Three Relegated Premier League Players Who are Set for Big Moves | OneFootball

From James Milner to Roy Keane, Georginio Wijnaldum to Joe Cole, Andrew Robertson to Scott Parker, we’ve seen quite a few players enjoy success in new Premier League sides after big moves away from freshly relegated teams.

This summer, there’s bound to be a handful of talented players who will be vying to jump ship to another top-flight outfit in order to avoid taking dropping down to the EFL Championship. Today, we’re taking a look at three relegated Premier League players who are primed for a big-money move in the summer transfer window.

João Gomes (Wolves)

Wolves’ seven-year spell in the Premier League has ended with a whimper, with the West Midlands side finishing bottom thanks to a league-worst attack of 27. As a result, Rob Edwards’ side will be forced to part with a number of key players, with Portuguese duo Mateus Mané and José Sá likely to fetch them a hefty sum.

But whilst Wolves have safeguarded Brazil international André’s future by tying him down to a contract through 2030, the same cannot be said for his compatriot and midfield partner João Gomes. All signs point to Gomes following in the footsteps of Matheus Cunha, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Pedro Neto and departing Wolves for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Gomes has established himself as a tenacious, ball-winning defensive midfielder since joining Wolves in 2023, leading the team for tackles per game (3.1). However, he’s also stood out for his high-octane pressing, his creative vision, his acceleration in congested areas, and his elusive dribbling ability, sitting atop the squad with 1.2 dribbles per 90 and a 64% accuracy.

It’s precisely these attributes which have endeared him to Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who is keen to retool his squad after yet another trophy-less season. Having previously pursued fellow Brazilian Éderson, Atleti took their sights elsewhere after Atalanta raised their asking price.

Atleti have reportedly agreed personal terms and a fee of nearly $52million for Gomes, who looks set to trade relegation fights at Molineux for Champions League nights in Madrid. At 25 years old, Gomes is approaching his peak, and there’s reason to believe that he can take the mantle from 34-year-old Koke and eventually replace him as the club’s midfield talisman.

Zian Flemming (Burnley)

In contrast to Sunderland and Leeds United, Burnley have failed to buck the recent trend of promoted sides suffering relegation. In truth, the Clarets have looked doomed ever since suffering a 3-0 opening day defeat at Tottenham.

And whilst certain players like Jaidon Anthony (right), Martin Dúbravka, and Maxime Estève could be in line for departures, nobody looks quite as certain to leave as Zian Flemming.

After initially plying his trade abroad with Millwall, the Dutch striker joined Burnley on the deadline day of summer 2024 window. Despite having no preseason, Flemming quickly transitioned to life at Burnley, racking up 12 goals and 4 assists in 36 appearances and spearheading them to the Championship title.

He’s done even better this season, hitting double figures for the fifth time in six seasons and proving to be one of the few saving graces at Turf Moor. Flemming served as a reliable attacking outlet for Burnley, checking a number of boxes from battling for crosses, holding up the ball with his back to goal, or striking the ball powerfully with either foot.

Flemming hit his stride during the home stretch, scoring six of his goals after Valentine’s Day and finishing with the seventh-highest scoring frequency in the Premier League. Despite playing with a team that was bereft in dynamism and creativity, he ended up registering 11 goals from 7.87 xG.

All signs point to him departing for another Premier League outfit, with Leeds United keen to add some firepower in order to lessen the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Ipswich Town and Coventry City have also put out feelers for the 27-year-old as they look to stave off the drop in their return. Flemming might not be sticking around much longer at Burnley, but he will give them a healthy return on their $9.4 million investment.

Mateus Fernandes (West Ham)

Last but not least, we have a player who, despite suffering his second-straight relegation, has solidified his status as one of the most promising talents in Europe: Mateus Fernandes

Fernandes’ path was far from straightforward. After being deprived of regular minutes at Sporting CP, he tested his skills on loan at Estoril Praia before leaving Portugal for England. He quickly established himself as one of Southampton’s most prized assets, winning the club’s Player of the Season award, before moving to West Ham.

Despite not having a full preseason, and despite working under three different managers this season, Fernandes has proven indispensable in the Hammers’ midfield, leading the team for accurate passes per 90 (37.9), accurate long balls per 90 (3.1) and tackles per 90 (2.9).

It doesn’t matter whether he’s sauntering past a slew of opponents with his magnificent close control, or slicing through the defense like a knife through butter with an incisive through ball, or coming away with the ball with a perfectly timed tackle, Fernandes makes his presence felt.

Fernandes certainly won’t be short of suitors, having emerged as one of the hottest midfield targets in the Premier League this summer alongside Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Elliot Anderson. Whilst Manchester United are the early frontrunners, Champions League finalists Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring a potential deal.