Sunderland fans will lament Kirchhoff's lack of fitness during his time in the north east, because when he is fit the German is an effective and classy midfielder. Amazingly he’s still only 26 and could yet find his feet in the Premier League. Here, talkSPORT.com looks at other players like Kirchoff who have recently been released by club's from last season's Premier League. Kirchoff kicks off the top five – click right to see the best of the rest.
Which fan wouldn’t want a player as committed and as dedicated to a team as Zabaleta, 32, was to Man City?