Suarez, Bale, Gnabry: One player each Premier League club wish they never sold

Every club has that one player that got away.

As a matter of fact, most clubs will have more than just one. In a world with big ambitions and even bigger pay-packets, it’s not unusual for players to reach the double figure mark in terms of clubs they have represented by the time their careers come to an end.

Which often leaves fans wondering what could have been when a former player goes on to achieve greatness in another clubs’ colours.

So, whether leaving by mutual consent, forcing their way out the door kicking and screaming or being told they don’t quite have what it takes – let’s take a look at one player every Premier League club wish they had never let go (2012 onwards).

Arsenal – Serge Gnabry

The German winger has blossomed into one of Bayern Munich’s main stars in recent years, so it’s difficult to contemplate that the Gunners let him go to Werder Bremen in 2016 for just five million.

A failed loan spell at West Bromwich Albion, followed by an injury setback and sporadic first team cameos in Arsene Wenger’s team was enough to convince Gnabry to call time on his career in north London.

Aston Villa – Jack Grealish

‘He’s one our own’ was a tune that so often ringed around Villa Park whilst the Solihull born Grealish played the role of talisman at his boyhood club.

But an exceptional season in the Premier League, followed by an impactful Euros last summer was enough to convince Manchester City to smash the British transfer record to bring him in.

Brentford – Said Benrahma

The Bees pulled off a worldie bringing Benrahma in from Nice for a mere £1.5 million in 2018. The Algerian international spearheaded the clubs charge towards the Premier League and was later poached by West Ham in 2020, earning Brentford