For this week's jog through France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, we'll take the route for identifying the prime free agents up for capture in each league.
This time, we'll rank the countries by overall quality of the summer freebies up for capture.
#5 - Great Food, Dusty Market
With Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo signed to AC Milan early, the big prize is already gone in Italy.
Unless you're in for old fogeys like Alessandro Del Piero, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Nesta, the star power is definitely lacking in this summer's Serie A pick 'em bins.
Beyond them is a decent crop of grizzled veterans, including Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini and defender Christian Chivu of house rivals Inter.
#4 - Bonne Chance!
The Ligue 1 free agent list is long this year, but also rather top-heavy. Usually a place with plenty of solid buys around, this time the French market watchers were heavily focus on three players.
Brest keeper Steeve Elana is the season's highest-rated player by France Football, but Lille won the race for his services on Friday.
The other two hot topics are in midfield. Ederson has been a disappointment to Lyon, but is only 26 and has plenty of admirers. Don't be surprised if he ends up in Italy.
The top prize looks to be Renaud Cohade of Valenciennes, currently tied for fifth among field players in the aforementioned magazine ratings. The 27-year-old had been toiling well in obscurity for a few years, but really impressed this season, even leading the team with six goals from defensive midfield.
#3 - Question Marks For Sale
If Italy is for shopping oldies but goodies, then rain in Spain's summer free agent bazaar falls mainly on players somewhat younger that have yet to reach full potential.
Fresh from a roller coaster loan spell at Everton, Royston Drenthe will soon come off the Real Madrid books. A bit less temperamental but nearly as frustrating is Sevilla forward Arouna Kone, fresh off hitting 16 goals on loan to Levante.
Those interested in reliable La Liga stock may prefer the prime choice, Mallorca midfielder Chori Castro. Last season, the left winger rung up six goals and 10 assists for the second time in three seasons.
#2 - Dutch Treats
Unlike the other leagues, there are some fine selections in all age ranges to be had from Eredivisie players running out of contract.
Young Ajax attackers Ismail Aissati and Nicolas Lodeiro will both go free is not re-signed by the end of June. In particular, the latter holds a world of talent that's been shackled by injuries.
Another choice young veteran is on the market, FC Twente's Douglas. The spidery defender's agent won't be getting much sleep these days, what with the likes of Newcastle and Schalke ringing his phone repeatedly.
That's not to say the Dutch pickings are limited to rising players. Brett Holman and Lasse Schoene have already been plucked (by Aston Villa and Ajax, respectively), but influential AZ left back Simon Poulsen is among the veterans still up for grabs.
#1 - One-Stop Shop?
Sure, the German offerings on display could have been grander. Tim Wiese is headed to Hoffenheim, Roman Neustaedter to Schalke and Raul's off to the Middle East.
Still, anyone looking for quality and variety will find plenty to browse in der wundermarkt. There an array of veteran models, many of them serviceable wingbacks and midfield Bundesliga name brands (not even including older MLS target Michael Ballack).
Those shopping for potential bargains in the youth defense department may like the cut of Bayern Munich defender Breno (like Lazio) or Werder Bremen's Sebastian Boenisch (like Schalke).
While there's all sorts of solid goodies for sale at Bundes-King, most eyes are on the double prize set to go free at Bayer Leverkusen. Both winger Tranquillo Barnetta and netminder Rene Adler will have several clubs on the continent offering to help them get over an injury-hit 2011/12 season.
