By Ábel Lőrincz
In the 2010/2011 season, Scott Parker was considered one of the best players in the Premier League. The next year, he was one of the best performers of a strong Tottenham Hotspur squad, but his last season didn’t go as planned.
He started the season as the third choice central midfielder behind Sandro and Moussa Dembele, and was only able to secure regular first team football when the Brazilian was ruled out for the season. Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas have made it clear that Parker is surplus to reguirements at White Hart Lane.
The midfielder has several suitors. Reportedly Sunderland, Fulham and QPR are interested in his services.
Roberto Di Canio is looking to revive Sunderland’s squad. One of the positions he wants to strenghten is central midfield. Scott Parker is viewed as a player who would add experience and stability, however it is unlikely that the black cats will purchase him.
Sunderland have already signed El Hadji Ba and Cabral in the last few weeks. Both of them are central midfielders, and they still have Alfred N’Diaye, who is a very similar type of player. Combative, good passer, but lacking in pace and attacking creativity. Also, the gossip is that Parker wants to stay in London, so a move to the North-East is not preferable.
The other Premier League option for Parker would be a move to West London outfit Fulham. Although they have signed Derek Boateng, and Karagounis extended his stay by a season, their midfield is very much lacking in depth. Parker would also fit the transfer policy of Fulham. They are keen on signing ageing players from bigger clubs on the cheap. Meeting Tottenham’s asking price of £2m would not be a problem. However, his current wage of £60,000 per week does not fit the wage structure of Fulham. He needs to lower his demands significantly, and get used to the idea of being used as a squad player if he is to move to Fulham.
The last possibility for Scott Parker is dropping to the Championship, and signing for Queens Park Rangers. Harry Redknapp was the one who pursuaded Parker to join Tottenham, and the English manager remains keen on the England international’s services. He would be guaranteed regular playing time, and relatively high wages compared to other Championship clubs. Although moving to Loftus Road would mean that Parker has to give up hopes of making England’s 2014 World Cup squad. Parker still feels like it is too early to drop to the Championship, but if Fulham doesn’t make a move, he might have to consider leaving the Premier League.
It is very likely that Scott Parker will start the next season in West London. The only question is, which side will he play for?
