ARSENAL flop Cedric Soares is one of the Premier League’s most expensive benchwarmers.
Each Premier League club has a costly outcast with more than £12million wasted on ‘stars’ who have barely played or not made an appearance at all.
Tottenham have already wasted almost £2.5m on unused goalkeepers alone, which is calculated by their earnings per minute played.
Aston Villa claim the unwanted top spot thanks to a summer arrival who has not played a single minute since joining the club.
Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek also makes the list as SunSport takes a look at the top 12 most expensive benchwarmers.
12. Donny van de Beek – Manchester United
The midfielder, 26, has been plagued by injuries since moving to Old Trafford in 2020, but he has now failed to make an impression under three different managers.
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Even Erik ten Hag can’t get a tune out of Van de Beek despite their success together at Ajax, and it appears his time at United could be coming to an end amid links to Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
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11. James Tomkins – Crystal Palace
Tomkins has been a bit-part player at Palace for a few years and has played just one minute in the Prem this season.
At 34 his time in the top flight could be over at the end of the season – when his Eagles deal expires.
10. Calum Chambers – Aston Villa
The former Arsenal star, 28, was signed for around £17m by the Villans in January 2022 and he has made 30 appearances for the club – but has failed to feature in the league this campaign.
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But he has once again found himself out of favour under Unai Emery, having also been overlooked by the Spanish boss while the pair were at the Gunners.
9. Emil Krafth – Newcastle
The right-back has been kept out of the side by Kieran Trippier and also fallen down the pecking order following the signing of Tino Livramento.
Krafth, 29, has played just one Premier League minute and is unlikely to add to that unless Newcastle’s mini-injury crisis gets even worse.
8. Adrian – Liverpool
The goalkeeper, 36, has been third choice under Jurgen Klopp for a number of years so is unlikely to play in the league this season.
That means he could end up being one of the most expensive benchwarmers this season as he has already cost the Reds £840,000.
7. Maxwel Cornet – West Ham
Cornet, 27, was signed with quite a bit of fanfare last year after impressing at Burnley.
But after a promising start to life at West Ham he was struck down by a calf injury that kept him out for five months.
The winger struggled to win his place back in the side and has played just one minute for the Hammers this season, despite being paid £65,000 a week.
6. Lukasz Fabianski – West Ham
Fabianski has cost the Hammers the same amount of money as his team-mate Cornet – £910,000.
However the 38-year-old has proved useful with his performances in the cup competitions, and he has already made a big contribution to the club during his five years in east London.
5. Ben Godfrey – Everton
The defender’s Goodison career has stalled since he broke his leg in August last year.
Godfrey, 25, did make 14 appearances last season but has struggled to win back his place under Sean Dyche, which means his £75,000 weekly wage is being wasted.
4. Cedric Soares – Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has an array of defensive talent available so Cedric has been overlooked this season.
Even the long-term injury to Jurrien Timber has not helped the Spaniard, who has already cost the Gunners more than £1m.
3. Fraser Forster – Tottenham
The former England goalkeeper is back-up to Guglielmo Vicario and likely to remain in that role thanks to the Italian’s brilliant form.
The 35-year-old is still picking up a hefty salary however, earning £75,0000 a week in return for zero minutes played.
2. Hugo Lloris – Tottenham
Spurs are also throwing away money on another keeper, Hugo Lloris, who looks set to leave at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old has gone from No1 to outcast under Ange Postecoglou, and will end up costing Tottenham millions until his contract expires.
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1. Clement Lenglet – Aston Villa
Clement Lenglet takes the unwanted honour of the Premier League’s most expensive benchwarmer – and by some distance.
Aston Villa signed the centre-back on loan in the summer and are covering his £150,000-a-week Barcelona wages, yet have decided not to play him in the league, with Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa selected ahead of the Frenchman.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
