Nathan Ake’s move to Manchester City is expected to spark a wave of plucking in players from the teams who have been relegated from the Premier League this season. The likes of Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City have faced the axe, and there are certain players like the Dutch centre-back who are now tipped to be on the radar of some of the top teams in Premier League.
That said, here we take a look at five players we feel deserve to be in the top division of English football, and can deservedly make a move from their respective clubs into the top tier.
Gerard Deulofeu (Watford)
Versatile Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu has had an injury-hit season, but regardless of that, he provided a decent return of four goals and five assists in 28 league games. Known for his strong dribbling skills, interest even from some top teams from the other European leagues has stepped up for the winger.
5 - Watford's Gerard Deulofeu has been directly involved in five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances (2 goals, 3 assists), as many as his previous 22 in the competition. Catalyst. #WATEVE pic.twitter.com/NgMlMY7eU5
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 1, 2020
Deulofeu has sure struggled with injuries, but on his day, he is well and truly capable of taking on defenders and turn the tide right at the death. It is said that the Spaniard is currently in touch with his representatives as he is keen on staying in the top-flight, and this could turn out to be a perfect opportunity for the suitors to lure him in on a relatively low transfer fee.
Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City)
Despite a return of a solitary goal in 36 league appearances, Norwich City’s 23-year-old midfielder has provided seven assists and has played 2.3 key passes per game, which is fourth highest in the league this season. And this particular number is enough for the top teams to table a lucrative offer.
29 - Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendía created 29 chances for his teammates in December, the most by a player in a single calendar month on record in Premier League history (2003-04 onwards). Wizardry. #OptaPLRefresher pic.twitter.com/8nAG9mPArp
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 12, 2020
The Argentine created nine clear-cut goalscoring chances this season, which, in fact, is the highest amongst the three relegated sides. He did end his season with a red card against Burnley, but there’s absolutely no denying his talent, having created as many as 28 chances from set-piece situations.
Joshua King (Bournemouth)
Six goals and four assists is certainly not a good figure for a striker, but the quality that Bournemouth striker Joshua King brings to the table is simply unquestionable. With Odion Ighalo’s loan deal expiring at the end of the season, rumours have it that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering a move for the former United academy graduate.
“The link to United is strong. King has played there as an academy player. His former coach in the reserve team is now head coach of the club and he has got himself a new agent in Jim Solbakken, who is also Solskjaer’s agent,” explained Norway assistant coach Per Joar Hansen.
However, at 28, does he really represent the principles that Solskjaer is trying to fit at United? Only the time will tell.
Ben Foster (Watford)
At 37 years of age, goalkeeper Ben Foster was arguably the most consistent performer of Watford. The Hornets sure have a long list of players like Will Hughes, Ismaila Sarr, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Danny Welbeck who might force an exit, but losing Foster could actually pose a bigger problem than it seems.
If not for a regular first-team football, Foster could be an amazing backup for the likes of Tottenham and even for Chelsea, who are expected to relieve Kepa Arrizabalaga from his duties. The 37-year-old made 117 saves during this campaign and despite a horrific season, managed to keep nine clean sheets. An offer from one of the Premier League teams could well and truly be on the table.
Max Aarons (Norwich City)
A sudden report of Bayern Munich’s interest in Norwich City’s 20-year-old full-back Max Aarons has left every single fan puzzled, to say the least. In a rather underwhelming season for Norwich, Aarons has impressed one and all, playing in 40 games in all competitions for the Canaries.
Right from growing up between an unknown equity to becoming European Golden Boy nominee, Aarons could become a subject of an absolute bidding war between a few clubs, given that every modern manager these days requires an intelligent full-back, which Aarons is.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Mike Hewitt, Mike Egerton
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.
