Martin Caceres is apparently close to signing for AC Milan as a free agent, but the player has been in similar situations several times since leaving Juventus in June. As a free agent it’s been a surprise Caceres hasn’t found a club before now, and there have been plenty of links claiming serious interest.
Italy’s Calciomercato.it take a look at the situation on Thursday, and detail several English clubs who a few months ago were very keen on signing the defender. It’s claimed that Southampton and Sunderland were ‘really interested’ but it was Tony Pulis’ West Brom who came closest to getting a ‘yes’ from the player.
The lack of finding a club before now could be a lot to do with length of contract, and not simply €/£ per week. Turning 30 year of age in the coming April, it would be no surprise if Caceres has been trying to hold out for a 3 or even 4 year deal.
Interest from Southampton, Sunderland, Swansea and West Brom may well have been based on a shorter term, which was why it never went anywhere.
Signing Caceres doesn’t really seem to be a Southampton-type deal to do, but the player’s versatility of being able to operate across the defensive line must be a pull. Sunderland could do with any quality addition they can get, and West Brom were likely keen on a potential bargain.
