10 Players Who Changes Clubs and Instantly Got Better

Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid to Middlesbrough)

Jonathan Woodgate's move to Real Madrid in 2004 was dismal due to recurrent injuries, followed by a disastrous debut where he scored an own goal and was also sent off, which saw him widely labeled a flop. However, he found redemption back in England, becoming a key, solid central defender at his boyhood club Middlesbrough.

Jerome Boateng (Manchester City to Bayern Munich)

Former German defender Jerome Boateng's single season at Manchester City from 2010 to 2011 was marred by injuries and being played out of position at right-back, spending him time on the bench. However, a transfer to Bayern Munich transformed his career, as he later went on to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany.

Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United to Inter Milan)

While he was not a flop at Manchester United in his two season at the club from 2017 to 2019, Romelu Lukaku's move to Inter Milan gave him a new life, as he netted 64 goals in 95 appearances across all competitions. Forging an attacking unit with Lautaro Martinez, Lukaku lead the club to the 2020–21 Serie A title.

Diego Forlan (Manchester United to Villareal)

Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan's time at Manchester United was deemed underwhelming, as he only scored 17 goals across 98 appearances, leading to his quick exit. However, Forlan underwent a transformation upon moving to Villarreal in 2004, scoring 25 goals in his debut La Liga season to win the European Golden Shoe.

Gerard Pique (Manchester United to Barcelona)

One of the greatest center-backs of all-time, Gerard Pique struggled at Manchester United from 2004 to 2008, making only 23 first-team appearances. However, upon returning to Barcelona in 2008, his career exploded and he became a defensive pillar, winning 30 major trophies, including multiple UCL titles with his boyhood club.

Angel Di Maria (Manchester United to PSG)

Often regarded as one of the greatest wingers of all time, Angel Di María's had joined Manchester United in 2014 from Real Madrid, but was soon labeled as a high-profile flop, producing only 4 goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances. He then moved to PSG in 2015, improving his numbers and helping the club reach a UCL final.

Kevin De Bruyne (Chelsea to Wolfsburg)

While he later went on to establish himself as a Premier League legend, Kevin De Bruyne initial stint in the EPL with Chelsea was disastrous, making only 9 senior appearances. His permanent transfer to Wolfsburg in 2014 unlocked his potential, as he won the Bundesliga Player of the Year award in his debut season at the club.

Dennis Bergkamp (Inter Milan to Arsenal)

Another player who went on to become an EPL icon, Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp spent two seasons at Inter Milan from 1993 to 1995, where he managed only 11 goals in 52 Serie A appearances. His transfer to Arsenal in 1995 transformed his career, leading the club to three EPL titles and four FA Cups to cement his status as a legend.

Mohamed Salah (Chelsea to Roma)

Egyptian 'King' Mohamed Salah was also labeled as a Chelsea flop, and was deemed surplus to the team. However, after a successful loan move to Fiorentina, his subsequent transfer to Roma pushed him to fame, culminating in a stellar 2016-17 season where he racked up 19 goals and 15 assists in 41 games, before joining Liverpool.

Thierry Henry (Juventus to Arsenal)

It is unknown to many that French icon Thierry Henry once spent a season at Juventus, where he managed to score only 3 goals in 19 Serie A matches. However, his move to Arsenal led to an explosion of success, as he went on to become the club's all-time record goalscorer, netting 228 goals and winning numerous individual awards.