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When the transfer window slammed shut on Monday, two former England internationals were stuck outside in the cold.
Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck and former gunner Jack Wilshere ended the club-free trade period after their contracts were terminated.
Welbeck was released by Watford after their relegation from the Premier League left them looking to cut their wage bill. Media reports said the 29-year-old, who has suffered a series of injuries in his career, was making £ 100,000 a week at the club.
Wilshere was fired by West Ham United after just over two years with the London club, where he was also out with injuries.
They were both named to Gareth Southgate’s England team in March 2018, and Welbeck was part of the World Cup team in Russia later that year.
Wilshere’s last appearance for England came in a defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016. The midfielder, considered one of the brightest talents in English football after breaking into the Arsenal team at the age of 16, has had a career riddled with injuries. .
But the 28-year-old was quick to refute suggestions that his lack of games at West Ham was due to health problems.
“I have been in top form for a long period of time at the club, even over the course of the last eight months, training hard every day, but unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to play,” he said.
“I am still incredibly hungry, ambitious and desperate to play soccer and achieve success,” he added.
Still, as players without a contract, Wilshere and Welbeck could now sign for any club at any time.
While the transfer window has been closed for deals within the Premier League and international transfers, second-tier championship clubs can still trade until October 16.
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