International tournaments are a great way for a player to put themselves in the shop window.
James Rodriguez was signed by Real Madrid after his displays at the World Cup two years ago, Andrey Arshavin joined Arsenal on the back of his performances for Russia at Euro 2008 and Manchester United fans won’t like being reminded of Karel Poborsky and Kleberson, both signed after impressive showings at summer tournaments.
Unfortunately Gary Breen never landed a mooted move to Inter Milan after his heroics for the Republic of Ireland in the 2002 World Cup, but some of the current crop of Irish players could secure big money transfers after Euro 2016.
Here are the five most likely
Robbie Brady
Nevermind Donald Trump potentially becoming President of the United States, or the UK voting to leave the EU, if Robbie Brady isn’t playing in the Premier League next season, the world really has gone mad.
The 24-year-old was brilliant at Euro 2016, excelling against Sweden from left-back in the opening group game. Brady scored what will become an iconic goal against Italy to secure Ireland’s passage to the last-16, before showing coolness from the penalty spot to give Ireland an improbable lead against France in the last-16.
Brady was part of the Norwich City team relegated from the Premier League last season, and Hull City the previous year. However, his performances at the Euros, and in his two years in the top flight, show he’s capable of thriving on the biggest stages.
The Dubliner has been linked with a £12m move to Leicester City, as well as West Brom, Sunderland and a return to Hull. Brady is too good for the Championship, and his next move will be ideally be to a secure Premier League club.
Robbie Brady's move to Leicester City edges closer https://t.co/ZZm2eYO2eI
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 29, 2016
The Premier League champions, and a season of Champions League football would be a great move for the player.
Jeff Hendrick
Hendrick is another Irish player who has proved his ability on the major stage, but could be playing in the Championship next season. The midfielder excelled at Euro 2016, coming close to scoring a number of times against Sweden and Italy and cementing his status as a key player for Ireland.
Going back to the grind of the Championship after his heroics in France will represent a significant comedown for the 24-year-old. Hendrick wasn’t an automatic choice for Derby County last season, and although he should be afforded a run in the team under new manager Nigel Pearson, the midfielder’s performances for Ireland should warrant a chance in the Premier League.
Hendrick has been linked with moves to Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Hull City this summer, while Turkish giants Galatasaray are said to have scouted the player over the past few months.
Galatasaray are interested in Jeff Hendrick after his superb #EURO2016 campaign https://t.co/42RIGs4WhL @Galatasaray
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 29, 2016
The Dubliner is capable of playing for any of the aforementioned teams.
Darren Randolph
The West Ham ‘keeper has hardly put a foot wrong since gaining a starting spot for Ireland and will start the World Cup qualification campaign as the team’s number one.
Randolph was particularly excellent against France in Ireland’s 2-1 loss, saving a number of shots from France’s talented attackers. The 29-year-old was used as the cup ‘keeper for West Ham last season, but will he be as happy warming the bench after his displays at Euro 2016?
Everton have let Tim Howard join Colorado Rapids, and used Joel Robles as first-choice ‘keeper in the final months of last season. However, Randolph could be a good option for the Toffees should he fail to dislodge Adrian at West Ham.
Shane Long
Long’s need for a move isn’t as pressing as many of his Irish teammates, but the 29-year-old may be tempted by a final big move and a chance to compete for Champions League football.
The striker had arguably the best spell of his career last season, scoring 10 goals in 28 Premier League games and becoming a regular starter for Southampton.
But Ronald Koeman, who Long credits for his great form last season, has left St Mary’s for Everton and Long may decide he too needs to leave to further his career.
Both Spurs and Liverpool could be in the market for a high energy, hard working goalscorer with top flight experience and Long would be interesting options for both.
Long didn’t have a vintage Euro 2016, but was arguably isolated and unsuited to ploughing the lone frontman role. The striker would thrive in a high pressing team surrounded by attacking talents.
Aiden McGeady
McGeady is unlikely to ever fully realise his talent, and his Ireland career may be winding down, but the 30-year-old desperately needs first-team football after experiencing a wretched two year period.
The winger hardly featured for Everton over the past two seasons, and went on-loan to Sheffield Wednesday last January in attempt to get regular football ahead of Euro 2016.
McGeady featured 13 times for the Championship side, but wasn’t part of the squad for the play-off final, and joined up with the Ireland squad early.
With his future at Everton in doubt, and a permanent move to Wednesday seemingly off the cards, McGeady’s options appear to be scarce.
However, his brief cameo against Italy, in which he was involved in Ireland’s goal, showed the player is a complete busted flush.
The winger could maybe move back to Celtic, but the MLS might be the spark he needs to reignite his career. A player of McGeady’s natural skill would have a field day with some of what passes for defending in the American league.
Sebastian Giovinco, a small, skilful player, has been a revelation for Toronto FC, and although we shouldn’t expect any miracles from McGeady should he arrive in the MLS, the move would at least give a much needed boost to the player’s confidence.
Moving to MLS did little to negatively affect Robbie Keane’s Ireland output.
