With the biggest sides in the country having the ability to purchase some of the world’s leading players, the lofted transfer fees, mixed with the competition for places, means that the Premier League isn’t an easy ride for all, regardless of talent.
Outstanding players come and go but for some, their time in England has come with scrutiny and a real feeling of an opportunity left unfulfilled. Not every top star can replicate their form in the most competitive domestic league on the planet.
Here are 3 players who struggled after making a move to the Premier League.
In August 2014, Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria became the Premier League’s most expensive signing ever when he joined Manchester United for £59.7 million from European champions, Real Madrid. There were several problems that made him a flop in the league, including his inconsistency through the season.
The fact that he didn’t speak the language and Manchester United were coming off a disappointing season only increased the pressure – which didn’t work out in Di Maria’s favour at all.
By the following summer, he was boarded off to France to start a four-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
Di Maria showed moments of magic during his time in England, especially his outrageous chip against Leicester in a 5-3 defeat at the King Power Stadium. Di Maria is still plying his trade for PSG and is on the verge of winning his second league title with the club.
A loan signing that captivated the attention of football fans across the world was when Monaco’s Radamel Falcao joined Manchester United in 2014. Questions were raised about whether the Columbian would be able to shine in the Premier League due to his previous cruciate ligament injury.
Sadly, Falcao only bagged four goals in 29 appearances and was plagued by poor form.
United didn’t exercise their option to purchase Falcao permanently, meaning he was loaned to Chelsea the following season. His disappointment continued as he accrued a host of injuries.
During his time in Atletico Madrid and Monaco, Falcao proved to be one of the best strikers in the world but was unable to perform in the Premier League.
Robinho had just won two successive La Liga titles with Real Madrid in 2007 and 2008, playing 32 games in both seasons before joining Manchester City. Additionally, he was a crucial part of the Brazilian national team and went on to make 100 appearances in his international career, clearly indicating that he was a world-class player.
He had all the attributes to be an incredible Premier League player. He was direct, skilful and had no problem with finishing in front of the goal.
However, he joined City at a time when they were not successful, something that seemed to hinder Robinho, who had been accustomed to winning, or at least challenging, for top honours.
In 41 appearances, he scored 14 goals for City. While he was their top scorer in his first season, he lasted just half a season more as his attitude became glaringly worse. He may have performed better in a more successful Premier League club but his time at City was certainly not the best.