Much has been said about whether Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie will be staying or leaving Manchester United this summer.
With United having finally found a successful line up that has shot the Red Devils up to third with only a handful of games left this season, it does seem unlikely that there’ll be many opportunities for the Dutchman to prove that he is still a quality striker.
A move away from Old Trafford, and perhaps England, would provide the 31-year-old a fresh start and chance to play regular football, though probably at a lower level than he is used to.
Despite a dip in form and injury to contend with, Van Persie has still scored 10 goals for United and would be perfect as a back-up striker for another club.
Here are five teams that could use a talented forward like Van Persie next season…
[interaction id=“none”]
Real Madrid
The Champions League winners were in the market for a back-up striker 20:16 and took a chance on Manchester United reject Javier Hernandez.
The Mexican has scored only four goals during his limited playing time at the club and is unlikely to have his year long loan deal made permanent.
If Van Persie is willing to spend most of his time coming on as a super sub rather than starting matches then he could be winning major trophies with Real Madrid next season.
Fenerbache
Turkish giants Fenerbache may be willing to offer the forward one last big money contract before he ends his career.
Apart from the lucrative wages, another incentive to make the move would be the chance to reunite with former Netherlands team mate Dirk Kuyt, who has been with the side for the past three years. Fenerbache won the Turkish Super Lig last season, though did not feature in this year’s Champions League or Europa League due to a two year ban for match fixing.
This shouldn’t be a sticking point for Van Persie, though, as the ban should be lifted ready for next season.
Juventus
According to the Daily Express, the Italian champion’s have shown some real interest in taking Van Persie off of United’s hands.
Serie A is a much less physical league than our own, which should prevent some of the injuries that have marred his season while also extending how long he can sustain his top level career.
Juventus would also give Van Persie the opportunity to keep playing at the highest level via the Champions League.
AS Monaco
Despite Financial Fair Play, Monaco are still a very wealthy club and would be able to afford Van Persie’s considerable wages.
The Ligue 1 side have made it a habit in recent years to sell off their very best players, so they are always in the process of rebuilding.
Manchester United’s loanee Radamel Falcao is hugely expected to be sent back to Monaco, though they are also looking unlikely to keep hold of him in favour of finding a different attacking option.
Van Persie could very well be the striker that they need, and I suspect that only a permanent deal would be considered by United.
The MLS
The MLS is growing in wealth and is an emerging force on the footballing scene, where top players go for one last hoorah. Some may say that it is just a big payday from a league that has nowhere near the competitive quality found in other parts of the world.
But with players like David Villa, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard all signed on for the upcoming season, Robin Van Persie could do a lot worse than play alongside these still very talented and highly relevant stars.
