Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder in January.
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