IN PICS: Nine La Liga players who may move to the EPL

Asif Norat 00:35 11/03/2017

Last summer, we saw the likes of Eric Bailly, Lucas Perez and Fernando Llorente complete their move from Spain to England, with all three individuals currently enjoying their time in the Premier League.

Considering that the players who have made the switch in recent years are now thriving within one of the best leagues in Europe, many other talents will be linked with the big clubs soon or later.

Here are the nine Spanish players who could complete a potential move to England this summer…

Jorge Mere – Sporting Gijon, Centre-back

Despite playing for a side that is currently in the relegation zone and doesn’t seem to be moving out of the bottom three anytime soon, Jorge Mere is already proving to be one of the best young centre-backs in the league.

At the age of 19 and standing at 6ft 1, he has 45 La Liga appearances under his belt and has become integral to Sporting Gijon’s back line. Alongside his no-nonsense tackling and dominance in the air, he can also comfortably progress further up the pitch whilst in possession.

Although it might be too early for Mere to make a move to English football, he certainly has the potential to establish himself as one of the finest players in his position before the big clubs come chasing his signature.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Everton, Southampton.

Yeray Alvarez, Athletic Club, Centre-back

Since partnering with Aymeric Laporte at the heart of defence, Yeray Alvarez has been making the most of his debut season in La Liga after being promoted from the reserve team to the main squad in the summer of 2016.

Stepping up when the side needed him the most, the 22-year-old has been impressive whilst under pressure and is starting to overshadow his partner, who was linked with several teams including the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United during the previous summer transfer window.

Considering that this is his first year of top-flight football, it might seem unlikely for Yeray to leave San Mames, but he has all the tools in his locker to become a solid centre-back and will be recognised as a wanted man before you know it.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Liverpool, Arsenal.

Jonny – Celta Vigo, Full-back

Regarded as one of the best full-backs in La Liga, Celta Vigo’s Jonny is seen as a fantastic defender who puts on an impressive shift on both sides of the pitch. From completing the regular tackles and interceptions to creating chances in the final third, he does it all.

Managing over 150 league appearances since the start of the 2012/13 campaign, Jonny has become one of the few club players that are simply adored by the fans, especially since he is a product of the club’s youth system.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Manchester City, Manchester United

Ander Capa – Eibar, Full-back

Linked with a few Premier League clubs during the January transfer window, Ander Capa was close to leaving the Basque side but nothing transpired. Being a regular starter for the team one year after he was promoted to the main squad, he played an important role in the back line for Eibar during the 2013-14 season, when they finished as champions of the Segunda Division.

Capa was recognised as an all-out winger before he was converted into a right-back by manager Jose Luis Mendilibar. He has completed the most interceptions (57), second most tackles (47) and third most key passes (23) at Eibar in the league this season.

Given that he is about to go into the final year of his contract, Eibar would ideally want to offer him a renewal before the season comes to an end if they want to receive a tidy sum if he leaves the Ipurua Municipal stadium.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Chelsea, Southampton

Dani Ceballos – Real Betis, Central midfielder

One of the most complete midfielders in La Liga, Dani Ceballos can pretty much play as a defensive midfielder as well as a central attacking midfielder and is starting to become a key playmaker for Real Betis. He’s also renowned for his unbelievable work ethic and mentality.

Still only 20 years old, the versatile star has been running the show for Los Verdiblancos in recent months. Since the arrival of manager Victor Sanchez last season, Ceballos has flourished and has been one of the side’s main positives this campaign, despite currently sitting in 14th place.

Given that he loves Real Betis to bits and is still young, Ceballos is certainly in no hurry to complete a move away from the club that took him into their youth academy when he was 13. However, he’s definitely caught the eye of a few English sides.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Everton, West Ham United

Ignacio Camacho – Malaga, Central midfielder

At 26, defensive midfielder Ignacio Camacho has already proved that he is one of the best in his position in the league over the past three seasons.

Failing to succeed at Atletico Madrid due to injury problems, the Zaragoza-born player completed a fantastic revival under Manuel Pellegrini who gave him a pivotal role in his time and Camacho simply delivered in return.

Known for his dominant presence in aerial duels, Camacho utilises it to his advantage, making him an important figure when it comes to defending set-pieces as well as being a threat from them. Contributing to six of the side’s goals in the league this season, he is starting to prove himself worthy at both ends of the pitch.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Manchester United, Liverpool

Mikel Oyarzabal – Real Sociedad, Attacking-midfielder

Rising to prominence in 2015 during a difficult era under David Moyes, Mikel Oyarzabal was one of Real Sociedad’s only positives as they finished ninth that season. He is now evolving and has six league assists under his belt this campaign.

Already being compared to Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, both individuals have a similar style of play. Also posing huge danger from the wide areas, three of his six assists have come from direct crosses.

It would be ideal for the winger to stay put and reject any potential offers that come his way so that he can develop into the finished article.

Premier League clubs he would suit; Manchester United, Southampton

Samu Castillejo – Villarreal, Attacking midfielder

Putting his end product to one side, Samu Castillejo is a manager’s dream when it comes to a fast and powerful winger. Despite being a threat in the final third, his conversion rate is the only thing that is preventing him from meeting his potential.

Since the start of the campaign, he has completed the second most assists (3) and produced the second most key passes (29) at Villarreal in the league. Possessing the ability to play on both flanks, he thrives on the counter-attack.

Castillejo has the talent to beat a defender and is blessed with superb movement on and off the ball.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal

Santi Mina – Valencia, Centre-forward

Since being promoted to Valencia’s main squad, Santi Mina has frequently been mentioned as the next David Villa, who created his own legacy at the Mestalla by bagging 107 goals in 166 matches.

When utilised as the lone forward, which is arguably his best position, Mina has the capability of playing within tight spaces as he makes the most out of his movement and sharp awareness. His versatility allows current manager, Voro, to take up different approaches for home and away fixtures.

With the problems that Valencia are currently facing on and off the pitch, a move away from the club might be ideal for Mina, who has been in and out of the team. The fact that January signing Simone Zaza has been a regular starter since his arrival could leave Mina with no option but to leave in the summer.

Premier League clubs he would suit: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

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