When the season ends and three unlucky clubs go down, it can be like a feeding frenzy.
The very best from those going down are ripe for the taking and best of all, at a lower price than usual. Of course, these transfers are risky, but when they come off they can go incredibly well.
Liverpool, for example, has used the relegation market very effectively in recent years. Gini Wijnaldum, Andy Robertson, and Xherdan Shaqiri were all plucked from relegated clubs and are vital to the Red’s success.
Now with Watford, Bournemouth, and Norwich going down to the Championship, there’ll be top-flight suitors in for their best and brightest.
Bournemouth
The Cherries have been a credit to the top flight since their promotion in 2015, but poor transfers and a leaky defence have cost them dearly. However, there are still plenty of players on their books who will be interesting clubs further up the ladder.
The first of these is centre-back Nathan Ake. The 25-year-old has been a defensive lynchpin for the Cherries since his move to the south coast. Comfortable on the ball and aggressive in the air, he can also cover at left-back when required. He’s been linked with a move to Manchester City for a fee of around 35 million pounds, and as an option to provide depth for the Citizens he’d be perfect.
Further up the pitch, we have David Brooks. The young Welshman’s season has been blighted by injury, but his quality is obvious. A highly technical player, he likes to come infield from the right onto his left foot, and with 12 goal contributions in the league last season, it works too.
A transfer for him would, of course, be risky. Any player with his injury record, especially at his age has the capacity to break down. However, for an attacker of his quality and his young age, there are worse options out there.
Watford
The Hornets looked for a while like they could be safe under former manager Nigel Pearson, but their inconsistency cost them, dear. However, their star performers will surely be interesting their former rivals. Ismaila Sarr for one will be highly sought after.
The 22-year-old Senegalese joined the Hornets from Stade Rennes and was often the X-factor for the London club. Blessed with incredible pace, and tidy feet, he can be a danger to even the best left-backs. He’s still raw, but with a bit of fine-tuning could become a highly potent attacker. Links abound with big clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United, but an intermediary move may be needed first.
Behind him, there’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, the hugely talented French midfielder is far too good for the Championship. Playing in an attacking midfield role under Pearson, he was at his best dribbling out of midfield. With a 66.7% success rate, they usually work out for him. Like Sarr there are flaws to his game, his shooting, in particular, is inaccurate, with only 19.4% of his shots on target. However, there’s enough there to more than tempt clubs in the upper reaches of the Premier League.
Norwich City
Norwich’s season has not been a great one to put it lightly. Conceding 75 goals in 38 games is simply not good enough for a team to stay in the Premier League. However, they have a number of young talents who will surely be under the watchful eye of some of Europe’s elite.
Emiliano Buendia is one of those, the Argentine has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid. Playing off the right, Buendia has been the chief offensive architect for the Canaries. He’s created a stunning 4.93 shots per 90 in the Premier League this season and seven assists. With a more prolific front line, the 22-year-old could be an elite attacking midfielder for a top club very soon.
On the other side of Norwich’s attacking midfield is Todd Cantwell. The 22-year-old midfielder hasn’t created chances like his Argentinian counterpart but is still an exciting prospect.
A technical dribbler, Cantwell is at his best coming off the left-wing but can also play behind the striker. And with four goals against the top seven, he has often reserved his best performances for the best sides.
