Premier League relegated XI: The stars from Stoke, West Brom and Swansea who could be picked off by big clubs this summer
Premier League relegated XI: The stars from Stoke, West Brom and Swansea who could be picked off by big clubs this summer
Jack Butland
The tears as he saluted the home supporters at the final whistle of the defeat by Crystal Palace said it all. Jack Butland knew he'd played his last game for Stoke.
Butland is one of a number of players expected to leave the bet365 Stadium as the England goalkeeper, who is contention to start at the World Cup, looks to stay in the top flight. Premier League new boys Wolves are lining up a £35million bid.
Despite missing three games through injury, Butland made 137 saves, the second-most in the league with an impressive save ratio of 70 per cent as he did all he could to prevent the Potters' relegation.
Jack Butland is tearful at the end of Stoke's loss to Crystal Palace - which confirmed relegation
Ahmed Hegazi
Ahmed Hegazi announced himself to the Premier League with a goal on his debut as West Brom began the season with two straight victories.
But while West Brom failed to win a game for the rest of the calendar year their towering centre back remained relatively consistent throughout, making 60 interceptions in the thick of some desperate rearguard action.
Hegazi's first season in England will have done his reputation wonders. And a positive World Cup with Egypt should drive his price up even further.
Ahmed Hegazi launches into a challenge against Paul Pogba in the 1-0 victory at Old Trafford
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans' £3million relegation release clause is set to spark off one of the biggest transfer scrambles in Premier League history this summer.
The 30-year-old endured an underwhelming season at The Hawthorns in which he was involved in West Brom's embarrassing taxi-gate incident in Barcelona and missed their mini-revival under Darren Moore through injury.
But despite his disappointing 2017-18, Evans was a target for both Manchester City and Arsenal in the last two transfer windows and will have no shortage of suitors yet again due to his reputation and availability at a knock-down price.
Jonny Evans' £3million relegation release clause will see him spark a major transfer scramble
Alfie Mawson
Alfie Mawson's stock continued to rise in south Wales this season and the 24-year-old earned his first call-up to the England squad to highlight his remarkable progress.
While mistakes still need to be ironed out of his game, Mawson showed his maturity with some intelligent performances at the heart of the Swans' defence and featured in every minute of every Swansea game this season.
Mawson arrived at at the Liberty Stadium from Barnsley, the same academy that produced John Stones. Another Premier League side is certain to take a punt on him developing in the same vein as the Manchester City centre back.
Centre back Alfie Mawson featured in every minute of every game for Swansea this season
Xherdan Shaqiri
Probably the most talented player to get relegated from the top flight this season, ex-Bayern Munich and Inter Milan winger Xherdan Shaqiri's issue has always been about maintaining consistency.
Shaqiri was Stoke's most impressive outfield player again this season and was involved in 43 per cent of the Potters' goals this season, scoring eight himself.
The 26-year-old expressed his frustration at Stoke's situation and hit out at the lack of ambition shown by the club in March. With a £12million release clause, the stocky Shaqiri will attract suitors across Europe based on his pedigree alone.
Xherdan Shaqiri seemingly always manages a couple of stunning goals a season at Stoke
Badou Ndiaye
When Butland criticised Stoke's disastrous recruitment policy earlier this month he singled out Badou Ndiaye as an exception to the rule.
The midfielder has caught the eye at the bet365 with some dynamic displays since his £14million arrival from Galatasaray on January deadline day.
Ndiaye slotted into the team instantly and scored twice in Stoke's final four matches in their ultimately unsuccessful battle against the drop. His five-month spell in England should be enough to secure interest from another top flight side.
Badou Ndiaye has impressed in his five months in England since arriving at Stoke in January
Jake Livermore
Another of West Brom's taxi-nabbing quartet, Jake Livermore experienced a tough season in the Baggies' midfield and was even dropped briefly by former manager Alan Pardew towards the end of his reign.
But under Moore, the 28-year-old's position was restored and he played a key role in the West Brom's remarkable run of form under their caretaker boss, scoring the stoppage-time winner against his former club Tottenham.
Livermore's reputation has remained intact in the eyes of Gareth Southgate, who has stuck by the midfielder by continuing to select him for England in the face of widespread media criticism. Another relegated Baggie set for Russia.
Jake Livermore has maintained his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad this campaign
Leroy Fer
Leroy Fer is another relegated player capable of producing brilliant performances on his day, but who struggles mightily for consistency.
The Holland midfielder was pivotal to making the Swans' tick with his driving runs and incisive passing that provided hope in their battle for survival. Notably he was outstanding in the home win over Arsenal.
But just as he was discovering some form under new manager Carlos Carvalhal, he was struck down by a season-ending injury. With a fit Fer, Swansea might have extended their stay in the Premier League.
Leroy Fer was outstanding in Swansea's win over Arsenal but his season was ended by injury
Erik Pieters
Erik Pieters has been one of Stoke's most consistent performers on the left side of defence, either at full back or wing back, since joining five seasons ago.
The Dutch international landed himself in hot water with Stoke after attending a nightclub on the eve of a crucial game against Everton.
But the 29-year-old slotted back into the team and impressed in the Potters' run-in under Paul Lambert, even keeping Mohamed Salah relatively quiet during a man-of-the-match display in Stoke's goalless draw with Liverpool.
Erik Pieters has impressed for Stoke at both full back and wing back in their relegation season
Jay Rodriguez
Jay Rodriguez managed seven goals this season, 23 per cent of the Baggies' total, despite often being deployed out wide or as a No 10 behind Salomon Rondon.
His haul included arguably the most crucial goal of the entire season, the late winner at Old Trafford which handed Manchester City the Premier League title.
With injury troubles behind the ex-Southampton striker, Rodriguez's reputation will have survived relatively unscathed and he should stay in the top flight next year.
Jay Rodriguez scored West Brom's winner at Old Trafford in a shock 1-0 win for the Baggies
Jordan Ayew
With a quarter of his side's goals this season, it's safe to say the Swans would have been relegated earlier without striker Jordan Ayew's contributions.
After wrestling his place back from on-loan Tammy Abraham, Ayew proved himself capable of making the most of relatively non-existent service up front for Swansea with seven Premier League strikes.
The 26-year-old remains a flawed forward who can frustrate with his poor decision-making. But Jordan, along with brother Andre, has offered enough to be handed an escape route by another of the Premier League strugglers looking for firepower.
Jordan Ayew scored seven times for Swansea - a quarter of their Premier League goals
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