The extent of the financial impact COVID-19 will have on this summer’s football transfer market is expected to be significant.
As such, clubs will be on the lookout for some bargain buys to get the most out of the money they decide to spend.
Players that may well be targeted as a result are those attached to teams who may be destined for relegation. Of course, that will depend on how the 2019/20 league campaigns are ultimately concluded but, for now, we’ll operate under the assumption that each of Europe’s top five divisions will find a way to play out the remaining fixtures.
So those teams who may eventually succumb to the drop will likely be eager to sell some of their best players to generate cash during this difficult period. And there are some real gems shining at the foot of the table at the moment.
Here, we look at five of the most sought-after players in relegation-threatened teams.
JACK GREALISH | ASTON VILLA
As difficult as this season has been for Aston Villa to endure, it could’ve been exponentially worse if not for Jack Grealish. Such is the influence of their 24-year-old skipper that you struggle to workout how they would create chances, let alone score goals, if he was removed from the equation.
Despite a severe lack of support around him, Grealish has still delivered seven goals and six assists in the league while his 2.7 key passes per game is second only to Kevin De Bruyne. Those figures along with the star playmaker’s overall game has at least presented the Villains with a shot at survival.
Strongly linked to – Manchester United
Also interested – Everton
Manchester United endured a lengthy spell this season during which their midfield appeared totally flat and devoid of creativity. Bruno Fernandes’ signing has begun to rectify that but the Red Devils seem determined to bolster their options. Grealish guarantees chances and has an eye for goal himself. He’s also proved to be a tough customer, riding more fouls than any other player in England and shining even in a disjointed team.
SANDRO TONALI | BRESCIA
His range of passing, superb vision and technique are obvious attributes that allow Sandro Tonali to flourish as a deep-lying playmaker. However, his strength in the finer aspects of the position makes him an accomplished regista at only 19.
He was pivotal to Brescia’s promotion from Serie B last season, showing intelligence, maturity and positional awareness beyond his years. Tonali has only improved this term, looking completely at ease against illustrious Serie A opposition. He boasts an impressive average of 2.1 key passes per game and has five assists to go along with one goal.
Strongly linked to – Inter Milan
Also interested – Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan
Being branded ‘The New Pirlo’ comes with plenty of pressure and scrutiny. But it also means Tonali is not short of suitors. According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan are all keen on acquiring the midfielder. Brescia won’t accept less than €30m plus bonuses but with a bidding war brewing, they may take home a fee well above that figure especially since Barcelona have shown interest as well.
TODD CANTWELL | NORWICH CITY
There’s an unmistakable swagger in Todd Cantwell’s game that speaks volumes of the confidence he has in his own ability. Not only did the attacking midfielder ably replace James Maddison at Carrow Road last season, but he even took on Norwich hero Wes Hoolahan’s No14 shirt which had been left vacant for a year following his departure.
He went about being the new hero for the Canaries as he helped guide them to the Premier League where he’s turned heads with some outstanding displays. Six goals and two assists this season is no more than the 22-year-old deserves for his efforts but the extent of his talents goes far beyond those figures. Cantwell is the sort of technically gifted player brings those around him up a level.
Strongly linked to – Liverpool
Also interested – Tottenham
Liverpool’s recruitment in recent years has been on the money. Even their decision not to make any big moves last summer paid off handsomely. Given his technique, skill and drive, Cantwell would be an excellent replacement for Adam Lallana who is expected to leave Anfield with his contract expiring in July. Tottenham have also kept tabs on him throughout the campaign.
MILOT RASHICA | WERDER BREMEN
Tenacious, unpredictable and a handful – that’s Milot Rashica in a nutshell. Capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, he’s simply incapable of standing still. He runs relentlessly but he’s equally quick and persistent in thought, always plotting his next move to unlock the defence.
His low centre of gravity coupled with sharp turns and bursts of acceleration make him a nightmare for defenders who always risk getting nutmegged should they confront him. He exploits space intelligently and excels with his link-up play.
Despite playing largely off the left for Werder Bremen, he’s their top scorer with seven goals from 20 Bundesliga appearances and even has four assists. His 1.6 key passes and 2.2 dribbles per game points to his exciting overall performances.
Strongly linked to – RB Leipzig
Also interested – Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool
RB Leipzig are the front-runners for his signature and Julian Nagelsmann will certainly be encouraged by Rashica’s contributions off the ball too. Jadon Sancho’s exit looks increasingly likely and Borussia Dortmund will be keen to avail of Rashica’s release which could drop from €38m to €15m if Bremen are relegated. Meanwhile, he could even join Liverpool as a relief option for any one of their front three.
NATHAN AKE | BOURNEMOUTH
Bournemouth haven’t had a great season and Eddie Howe is facing the challenge of his managerial career to keep them up but amid the chaos, costly errors and shoddy defending, Nathan Ake has been a beacon of light at the back. The 25-year-old has developed into a well-rounded centre-back and has proved as much with several crucial interventions this season.
His ability to read danger has been honed while he’s made a habit of pulling off vital blocks and making key clearances. Ake has still managed to retain composure in possession, boasting a pass accuracy of 88.1 per cent in the Premier League which is the best among his team-mates. He’s also a threat in the opposition’s box and has two goals and an assist this term.
Strongly linked to – Manchester City
Also interested – Chelsea, Arsenal
A centre-back will be top priority for Pep Guardiola. Manchester City failed to replace Vincent Kompany and injuries to Aymeric Laporte hit them hard. Ake has plenty of Premier League pedigree and the passing range to be a good fit while he is even capable of operating as a makeshift left-back when Benjamin Mendy is missing. Former employers Chelsea would also value his inclusion in their inexperienced back-line while Arsenal are desperate for an injection of quality.
