Three teams have been relegated as a result of the league’s conclusion: Southampton, Leicester City, and Leeds United. Following that, some players from these teams will look to avoid playing in the Championship and instead continue their careers in the Premier League or other top European leagues. In this article, we look at the players from these clubs to keep an eye on this summer.
James Maddison (Leicester City):
The English attacking midfielder has a contract until 2024, but it’s unlikely he will fulfill it after Leicester’s relegation. Maddison, who has won the FA Cup and the Community Shield with Leicester, as well as numerous international appearances for England, is a player who is expected to spark the interest of big Premier League clubs. Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the first teams to be linked with him.
Harvey Barnes (Leicester City):
Barnes is in a similar situation. As a 25-year-old winger who has already been called up to the national team and has played in European competitions, he is now set to compete in the Championship. This will be particularly painful for Barnes since he came through Leicester City’s academy. Aston Villa appears to be the frontrunner to secure Barnes’ services, as they will be competing in the Conference League next season.
Youri Tielemans (Leicester City):
In terms of leaving the club, Tielemans has an easy task ahead of him. The Belgian midfielder’s contract expires in June, and even before relegation, it appeared unlikely that he would stay at King Power Stadium for another season. When relegation was confirmed, staying at Leicester for another season became even more difficult. There have been no rumours about potential teams, though Chelsea expressed an interest in him a year ago.
Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United):
The American international left Red Bull Salzburg and, one year later, finds himself facing relegation to the Championship, which could potentially harm his career. Rumour has it that Aaronson has a clause in his contract that reduces his cost in case of relegation, making it very unlikely for him to play in the second division. There are no rumours about prospective teams yet, but a young midfielder like him will find a new club quickly.
Luis Sinisterra (Leeds United):
Sinisterra is a player who relies on flashes of quality. However, it is those flashes of quality from the Colombian that can change a game. He arrived last summer from Feyenoord, where he dazzled with his dribbling skills, speed, and a significant number of goals for a winger. At the moment, there is no information about future teams, but any mid-table team looking for a left winger would have a good option with the Colombian.
Illan Meslier (Leeds United):
Meslier was one of Leeds United’s signings in their bid to gain promotion to the Premier League, and he immediately established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper under then-manager Marcelo Bielsa. He continued to guard the goal at Elland Road in the Premier League, but he does not appear to be returning to the Championship. He is a young and tall custodian, and the club would profit handsomely from his sale because his signing was so cheap. Manchester United is said to be interested in the custodian, though Chelsea has already expressed interest.
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton):
One of England’s best free-kick takers is heading towards the Championship… or perhaps another team. The 28-year-old midfielder should be one of the most interesting players from the relegated teams. He is known for his endurance, exceptional physical condition, and has already played at the highest level with the national team, making him an interesting profile for any of the top clubs. Newcastle United is believed to be ahead in negotiations, but Liverpool and Manchester United could also enter the race.
Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton):
“The other Kyle Walker” is a Southampton player who is likewise on his way out of the club. If he wants to play in the Premier League next season, the former Tottenham Hotspur player will need to find a new club. Aston Villa and Manchester United are thought to be the most interested parties, while Chelsea has previously tried to sign him.
Che Adams (Southampton):
The Scottish striker is one of those players who managed to climb up from amateur football to reach the elite. Coming from such a background, dropping down to the Championship could be a minor issue for Adams, but there’s no indication that the forward plans to go down to the second division. Everton, precisely the team that narrowly avoided relegation on the last matchday, is believed to be a potential destination for him, but nothing is certain regarding his future.
