Back page With another enthralling Premier League season now finished, Norwich City, Watford and Burnley will now be occupants of the second tier and some players are likely to attract interest from other clubs.
Despite these respective sides dropping down into the Championship, some players have stood out and clubs may be able to get them for cut-price fees. But who are these three players who could earn a move elsewhere and which Premier League side could they join?
First up we have Norwich City and their young English right-back, Max Aarons. The 22-year-old has now had two full seasons in the Premier League and he has the potential to add yet more competition to the rights back in the England set-up. Aarons has featured for the England U21 side since 2019 and he has played in nearly every game for the Canaries for a few seasons now.
With Norwich conceding a vast amount of chances, the defence has to stay resolute in large parts of a match and Aarons is key to that. According to FB Ref, Aarons completes 2.69 blocks per 90 which are among some of the highest in the division. Not to mention his progressive carries which are at 5.4 at such a young age. As per Transfermarkt, European giants like Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Tottenham have previously been linked with Aarons. However, a move to a side like West Ham or Crystal Palace could be a good, sensible move for his career.
Despite Watford having a difficult campaign on their return to the Premier League, the Hornets have had one player who has shone the brightest, Emmanuel Dennis. The Nigerian arrived in the summer from Club Brugge for £3.6 Million following an underwhelming loan spell with FC Köln. Before that with Club Brugge, Dennis showed his brilliance and in particular, he scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid in the 2019/20 Champions League group stage.
In 33 league games this season, the 24-year-old has netted 10 times and assisted six in what has been another torrid season at Vicarage Road. Additionally, Dennis has been a menace aerially with over two aerials won per 90 and just under 20 pressures each game, according to FB Ref. 2.55 dribbles completed per 90 are also very high in a mainly defensive team.
Dennis’ quality is undeniable and Watford would like to keep him for the Championship next season, however, it looks like he could move to a European side. The likes of West Ham and Newcastle United are rumoured to be interested in Dennis, as per Caught Offside, and £20 Million could be enough to secure his services.
England’s Nick Pope has always been the one player in particular that has helped Burnley maintain their Premier League status. He is an incredible shot-stopper for the Clarets and the 30-year-old is way above the level of the Championship. Pope will attract a lot of interest this summer and a few clubs will be fighting for his signature.
One of Pope’s key attributes is consistency. He rarely makes any errors or mistakes and you would think that if he was part of a better side, no disrespect to Burnley, but you feel he would excel more. According to FBref, he has brilliant distribution with the Englishman able to hit the ball just under 66 yards and he has a save percentage of 73.6%.
People may debate that he is more suited to a style of play which Burnley utilises and that is often the reason that Pope is not picked as often because he is not as good with his feet as being good with your feet is key in this modern era of football. West Ham have been linked but they will look to buy Alphonse Areola permanently. Leicester City may be looking for a replacement for Kasper Schmeichel, however, clubs may look at Pope’s age and search for younger alternatives.
Other players from the three relegated clubs could be on the move but I have chosen the three that are most likely to be settling in at a new club. The names that I have suggested could benefit a team and move them a few places up the Premier League table. But out of these three names, who do you think is most likely to be on the move this summer?
