6 Players from Relegated Sides Who Will Be Bought to Stay in the Premier League

There promises to be a mass exodus of players from Queens Park Rangers and Reading this summer, following the clubs’ exit from the Premier League.

Relegation deals a devastating financial blow to teams who drop into the Championship, this season more than most.

With the biggest TV broadcasting rights package in Premier League history announced in 2012, failure to stay in the Premier League this season will see the Hoops and the Royals miss out on an estimated £70 million apiece.

With parachute payments unlikely to keep players on the Premier League wages they command, it’s inevitable that we’ll see many departures this summer.

Here are six players who won’t be plying their trade in the Championship at Loftus Road or the Madejski Stadium next season.

Loic Remy: Queens Park Rangers

The season isn’t over yet, but Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy is already the subject of intense transfer speculation.

The Frenchman, who has a relegation release clause in his contract, joined the Hoops in January for £8 million.

The 26-year-old is being linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, via Express, after scoring five goals in 12 appearances for QPR this season, including this strike against Wigan. 

Joey Barton: Queens Park Rangers

Joey Barton still has two years remaining on his current contract at Queens Park Rangers but reports suggest (via talkSPORT) that he will stay at Olympique Marseille. 

The midfielder has been on a season-long loan at the Ligue 1 side and, although he does not have a release clause in his contract at Loftus Road, he claims that Marseille have made him an offer.

"

Oh, how I wish they had just listened. It could have saved a lot of heartache. Will I go back? I do have 2 year contract but it is also true

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 28, 2013"

"

..that Marseille have made me an offer to stay. On the the season finishes, i'll sit down with my family and decide. It will be difficult...

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 28, 2013"

"

...for me to leave Marseille. A club that is close to my heart. That backed me when nobody else did. I'll never ever forget that. For me, it

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) April 28, 2013"

Barton, 30, is a controversial figure in the Premier League and some QPR fans may think that his fiery attitude could help get them promoted next season.

However, after branding his Hoops teammates “maggots” a fixed contract in France could be best for both parties (via the Independent). 

Julio Cesar: Queens Park Rangers

Julio Cesar has impressed after coming to Loftus Road in 2012 and his performances for Queens Park Rangers earned him a recall to the Brazil squad in January.

With hopes of being Brazil’s No.1 for the 2014 World Cup, it’s very unlikely that the 33-year-old goalkeeper will play in the Championship.

Cesar has attracted interest from AC Milan according to the Daily Star and is rumored to make a return to Italy, where he played for rivals Inter Milan for eight years. 

The Express also reports that he could be staying in London, where he is a target for Arsenal.

Cesar’s current QPR contract runs until 2016 but, with an estimated wage of £90k a week, he is likely to be offloaded by the relegated side (via The Sun).

Alex McCarthy: Reading

Reading’s Alex McCarthy turned many heads with his Man of the Match performance against Liverpool in the Premier League last month.

With the Mirror reporting his valued to be around £15 million and the Daily Mail increasing that price to £20 million, it’s obvious that the Royals will struggle to hold onto the 23-year-old this summer. 

Liverpool and Fulham are both lining up bids to sign the goalkeeper, according to the Mirror. 

Adam Le Fondre: Reading

Adam Le Fondre has admitted that his future at Reading is uncertain (via BBC Sport).

The 26-year-old striker netted 11 goals and made two assists in 32 Premier League appearances this season.

According to the Daily Star, newly-promoted side Cardiff City have already made inquiries about acquiring Le Fondre’s skills.

Alex Pearce: Reading

Reports in the Daily Mail suggest that Reading defender Alex Pearce could be on his way to Liverpool. 

The 24-year-old’s current contract expires this summer and, with Jamie Carragher retiring at the end of the season, Brendan Rogers is in the market for a new central defender.

According to the Daily Star, Pearce refused to sign a new contract at the Madejski Stadium last month, leaving him open to offers from other clubs.