Premier League: Relegated players that are too good to go down

• The Premier League’s promoted teams had an awful season as they were all immediately sent back to the lower division.
• These are players who were relegated that will be in high demand come summer transfer.

The Premier League‘s relegated teams had an awful season as they were all immediately sent back to the lower division.

Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton all fell short of maintaining their Premier League standings, marking only the second occasion that the three promoted teams have dropped straight back to the bottom.

A number of players from the failing teams performed well enough to earn a second chance in the Premier League, despite the clear (and growing) gap between the top two divisions.

These are players who were relegated that will be in high demand come summer transfer:

Vinicius Souza (Sheffield United)

Vinicius Souza was relegated with Sheffield United. Photo/ Sheff United Way

Vinicius Souza has been a ball-winning engines at Bramall Lane, went in for Berge when Sheffield United acquired him last summer.

Leading Europe’s top five divisions in tackles won (76) in 2023–24, the 24-year-old was third in the Premier League in terms of attempted tackles (125).

Souza is among the best five midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of tackles, clearances, aerial duels won, blocks, and air power, even though his attacking threat and possession skills still need improvement.

Elijah Adebayo (Luton Town)

Elijah Adebayo has impressed in the Premier League this season. Photo/ Eurosport

Out of the three promoted teams, Luton performed the best, advancing their survival attempt to the last weekend. The strategy used by Rob Edwards’ club, which included the potent attacking duo of Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo, stunned some of the best teams in the Premier League.

In his debut season in the Premier League, Elijah Adebayo scored ten goals, and the supporting statistics are outstanding. Due to injuries, the 26-year-old only made 16 starts, but he excelled anyway, outperforming his xG of 6.5 and averaging 0.32 goals per shot, which is the highest number in the Premier League.

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and with exceptional aerial skills, he is a dangerous option for many clubs looking to acquire a center-forward this summer.

Alfie Doughty (Luton Town)

Alfie Doughty was an inspiration throughout Luton’s season, frequently serving as Rob Edwards’ most dangerous creative outlet.

The left-back tied for ninth place in terms of chances created and led the league in crosses (340). With two goals and eight assists at the conclusion of the season, he was The Hatters’ main weapon in their first Premier League campaign since 1992.

Among Premier League defenders, only Kieran Trippier of Newcastle had more assists (ten). A number of teams, including Crystal Palace, Wolves, and West Ham, have previously been connected to the 24-year-old.

Sander Berge (Burnley)

Sander Berge in a Premier League game against Arsenal. Photo/ Burnley Express

The Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge has experienced relegation with both Burnley and Sheffield United in recent seasons.

The 26-year-old, who moved from the Blades to Burnley last summer, was one of Vincent Kompany’s team’s best players in 2023–2024, providing a steady and composed presence when things weren’t going well elsewhere.

Top-tier teams would be foolish to pass on the tall midfielder, who was previously linked to some of the Premier League’s best teams before moving to English football from Genk in January 2020 for a reported £22 million.

With 44 caps for Norway, the 6′ 5in sensation is in the 92nd percentile of top midfielders in terms of aerial duels won in the past 12 months.

Gustavo Hamer (Sheffield United)

Gustavo Hamer was a midfield player who Sheffield United targeted Coventry City to get last summer, and the move appeared like a wise acquisition.

In 2022–23, Hamer was one among the top players in the Championship for shots (5th), opportunities created (8th), progressive passes (5th), goal-creating actions (1st), and tackles (5th), helping Coventry get to the play-off final.

Despite a terrible season for Sheffield United, Hamer, who cost £15 million to sign, has shown he is capable of competing at the highest level.

At the end-of-season honors, the 26-year-old—who had four goals and six assists—was named the team’s Player of the Season and Goal of the Season. Sheffield United only won three games this season, but he was seventh in the Premier League for chances created. On the plus side, he may thrive.