CASH IN OR PANIC FOR TRIO
FOR the relegated Premier League clubs it’s now a high-powered game of poker – whether to stick or twist.
As soon as Championship football was confirmed for Norwich, Watford and Bournemouth the transfer vultures began their descent ready to pick at the bones of the departed.
The bigger clubs know that relegation usually means panic in the boardroom.
Even allowing for the parachute money, it’s estimated that the trio of relegated clubs will have to factor in losses of around £50million each – probably more during the pandemic.
Norwich players will see wages slashed by 50 per cent – the Canaries having the foresight to prepare for demotion from the top flight with boss Daniel Farke after one season.
Now, for all three, it’s about either trying to keep the core of the squad in an attempt to try and bounce straight back or cashing in on the best players.
Already the ball has started rolling, with central defender Nathan Ake being snapped up from Bournemouth by Manchester City for £41m.
Liverpool have made made an enquiry for Norwich left-back Jamal Lewis and are believed to have an interest in Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly (left). The Cherries have already seen manager Eddie Howe depart and winger Ryan Fraser allowing his contract to run down and now there are doubts over the futures of a glut of their players.
Wales international David Brooks is being courted by clubs, including Crystal Palace and Newcastle United.
Josh King, who just missed out on a January move to Manchester United, has attracted more attention, with his strike partner Callum Wilson and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
In addition to Lewis, Norwich will be inundated with offers for forwards Todd Campbell and Emiliano Buendia, defender Ben Godfrey, who is already the subject of an enquiry from Bayern Munich and keeper Tim Krul.
It’s likely to be all-change at
Watford where the club’s revolvingdoor policy on managers seems set to be repeated with the playing staff.
Ismaila Sarr was their stand-out player and it’s believed a number of top clubs, including Liverpool, United and Spurs have the 22-year-old Senegal forward on their radar.
Powerful midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has his admirers, as does winger Gerard Deulofeu.
And don’t rule out a return to the Midlands for skipper Troy Deeney with newly-promoted West Brom eyeing up a bid.