When news broke that Emmanuel Adebayor had been released by Tottenham Hotspur yesterday morning, the only surprise was that the split had not happened sooner.
The former Arsenal striker initially joined the Lilywhites on a season-long loan deal in 2011, but after some initial success and important goals, Adebayor's stint at White Hart Lane started to turn sour almost immediately after he had made the switch permanent 12 months later.
He made just 10 appearances in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino's management last term and was not even given a squad number ahead of the ongoing campaign. A move to London rivals West Ham United was on the cards on transfer deadline day, but with Spurs refusing to pay up the 31-year-old's contract, the Hammers were unable to secure the Togolese frontman's services.
Tottenham have now reached an agreement with Adebayor, which begs the question - where next for the well-travelled free agent? Here, Sports Mole has assessed the possible options.
Premier League
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With his reputation, you may think that clubs in the Premier League would opt against making a move for Adebayor. However, as The Sun journalist Charlie Wyett recently pointed out on Sky Sports News, desperation can make managers do funny things.
"Someone will give him another chance, because they always do. There will be another manager, maybe in this country, who is desperate and feels Adebayor may be worth a gamble," said Wyett.
A move to Bournemouth has recently been mooted, while Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood is known to be a fan of Adebayor from their time together at Spurs. However, having been registered as a Tottenham player for the season, Adebayor will not be able to play for another Premier League club until January.
France
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Speculation over the summer claimed that Adebayor had held talks with Marseille about a switch to Ligue 1 - a league which he is no stranger to following stints with Metz and Monaco.
It was with the latter where Adebayor captured the attention of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who took him to England in the winter of 2006 after he had scored 26 goals in 115 appearances. His availability on a free transfer may appeal to Monaco, who according to Oddschecker, are the second favourites to re-sign the striker.
MLS
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More and more veteran footballers are heading over to America to wind down their careers. At present, the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba and David Villa are all plying their trade in the MLS.
At 31, Adebayor is several years younger than those players, but if he has burned his bridges in Europe and is seeking a new challenge that is rewarding both financially and in terms of lifestyle, the USA may be the ideal destination. The transfer window is closed out there right now, but once it reopens, he is bound to be of interest for numerous clubs.
Middle East
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Unlike in the USA, clubs in the Middle East are still permitted to make additions to their squads. Adebayor may not be a household name like Xavi, who recently ended his long association with Barcelona to switch to Qatar, but his arrival would still be viewed as a big coup.
The striker's wage demands will not be a problem either for clubs in the Middle East, many of whom have extremely wealthy owners.
India
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A whole host of big-name players, including the likes of Luis Garcia, Elano, Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires, David James, Freddie Ljungberg, Joan Capdevila and David Trezeguet, agreed to play in the inaugural Indian Super League last year.
More have agreed to play this time around, such as Roberto Carlos. The start date is potentially an attractive proposition for Adebayor. The new campaign will get underway on October 3 and conclude in December, which would allow the centre-forward to keep up his fitness levels and earn some good money ahead of a switch to a more established team and league in January.
