Part II of our 'Where are they now?' feature sees us looking at two defenders that have bright futures, and a goalkeeper who went under the radar to play in the big time.

 

Joe Gomez

The one that got away.

There’s no guarantee that a 17-year-old will turn in to one of the finest defenders in the land.

And when offered £3.5 million for a teenager, you have to listen. But in Gomez’ case, it really is a case of peanuts.

Moving to Anfield in the summer of 2015, it took the centre-back two seasons to establish himself under Jurgen Klopp.

Now he is a mainstay in the side. Quite a feat when you look at the quality and experience around him. £75 million man Virgil van Dijk, World Cup finalist Dejan Lovren, and international and former Bayern Munich defender Joel Matip.

To hold a spot down in that side, just goes to show how good the 21-year-old is, and how little £3.5 million is!

Sold for: £3.5million Now worth: £30 million

 

Ezri Konsa

Konsa was a mainstay in the Charlton side throughout the 2017/18 season and impressed across the back-line. Narrowly missing out on promotion, Brentford jumped at the chance to sign the 21-year-old and snapped him up for £2.75million.

This season Konsa has had a very turbulent ride with the Bees.

Early season he was praised for his composure, athleticism, strength and reading of the game. Forming a solid partnership with fellow youngster Chris Mepham there were rumours already circling that Arsenal were ready with a £15 million bid for the centre back.

Brentford’s early season form soon dipped with the departure of their manager Dean Smith to Aston Villa, and suddenly Konsa (and Mepham) looked a shadow of their former selves. With eight defeats in ten matches they have slipped perilously close to the drop zone.

That said, there isn’t any manager in the league who wouldn’t want to be working with the young man. “He will play in the Premiership, there’s no doubt about that,” said Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

Sold for: £2.75 million Now worth: £15 million

 

Neil Etheridge

The goalkeeper has been around a bit.

He stumbled into The Valley permanently after a six-month loan spell from Oldham. He made two appearances in the following six months and was then passed on to Walsall.

He was 25 back then, but two seasons in League One with Walsall he showed what he was capable of and Cardiff took a chance on him.

Now he’s a bon afide Premier League goalkeeper. He opened up his top flight account with two penalty saves in his opening two games. He is capable of playing in that league, and at 28, he has a good few years left in the tank.

Another one whose talent wasn’t spotted.

Sold for: free Now worth: £3 million

READ: Where are they now? Players Charlton sold: Part I