Pope, Cornet, Cuisance: Europe’s best relegated players XI

While it is most often the case that sides relegated from a top flight fall to the drop due to a lack of quality within their squad, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a hidden gem hiding within their team.

Within those relegated sides every season, there are a number of bargains to be had on players who outperformed their side and have proven that they can hold their own at a higher level.

You only have to look at Liverpool signing Andy Robertson from Hull and Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle to be reminded that, with accurate recruitment and the correct coaching, poaching from relegated sides can prove incredibly effective.

Across Europe’s top five leagues, there is a large handful of talent that fit into the category of ‘too good to be relegated’ and so sides up and down the respective divisions will be sniffing in a bid to make those marginal gains.

Be it a veteran with invaluable experience and the ability to still contribute, a youngster who has broken in and shown signs of promise, or a team’s main man who is entering their best years, there’s something for everyone in the relegation market.

With that in mind, GIVEMESPORT has searched across Europe’s top five leagues and drafted an XI of players who have faced the drop, and could be available on a discount ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Ran very close by Venezia’s Sergio Romero, Pope will still command a fair fee, but is itching for a chance at a top side, be it in England or abroad and is an exceptional player. The 30-year-old is comfortably one of the Premier League’s best stoppers. With Burnley desperate to recoup funds, Pope’s time at Turf Moor looks all but over.

Norwich’s Max Aarons will be the name on everybody’s lips, but they’ve not been afraid to keep a high