Potential Free Transfers for Striker

Discussion

Hey guys, I know most of you are worried about Danny Welbeck leaving and not having a replacement at striker. However, maybe we don't have to worry about bringing in "a big transfer" to replace him. I say we should take a look in the free agent market...there are some interesting options out there. Let's not forget, that's how we brought Welbz to the club in the first place. Here are some listed below. Some I think are attainable, some pipe dreams.

Dusan Vlahovic- absolute pipe dream, but just thought I would put him here for a laugh.

Afimico Pululu- The #1 Prospect for me. 27 years old, last played for Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland. Also represents DR Congo. He scored at least 10 goals in all 3 seasons he was in Poland. Last season he recorded his highest tally with 15 league goals and most interestingly, an additional 5 goals in the Conference League. He was also the TOP SCORER in the Conference League the season before. His total record at Jagiellonia was 134 appearances in all competitions with 56 goals and 17 assists. Pretty impressive if you ask me! The quality of the Polish Ekstraklasa has also gone up MASSIVELY the last few seasons. I think he would be a good look and cheap wage wise!

Bamba Dieng- 26 years old most recently played for Lorient in Ligue 1. Had a pretty slow start to his career in France flopping at Marseille and a failed loan stint at Angers (also Ligue 1). However, this past season it seems that he has finally found his form scoring 15 goals in 25 total appearances last season in all competitions. His form was deemed good enough to get called up to the Senegal National Team for the World Cup where he featured in one of Senegal's matches. Seems to be a big of a late bloomer, but better late than never. Seems like he would also be someone to take a look at. Whether or not he can keep this form up will be interesting though.

Vincent Janssen- 32 years old. Sure he failed spectacularly at Tottenham, and then went on a bit of an Odyssey for a while with failed stints in Turkey and Mexico. However, he came back to Europe and found his footing at Royal Antwerp. He has been a consistent goal scorer netting at least 10 league goals in each season while in Belgium. In 173 total appearances for Royal Antwerp he managed to score 64 times. Again pretty impressive! We also have firm roots in Belgium with the USG connection. Maybe worth a shout...a few years younger than Welbz and will probably be a little cheaper wage wise.

Some other names out there that might be in need for a career revival, one last chance to be in the show, or a "break glass in case of emergency" player (keep for one maybe two season and then leave)...

Mauro Icardi- a pipe dream, but maybe he wants one last chance to be in "the show"

Jamie Vardy- Bring him in for 1 season for experience and a backup option (replacing Milner in that regard that)

These are some of the main free agents out there in the striker position. What are your thoughts?!

Posted Jul 29, 2026, 6:56 AM UTC

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