EPL Transfer Rumours: Five Players Sure to Get Screwed

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Not everyone gets what they want out of the Transfer Window. There are a handful of players in the English Premier League who fall into that unfortunate category.

Clubs are looking out for their best interests, as they should. Unfortunately for some players, they may be "thrown under the bus" for the improvement of the clubs.

For numerous reasons (expectations, position log jams, etc), there are certain players who will be worse off at the end of the Transfer Window.

I have compiled a list of five players who will not be extremely happy at the end of the window. If I missed players or include players who don't belong, feel free to let me know what you think!

Dimitar Berbatov

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Dimitar Berbatov shared the Golden Boot last year. Nevertheless, he played sparingly in the last half of the season, and he was left out during the Champions League Final.

So, I can imagine Berbatov's surprise when Sir Alex Ferguson assured him that he still had a place on Manchester United. With the emergence of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, most people assumed Berbatov would be on his way out.

No dice.

By staying with United, Berbatov will most likely see garbage time, or he will be forced to score on short notice as a substitute.

I'm sure it's not his dream role, but Berbatov is a veteran, and he should be able to overcome this demotion to a (seemingly) permanent bench role.

Joe Cole

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Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Joe Cole was an intricate part in Chelsea's three most recent Premier League Titles. Last year, he was hoping to help Liverpool return to European glory. Unfortunately, he played a diminished role, and most of his appearances were forgettable.

Now, with the addition of Charlie Adam, Liverpool seemingly have no use for Cole. In fact, the Reds are in talks with mid-table Hamburg (Germany's Bundesliga) to send Cole away for good.

From a home-grown star, leaving England is one thing. Falling from the top of the EPL to the middle of the German Bundesliga in the matter of two years: that's just sad.

Heurelho Gomes

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Although he did not have a great year, Heurelho Gomes started most of Tottenham Hotspur's matches last season. Unfortunately, he was more well-known for his gaffes instead of his fantastic saves.

Gomes has been inconsistent to say the least. Even though he played well at times, he is much more identifiable thanks to multiple howlers that have cost Spurs matches. Despite his questionable play, he figured to be the No. 1 goalkeeper heading into this year.

That might not be the case. Brad Friedel has officially moved to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.

Now, he will battle Gomes for the starting spot. Based on their play last year, one would have to give Friedel the edge. After that transfer, I'm not sure Gomes will see the pitch in a Tottenham Hotspur uniform again soon.

Salomon Kalou

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Chelsea love strikers. The Blues have had an excess of attacking players for a few years now. At this point, it's nearly getting ridiculous.

They have a handful of world-class strikers (Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda and Fernando Torres), but they insist on trying to bring more in (Falcao and Neymar). Roman Abramovich knows he can only play so many at once, right?

Either way, the log jam puts Salomon Kalou in a bad place. Not many clubs seem interested in the Ivorian. Nor does Chelsea seem keen on playing him. He started nearly half of Chelsea's matches last year, but I don't think that will happen this year.

If Andre Villas-Boas can acquire Falcao or Neymar, he will not have much of a use for Kalou (assuming he holds on to the other wing-oriented strikers, Anelka and Malouda). While that would be great for Chelsea, that would mean that Kalou would be stuck on the bench for most of the year.

He is a high-energy player, who is always fun to watch. Unfortunately, I think Kalou will end up drawing the short straw this year and be stuck on the bench.

Neymar

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This may seem odd. But, as a player, can Neymar win after this Transfer Window? Two things may occur.

First, he may be stuck in Brazil. While he would have a fantastic time playing with his friends in front of a home crowd, this would be valuable time he could be spending with much better coaches in Europe. It could hinder his development, and he may not reach his potential as a player.

Second, he could come to Europe. Whether he comes to Barcelona, Chelsea (please!), Manchester City or Real Madrid, the expectations are sky high. If someone needs £40 million just to talk to you, you need to be one of the greatest talents. Ever.

I'm not saying Neymar won't be. Still, isn't that a lot of pressure for a teenager? How will he respond to that pressure on a new continent?

I'm sure Neymar is a tremendous talent. I've seen him play. He is one of the quickest, most creative and exciting players I have seen in a long time.

Still, with all the pressure he will face once he moves to Europe (this fall, next spring, or even next fall), I just don't see his career starting off with a bang.

I hope he is successful, but I just don't think it will happen right away. Fair or not, that's the unfortunate reality that Neymar will have to face.