One consequence of Premier League relegation is how playing squads are often decimated the following summer. In 2008-09, Newcastle United lost several key players including Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Damien Duff as top-flight clubs preyed on the vulnerable situation at St James’ Park.
Likewise, Moussa Sissoko, Gini Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend departed in 2016 - making their feelings known about a potential season in the Championship. However, United have been equally culpable of raiding the relegated in recent years.
Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser arrived from Bournemouth after their demotion to the second tier in 2020. Fabian Schar, too, made the switch to Tyneside after Deportivo La Coruna finished 18th four years ago.
Snatching wantaway stars from clubs who need to slash the wage bill could provide Toon chiefs with plenty of value in the transfer market. ChronicleLive picks a relegated XI out of Norwich, Watford and Burnley players: would you take any at Newcastle next season?
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Nick Pope
Pope was in stellar form during the relegation run-in but his heroics could not keep Burnley up. A man-of-the-match in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa showcased his importance to the Clarets’ cause.
With eight England caps to his name, the goalkeeper would provide solid competition for Martin Dubravka if Newcastle made a move.
Max Aarons
The only Norwich player in the team, Aarons’ stock has risen this season despite finishing rock-bottom with the Canaries. His England prospects look bleak due to the quality ahead of him at right-back but he still has the quality to become a solid Premier League defender. At 22-years-old, the Magpies could view Aarons as a long-term understudy to Kieran Trippier.
James Tarkowski
Tarkowski has repeatedly been linked with a move to Newcastle since the £300million takeover. A no-nonsense defender, he would provide top-flight experience at centre-back and, as a free transfer, would help with Financial Fair Play constraints.
Ben Mee
Burnley’s captain would likely be the last to leave the sinking ship at Turf Moor. His contract also expires next month but the club do have an option to extend by a further year.
Danny Rose
Former Toon loanee Rose has fallen out of favour at Watford following a move from Tottenham Hotspur last summer. It is crazy how the left-back - who has 29 England caps - is still only 31 but that is an indictment of how far his stock has fallen.
Rose would be an astute signing if a club can help him rediscover his form but, as Newcastle fans found out, doing so could be an impossible task.
Tom Cleverley
Cleverley is coming to the tail-end of his career at 32 but would still do a job as a utility player in the top flight. Stints at Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa means the midfielder knows what it takes to represent a big club.
Josh Brownhill
The Burnley stalwart has barely missed a game since arriving from Bristol City two years ago. However, his inclusion in this team proves how poor the midfield options are at the three relegated clubs.
Moussa Sissoko
The former Magpies man left the club when relegated six years ago… and now faces the prospect of Championship football again! Would you take the Frenchman back at St James’ Park?
Ismaila Sarr
Arguably the star of the XI, Sarr struggled with injuries last season but still netted five goals in 22 Premier League games. Two years remaining on his current deal means Watford could cash in on their star asset, who is certainly capable of staying in the Premier League.
Maxwel Cornet
Cornet bagged against Newcastle on the final day to give supporters a glimpse of his talents. Operating at winger and full-back, the Ivorian bagged nine in a debut top-flight season to stand out as Burnley’s key performer. Analytical site transfermarkt.com value the 25-year-old at £12.6million.
Emmanuel Dennis
Another player who starred in his debut season despite being relegated, Dennis scored a respectable 10 goals but failed to keep Watford in the division. Playing in a better side could help the 24-year-old unleash his true potential.
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