Bromley have terminated the contract of defender Besart Topallaj, in order for him to pursue a new move for the second half of the campaign, but where could he go next?
The League Two leaders loaned Topallaj out for the first half of the season to National League play-off contenders Hartlepool United. However, despite his success with the club, personal circumstances involving the player and his family have created a fresh development.
After his contract termination was confirmed by Bromley, BBC Sport commentator & journalist Rob Law ruled out a return to Hartlepool, replying to a comment by stating…
’The loan ended and he returned to Bromley to negotiate the termination.
’His wife is expecting and he wanted to be closer to home as a result. Agree though, if the circumstances were different, he would’ve been a good one to keep hold of.’
With that in mind, here are four possible destinations for the defender…
Option One: Sutton United (National League)
In terms of a move ‘closer to home’, a possible return to former club Sutton United seems a realistic possibility for all parties.
Chris Agutter’s side are currently battling at the wrong end of the National League standings at the halfway point of the season. Similarly, the fifth-tier side are currently struggling with defensive injuries and are likely to have a shortlist should they opt to dive back into the market.
Topallaj had a successful loan stint with the National League side, as well as playing a role in Bromley’s promotion and though there has been a managerial change, he knows the club and could play a key role in ensuring their survival.
Option Two: Barnet FC (League Two)
If Topalloj is aiming to stay in the EFL, Dean Brennan’s Barnet are a possible option for the 24-year-old, especially given the manager’s focus on building a strong defensive unit.
The Bees are currently 11th in League Two and have kept an impressive nine clean sheets across all competitions this season. However, defensive depth could be an area that Brennan wants to focus on in part this month.
Admittedly, Barnet have several high-quality defenders already at their disposal, but if an injury or suspension did occur – those options would be limited quickly. Topallaj also impressed for Hartlepool towards the top end of the National League, justifying the step up.
Option Three: Aldershot Town (National League)
Similar to Sutton United, Aldershot Town are another National League side that are fighting at the wrong end of the table and have let several defensive players leave the club since the appointment of John Coleman.
Aldershot are currently four matches unbeaten in the league, after a recent resurgence – with Coleman continuing to apply his tactical inputs to ensure their survival. Topallaj has a lot of National League experience and is a promotion winner, which could all be attributes that strengthen their defensive setup.
Budget-wise, Aldershot are likely to favour a free agent rather than relying on either transfer fees or unproven youngsters and it keeps Topallaj within the area and in the same division.
Option Four: Woking FC (National League)
Sticking with the National League theme but moving further up the standings, Neal Ardley’s Woking are dark horses in the fifth tier so far this season, creeping closer towards the top seven with each passing week.
The Cardinals do have a reliance on left-back Caleb Richards and whilst he’s been a constant performer for the club, he hasn’t contributed to a goal or assist so far this season. On the other side, their right-back (Aaron Drewe) has five goal contributions.
This could tempt Woking into looking for more competition for that particular position, adding someone like Topallaj who has been amongst the goals for Hartlepool during the first half of the season.
Readers, would you take Topallaj at your club?
