Premier League footballers can be top of the world one season, and training with the reserve team the next – just ask Bastian Schweinsteiger.
That’s why it’s important that they capitalise when they’re at the highest point – the mercenaries label thrown at such players who do, is wide of the mark and out of order.
Conor Wickham is shit. And perhaps moved too early for his development to Sunderland. But there’s no saying the Premier League’s big boys would’ve come back in for him next season, so he had to take his opportunity. Much like Robin van Persie did, and Jamie Vardy didn’t.
Due to the ever changing opinions of players, as they go from flavours of the month, to the changing room football boots cleaner, it means there’s a few top quality players out there, who won’t cost clubs an arm or a leg.
Ross Barkley
The thing is, Barkley isn't actually a good footballer. But media hyperbole dictates that the Englishman is.
Koeman clearly isn't convinced, and has called the player out publicly.
Source: Twitter
Shinji Okazaki
N'Golo Kante is the missing link, apparently. But we are putting money on Okazaki's underrated work horse mentality being the missing ingredient, this season.
Completed 90 minutes just once in his last 10 games.
Can't see it taking too much £ to test Leicester's resolve.
Source: Twitter
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
During his time at Arsenal, the only thing that's got worse than Chambo's form, is his hair.
Source: Twitter
Anthony Martial
Somewhere inside the Frenchman, there's an unreal talent. But it won't come out under Mourinho's 'throwing under the bus' management style.
Source: Twitter
Memphis Depay
A lost boy in Manchester. But we are willing to bet you the last roast potato at Christmas dinner that Depay will thrive away from Old Trafford.
Source: Twitter
Daniel Sturridge
Wouldn't pass you the salt at the dinner table. But definitely would find the back of the net 20+ times a season.
Source: Twitter
Mamadou Sakho
Bit of a renegade. But much better than rumours of a move to West Brom.
Source: Twitter
Fabian Delph
There's always some weirdo out there who wants a pet snake?
Source: Twitter
Kevin Mirallas
Just don't have him on penalties.
Source: Twitter
Saido Berahino
Lock the sweets cupboard and you've got a clinical finisher on your hands.
Source: Twitter
Cesc Fabregas
Dear Arsene,
It really is true, you don't know a good thing until it's gone.
Source: Twitter
And they say there’s no value left in football! This bunch just need a fresh start somewhere, and won’t even cost half of their true value.
As well as these bargain buys, have a look at the nine Premier League players who are too good for their clubs…
Alexis Sanchez
To say that Arsenal's title ambitions rest on the shoulders of Alexis Sanchez would be an understatement. The Chilean frontman is easily the Gunners' best player, and is clearly missing the company of Messi. Image Source: Twitter
Eden Hazard
Last season's aberration may have brought Hazard back down to earth, but the promiscuous Belgian just won't stop flirting with Spain's super clubs. Image Source: reddit
Christian Benteke
Although things didn't exactly work out at Anfield, fearsome frontman Benteke deserves more than Selhurst Park and Alan Pardew. Image Source: Twitter
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku had his chance at the big time when he joined Chelsea back in 2011, but at 23, the striker is now an entirely different proposition. Everton fans know his days in blue are numbered. Image Source: Twitter
Harry Kane
Londoner Kane has talked big about his loyalty to Spurs, but their dismal Champions League campaign is a timely reminder that he'll need to up sticks if he has his sights on Europe's biggest prize. Image Source: Twitter
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
At 35, Zlatan is no spring chicken, but he's still a class above his new United teammates, who should probably get used to the sight of the Swede's disapproving stare. Image Source: Twitter
Steven Defour
Burnley's capture of Defour was one of the more surprising summer transfers, and early signs suggest he's going to fit in like a bull in a china shop. Image Source: Twitter
Ryad Mahrez
Reigning PFA Player of the Year Mahrez has been a little off the boil this season, which is handy because it will help keep the vultures at bay - for a few months at least.
Source: Twitter
Victor Valdes
Valdes won every trophy he could possibly win at Barca... twice over. Now he spends his weekends manning the sticks for Middlesbrough. It's just not right. Image Source: Twitter
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