Toure hoping for Premier League return

Yaya Toure believes he still has enough quality to play in the Premier League, but would any top-flight clubs consider signing him? The ex-Manchester City star brought his eight-year spell at the Etihad Stadium to an end following the conclusion of the 2017-18 season and he has since had brief stints in Greece with Olympiakos and at Chinese club Qingdao Huanghai.
Indeed, it appeared as though Toure’s career was coming to an end during his time in the Far East, as he was playing in the second tier of the Chinese football pyramid and wasn’t exactly pulling up any trees, scoring just twice in 14 appearances.
The former Barcelona star, who left Qingdao Huanghai earlier this month, also turned 36 during his time in China, but despite seemingly coming towards the end of his career, the midfielder has now indicated that he is keen to return to the Premier League as potentially a player-coach.
Toure was one of the stars of the English game during his time at City, scoring 62 goals in 230 appearances, while he also claimed seven major honours in Manchester.
However, it is fair to say Toure’s best days are behind him, although several clubs may be tempted to take a chance on the Ivorian, who would have to take a wage cut if he is to secure a return to England.
West Ham have previously been linked with making a move for Toure and there is an obvious connection there, as the Hammers are managed by the midfielder’s former boss at City, Manuel Pellegrini – with the duo having won the Premier League title together in 2014.
Toure is also the kind of big-name signing that West Ham have been associated with over recent years and there is a case to say he could play an important role in the middle of the park at the London Stadium, as that is an area where the Hammers have looked short over recent weeks.
An alternative destination, all be it an unlikely one for Toure, could be a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners do not tend to go for players coming to the end of their careers, but there is a link between Toure and the club, as his brother Kolo spent a successful seven years with the North London outfit.
The former Monaco player could also prove the leader that the Arsenal squad have been crying out for over recent years, with his influence off the pitch perhaps being more important than what he does on it.
There could also be an opening within Unai Emery’s squad, with uncertainty surrounding the future of former skipper Granit Xhaka following his outburst during the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last month.
Whether Toure does still have what it takes to flourish in the Premier League remains up for debate, but surely there will be clubs interested in taking a look at a player of his undoubted quality and experience.