Relegation is a blessing and a curse in itself. For the clubs, it means a substantial loss of television revenue and can hinder growth for years to come. For the best players on relegated teams, it acts as a restart. Premier League clubs sign the players who are eager to stay at the top level. We should expect to see the following players in the Premier League next season:
Hull City: Andrew Robertson, Harry Maguire, Sam Clucas
Middlesbrough: Adama Traore, Alvaro Negredo, Calum Chambers
Sunderland: Didier Ndong, Jermain Defore, Jordan Pickford
(Stats Courtesy Of The Premier League)
The 23-year-old Scottish left back has been a crucial player for Hull City's squad. Robertson has all the qualities a great outside back should have: crossing ability, set piece taking and stamina. According to Bleacher Report and The Daily Mirror, Robertson will sign with Liverpool when the transfer window opens in June. This would give competition to James Milner and add more depth when players are injured or suspended.
Sam Clucas was an ever present in the heart of Hull City's midfield, and the 26-year-old is adept at keeping possession and even managed to score one of the best goals of the season.
Harry Maguire showed a very promising future during the 2016-17 season at Hull. The 24-year-old contributed to two goals and put two in himself. The English defender has caught the eye of Liverpool, Everton and newly promoted Newcastle United.
According to International Centre For Sports Studies, Adama Traore is the best dribbler in Europe. Although he places above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in that category, Traore has not scored during the 2016-17 season and only has two assists. The Spaniard has not attracted any concrete offers yet, but that will change when the transfer window opens.
Alvaro Negredo netted nine goals and assisted four goals, leading both categories for Middlesbrough this season. West Brom have their sights on Negredo, who would be a great addition to their threat from set pieces and corners. Turkish side Galatasaray have also shown interest in the Spaniard and could submit a very tempting offer.
Calum Chambers was on loan from Arsenal to Middlesbrough for the 2016-17 Premier League season. Now that the loan has run its term, Arsenal can capitalize on his development at Middlesbrough or sell the 22-year-old in the summer transfer window. Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez will likely submit a bid for Chambers this summer.
When Sunderland manager David Moyes signed Gabonese midfielder Didier Ndong from FC Lorient, it broke Sunderland's transfer record. The 22-year-old led Sunderland in passes and tackles during the 2016-17 season. Critics believe Ndong has much room to improve, yet he could be a great addition to midtable clubs in the Premier league.
Jermain Defoe is the Rocky Balboa of the Premier League. The 34-year-old vegan striker has shown no signs of slowing down. Scoring 15 goals this season, Crystal Palace and West Ham are keen on signing Defoe to reinforce their attack.
Jordan Pickford shouldered Sunderland this season, completing the second most saves in the Premier League. The 23-year-old has an aggressive style of play, which has allured top clubs such as Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United.