The amount of money involved in football can often reach such eye-watering figures that can even stifle the passion towards the game. After all, at least a few among us wonder, what could be better than pocketing 5 to 6 figure salaries per week and then getting to watch the action from the bench with no consequences?
But alas, that's what sets professional footballers apart from the rest; the unwavering will to play, to feature in the biggest matches and make a difference on the grandest occasions. The camera focus on dejected players watching longingly from the bench has become a trademark feature of football broadcasting.
Every season we have a few players of this ilk – ones who do not play as often as their talent merits. The reasons may be wide ranging, such as the change in tactics due to a new manager, contract related standoffs, loss of form, loss of place in the 11 to a better performing team mate etc. One thing is certain; if their services were to be offered to a buyer club, there would be no shortage of takers.
Here are 5 EPL players who need to find new clubs:
#1 Erik Lamela
Once heralded as Tottenham's replacement for Gareth Bale, Lamela has had a topsy-turvy career at Tottenham, to say the least. After struggling under Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood, Pochettino's arrival seemed to spell good times for his Argentine compatriot.
The 2014-15 season served as a bedding in period for both the manager and the player, and the player's qualities shone through in Tottenham's ultimately unsuccessful title challenge of 2015-16.
However, 2016-17 has been a difficult season for Lamela. The excellent form of his teammates and the team itself, in his absence, in addition to persistent injury woes, has meant that Lamela has been sparingly used this season. The emergence of Dele Alli and excellent form of Son Heung-Min mean that Lamela's long term prospects are insecure – and a summer move might suit all parties involved.
#2 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Crossing over to the other side of North London, Ox's career has started to have uncanny similarities with that of Walcott – uncertainty over his best position, stunted development due to nagging injury issues, and a relatively long time spent at Arsenal with nothing much to show for it.
Having once made it to England's World Cup squad as a 17-year-old, Walcott's eventual progression (or lack of it) has been a complete disappointment – not a career Ox would be enthusiastic to emulate.
With uncertainty over his future, and two among the best managers in the world (Klopp and Guardiola) vying for him if reports are to be believed, it would be quite surprising if Ox stays at Arsenal beyond the summer. With Wenger's future up in the air as well, it makes sense for Ox to seek a fresh start to his career at this point.
#3 Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas is the perfect example of how cruel and short-memoried the world of football can be. Upon his arrival from Barcelona in the summer of 2014, Fabregas immediately lit up the Premier League – even almost breaking the all-time Premier League assist record in his Chelsea debut season. His partnership with Diego Costa became a nightmare for Premier League defences, and aspersions were immediately cast on Wenger for missing out on signing him.
Fast forward three years, and Fabregas finds himself a part of yet another title favourite Chelsea squad – albeit at the periphery of it rather than pulling the strings. Chelsea's disastrous 2015-16 season exposed Fabregas' defensive flaws, and with the attacking positions occupied by Hazard, Pedro and Willian, there was no automatic starting spot for Fabregas anymore.
Even though Conte has repeatedly insisted Fabregas has a place in his squad, it is unlikely a player of his abilities will be satisfied by such limited playing time. A parting of the ways looks imminent in summer.
#4 Wayne Rooney
When Wayne Rooney posed for a photograph beside David Moyes having signed a £300,000 per week, five and a half year deal, he must have been quite pleased with himself. It wasn't as if Manchester United had many options – after the departure of Ferguson, they were reluctant to let another influential figure at the club leave so soon.
Yet a long-term deal of such an eye-watering pay package always seemed a questionable idea at best – and United find themselves at a crossroads now because of it.
Despite his best efforts, Mourinho has been unable to find a place for Rooney in his best 11. The player, himself, credit to his professionalism, has complained very little and done great justice to his role as a captain by making important contributions when called upon.
Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer, it is important for Wayne Rooney to leave soon before he is pushed out of the club. And his current exorbitant wages mean China is the most likely destination for the England captain.
#5 Daniel Sturridge
Football has really seen only one world class season from Daniel Sturridge – his devastating partnership with Suarez in 203-14 – yet the talent that resides in that left boot is enormous. The most natural finisher England has had since the days of Michael Owen, Sturridge seemed all set to take up the mantle as the latest in the long line of Liverpool's legendary strikers.
It is safe to say things haven't gone as planned for Sturridge – his lack of availability has meant managers learn to build teams in his absence, with his presence considered a sporadic luxury. While Rodgers openly enthused about his qualities and immediately found a place for him whenever he was available, Klopp has been more pragmatic – with Firmino firmly established as his first-choice forward when the entire squad is fit.
At 27 years of age, Sturridge needs to find a team that wants to be built around him; with LFC unlikely to be that team, the only question seems to be whether Liverpool's hefty asking price will be met.
