Leicester were relegated at the weekend and will join Southampton in the Championship next season. Ipswich are 15 points from safety with five games to play, so it’s only a matter of time before they too are consigned to the second tier. The three sides have been extremely disappointing this season, picking up just 10 wins between them, but they have some talented players who will be targets for Premier League sides in the summer transfer window.
Mateus Fernandes, Southampton
A summer signing from Sporting, Fernandes was thrown in at the deep end at Southampton, but he’s one of few players who has managed to swim rather than sink this season. The central midfielder adjusted well to the rigours of Premier League football. Despite playing in one of the worst teams the Premier League has ever seen, he has averaged 2.8 tackles, 1.5 dribbles and 1.1 key passes per 90 minutes. Fernandes has represented Portugal at various youth levels and, at just 20 years old, he has time on his side to develop further.
Tyler Dibling, Southampton
It would be a shock if Dibling is still playing for Southampton at the end of the summer transfer window. The club have demanded £100m for the winger and, while it is an astronomical fee for an unproven 19-year-old, there are a number of interested parties. Dibling has made 34 appearances this season, scoring four goals. Like Fernandes, it has been tough for him in a poor team but he has represented his country at various age groups, playing for England’s Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-21s. The youngster has laughed off his price tag. “Nobody takes it seriously. It’s just a number. It’s all fun,” he says. He also says he is not angling for a move – “I love Southampton. I have been here since I was eight. It’s such a great team and I am working to do big things with them – but, given the clubs who have expressed an interest, he may change his mind over the summer.
Aaron Ramsdale, Southampton
Ramsdale has now been relegated from the Premier League with three different clubs – Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Southampton – but Saints would have dropped back into the Championship far sooner were it not for the England international’s performances. Newly promoted Leeds, who are reportedly looking to replace Illan Meslier, have been linked with a move for Ramsdale, who has made the third most saves (106) in the division this season.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Southampton
A bit of a gimme, Walker-Peters’ contract is up in a couple of months’ time and any number of Premier League clubs should be lining up at St Mary’s to sign the full-back. The 28-year-old can play on either flank and is tidy in possession. His pass success rate of 90.5% would appeal to a number of Premier League outfits. Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves and Fulham are among those believed to be keeping tabs on the former England international.
Mads Hermansen, Leicester
Leicester’s relegation was confirmed at the weekend despite the best efforts of Hermansen, whose performance between the sticks in their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday earned him a place in our Premier League team of the week. The 24-year-old ranks fourth for saves (98) in the division this season. His distribution needs work but he would prove a smart signing for a promoted side who need a new shotstopper.
Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester
Injuries have prevented Ndidi from hitting the heights many expected when the Nigerian joined Leicester in 2017. Even so, the 28-year-old has proven an effective ball winner, with his average of 3.3 tackles per 90 minutes ranking among the top 10 players in the league this season. Ndidi, an FA Cup winner with 64 international caps, would be a handy squad player for a club in need of an injection of top-flight experience.
Bilal El Khannouss, Leicester
El Khannouss has been Leicester’s shining light in a dreary Premier League campaign. Leicester spent £21m to sign the Moroccan last summer and his performances have caught the eye. El Khannouss has always excelled for his country – he won an Olympic bronze medal in Paris last year having made his debut in the Morocco side that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar. Arsenal have reportedly shown an interest in the 21-year-old, whose two goals and two assists do not tell the full story of a player who has performed admirably this season.
Abdul Fatawu, Leicester
Fatawu was unfortunate to suffer a season-ending knee injury in Leicester’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United in November. It was a big blow for the winger and his club. While a small sample size, Fatawu’s average of 4.5 successful dribbles is among the best in the Premier League this season. Clubs weighing up the possibility of bringing in a tricky winger should cast their eye over the 21-year-old. His lengthy absence may put some off but he proved his quality in the opening weeks of what proved to be a doomed campaign for Leicester.
Liam Delap, Ipswich
Many scoffed at Ipswich’s decision to spend big on a striker who had struggled in the Championship, yet Liam Delap has enjoyed a whirlwind few months. The club’s impending drop is unlikely to deter the Premier League’s big hitters. On the contrary, news of a £30m release clause has put clubs on red alert. Twelve goals and two assists is a return to be commended and his willingness to throw himself about means Delap will earn a high-profile move this summer.
Leif Davis, Ipswich
Leif Davis’ first-half red card against Arsenal on Sunday compounded a miserable afternoon for relegation-bound Ipswich, but that dismissal should not detract from the 25-year-old’s attacking quality. No defender has made more key passes than Davis (54) in the Premier League this season. He has been a handy attacking outlet for Kieran McKenna’s team and clubs in need of a forward-thinking left-back would be wise to land themselves a bargain.
Premier League team of the week
This is an article by WhoScored