Andrea Orlandi

Spain

Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Orlandi started his senior career with Deportivo Alavés, only managing three competitive appearances for the first team during his two-year spell, with the Basques in Segunda División. In summer 2005 he was loaned to hometown side FC Barcelona, also being almost exclusively associated with the reserves. On 20 May 2006, as Barça were already crowned champions, Orlandi took part in his first – and only – La Liga match with the Catalans' main squad, pitching in at left back in a 1–3 away loss against Athletic Bilbao. He also played once in the club's Copa Catalunya win over RCD Espanyol in June 2007, under manager Frank Rijkaard.

Swansea City

In late September 2007, after an unsuccessful trial with Aris Thessaloniki FC, free agent Orlandi signed for Swansea City, moving to the Liberty Stadium on a one-year deal as the club was managed by his compatriot Roberto Martínez. In July 2010 he was linked to fellow Football League Championship side Leicester City, who had just appointed former Swans boss Paulo Sousa as their new coach, but nothing came of it, and the player renewed his link for a further two years, having done the same the year before. On 4 July 2011, after having helped Swansea to its first-ever promotion to the Premier League, contributing 20 games to this feat, Orlandi penned a new one-year contract extension with the club. After signing, however, he found opportunities limited in Brendan Rodgers' first team and,…