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#3 Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford)
Like Bournemouth and Norwich, Watford have plenty of Premier League-worthy talent despite being relegated this season. The likes of Will Hughes, Gerard Deulofeu, and Ismaila Sarr would probably bolster a number of sides in the top flight next season.
However, perhaps the most likely player in the Hornets’ squad to make a quick return to the Premier League is midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. The 27-year-old Frenchman made 37 appearances in 2019-20, scoring four goals and registering two assists along the way. But it’s Doucoure’s versatility that makes him such an intriguing prospect for any suitor.
The midfielder was deployed largely as a holding man early in the season, usually looking to crunch opponents with tackles and win the ball back for his side. However, later on in the campaign, he was shifted further forward, with Watford looking to make the most of his speed and ability on the ball in attacks.
This ability to play basically anywhere across the middle of the park would mean he could fit into any number of Premier League sides. In terms of interested parties, reports suggest that both Everton and Arsenal are looking at the Frenchman.
With both sides looking lightweight in midfield at times, Doucoure could definitely improve their Premier League hopes next season.
#4 Todd Cantwell (Norwich)
Despite Norwich’s largely diabolical Premier League campaign, the Canaries did have a couple of shining lights in 2019-20. One of those was definitely attacking midfielder Todd Cantwell. The 22-year-old was excellent in patches, particularly in the early part of the season, and he ended his first Premier League run with six goals and two assists in 37 games.
A clever, creative talent, Cantwell proved that he’s capable of playing basically anywhere across an attacking line. He was deployed both on the right and the left and also acted as a support striker to main frontman Teemu Pukki at times, and nearly always looked dangerous.
Given his young age, the England U-21 international will likely improve with more Premier League experience under his belt, too. That makes him almost a dead cert for a quick return to the top flight. But which club is he most likely to head to?
A number of Premier League giants have been linked with a move for him – from champions Liverpool to Manchester United. However, it’s unlikely that he’d make the jump to a title contender that quickly, so reports suggesting he could move to Newcastle or Leicester City feel more likely.
Norwich may well attempt to hold onto their young star. But after proving his Premier League credentials, a season in the Championship seems unlikely for him.
#5 Josh King (Bournemouth)
While there has already been interest in Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, his striker partner Josh King is equally likely to move back to the Premier League next season. The Norwegian international enjoyed another excellent season despite his team’s struggles. King scored six goals and registered four assists despite only playing 26 games due to injury.
A former Manchester United academy graduate, King was reportedly close to a move back to Old Trafford in January. That fell through when the Cherries demanded a fee that the Red Devils weren’t willing to match. But following their relegation, there’s definitely a chance that they might be forced to sell.
If that’s the case, then any number of Premier League sides will likely be interested. The 28-year old has proven himself as a goalscorer at the top level over the past few seasons, scoring 48 goals since the 2015-16 campaign.
And his versatility may interest his potential suitors, too. King is not only a capable central striker, but he can also play off another striker from a slightly deeper spot, or from wider areas too. At 28 years old, the Norwegian is in his prime and would be a quality addition to any Premier League side.
Expect him to return to the top flight sooner rather than later.
