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The Premier League has, over the years, witnessed many world-class players. They made a name for themselves with their incredible performances and achievements.
After running riot in the English top flight, some of these superstars earned high-profile transfers to other top clubs across Europe. They managed to keep themselves at the top of the game by maintaining their levels, claiming honors and reaching new milestones.
In contrast, there lies another category of players. After impressing and earning big transfers away from the Premier League, these players failed to hit the ground running elsewhere.
These superstars found it difficult to shine outside the English top flight for diverse reasons. These range from poor mentality, adaptation struggles, injury crisis and mere bad luck.
That said, let's quickly take a look at five notable players who flopped after leaving the Premier League:
#5 Jonathan Woodgate
Jonathan Woodgate was a force to be reckoned with during his days in the English top flight. He was a huge problem for even the finest attackers in the division.
The former centre-back made 244 appearances in the Premier League. Woodgate represented the likes of Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Stoke City.
At some point in his career, Woodgate decided to leave the division. He joined La Liga giants Real Madrid from Newcastle in a transfer worth €18 million in August 2004. His transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu proved to be a huge catastrophe.
The Englishman spent his entire debut campaign with Real Madrid on the sidelines. He made his debut appearance for the club the following season. He ended up scoring an own goal and being sent off to conclude a nightmarish outing.
He was later offloaded to Middlesbrough after spending two disappointing years in the Spanish capital.
#4 Alexander Hleb
Alexandre Hleb scored seven goals and made 10 assists in 89 appearances for one of the strongest Arsenal sides in history. No one can deny that he impressed in the Premier League. However, the attacking midfielder's performance levels dropped immediately after he left for Barcelona in the summer of 2008.
Hleb spent most of his time in the Catalan capital stagnating on the bench. He made just 36 appearances for the Blaugrana across all competitions. He was loaned to three different clubs during his three-year stint with the club.
The midfielder parted ways with Barca in 2012 but things were never the same in his career anymore.
#3 Michael Owen
Michael Owen rose to prominence during the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The then-18-year-old was a huge revelation during the tournament. His amazing goal for England against Argentina in the round of 16 stage will be remembered for several years.
Owen went on to become a huge force in the Premier League, running riot for Liverpool in front of goal. The former England striker bagged 118 goals and 35 assists for the Reds in 216 games in the division. He even claimed the Ballon d'Or at Anfield in 2001 before leaving for Real Madrid three years later.
Unfortunately, his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu was a massive failure. He spent most of his time with Los Blancos warming the bench and could only bag 16 goals and four assists in 46 games. He left the Spanish giants to return to the Premier League after just one year, joining Newcastle United in the summer of 2005.
#2 Eden Hazard
The Belgian was one of the most potent attackers in the Premier League during his days at Chelsea. He recorded an impressive tally of 85 goals and 61 assists in 245 appearances for the Blues in the English top flight. His impressive numbers caught the eye of Real Madrid, who signed him for a whopping €100 million.
However, the playmaker has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch. Since switching to the Santiago Bernabeu, an injury crisis has ruined his party.
Hazard has spent almost two-and-a-half years in the Spanish capital but only has a paltry five goals and nine assists to his name in 54 games.
#1 Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho was quite sensational for Liverpool as he ran riot in the Premier League between 2013 and 2018. He made 152 appearances for the Reds during his stint in the English top flight, recording 41 goals and 37 assists to his name.
The Brazilian eventually left the Premier League in favor of a high-profile switch to Barcelona in January 2018. He became the most expensive player in the Blaugrana's history when he arrived for a gargatuan fee worth €160 million.
Much was expected from Coutinho at the Nou Camp but it's disheartening to see him struggle over the last couple of years. The Brazilian has a record of just 25 goals and 14 assists to his name in 104 appearances for Barcelona.
