footballers who got better after a transfer: In the world of football, it’s common for players to need some time to adapt to a new club after making a transfer move. However, there are certain exceptional players who defy this norm, hitting the ground running and leaving an indelible mark from the moment they step onto the field.
Footballers who got better after a transfer
Today, we’ll take a closer look at 10 such football stars who bossed it after making their respective transfer moves. Let’s dive into their incredible stories.
1. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, the young English talent, embarked on a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid this summer, and his initial impact has been nothing short of astonishing. Within just his first four appearances for the club, he managed to find the back of the net five times, including two crucial match-winning goals, and also contributed with an assist.
Remarkably, in his very first month in Spanish football, the 20-year-old was honored with the La Liga Player of the Month award, a recognition well-deserved. His performances in La Liga have been nothing short of exceptional, and if he maintains this level of play, it could result in an absolutely remarkable season for both him and Real Madrid.
2. Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes arrived midseason and single-handedly transformed the Manchester United’s fortunes, amassing an impressive 15 goal contributions in just 14 appearances. He also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the quickest player in Premier League history to reach 5 goals and 5 assists, achieving this milestone in just 9 games.
In all competitions, he contributed to 20 goals during his first half-season in the midfield. Notably, Manchester United’s last game prior to Bruno’s arrival saw them being jeered off the pitch following a 2-0 loss to Burnley, which dropped them to 5th place in the Premier League standings. However, Bruno’s presence brought stability, aiding the team in securing a 3rd-place finish that season.
It’s worth noting that despite only playing half a season, Bruno Fernandes was bestowed with the title of Manchester United Player of the Season, a recognition that was unquestionably well-deserved.
3. Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk, who was acquired by Liverpool in January 2018 for a substantial £75 million, made an incredible impact at the club. Prior to Van Dijk’s arrival, Liverpool’s outlook was notably different. However, his signing marked a turning point, shaping the team into a formidable unit. It was as if he served as the missing link that brought everything together.
Van Dijk made a memorable debut by scoring against Everton, becoming the first Liverpool player to achieve this in a Merseyside derby since 1901. His influence extended to leading the team to the Champions League final, demonstrating his exceptional skill and leadership.
To underline his prowess, Van Dijk received the distinction of being included in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season, an impressive feat considering he only played half a season in the Champions League, having started the 2017-18 season at Southampton.
4. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s arrival at the start of the 2017-18 season marked a turning point at Liverpool and in the Premier League as a whole. He proved to be an exceptional acquisition for Liverpool.
During that single season, Salah achieved remarkable feats, including winning the Premier League Golden Boot and setting a new record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season. His incredible performances earned him three Premier League Player of the Month awards that season, culminating in an impressive triple: PFA Players’ Player of the Season, Premier League Player of the Season, and FWA Footballer of the Year awards.
Furthermore, Salah’s impact extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he was recognized by being named in the Squad of the Season after helping Liverpool reach the final for the first time in 11 years.
5. Erling Haaland
In the 2022-23 season, Erling Haaland burst onto the scene, exceeding all expectations. Although there were high hopes for Haaland, his performance went above and beyond. He shattered numerous records, too many to list. In his very first season at Manchester City, he clinched the Premier League Golden Boot and set a new benchmark for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season.
His achievements continued with wins such as the European Golden Shoe, Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Young Player of the Season, PFA Players’ Player of the Season, Champions League Forward of the Season, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, and his name is being seriously considered for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Beyond his remarkable individual success, Haaland’s impact was felt collectively. He tallied an astonishing 52 goals and provided 9 assists in 53 appearances during his debut season in England. This remarkable performance contributed to Manchester City’s third consecutive Premier League title and their first-ever Champions League victory. Moreover, he played a pivotal role in making Manchester City only the second Premier League club to accomplish the European treble. Haaland’s debut season was undeniably one for the history books, arguably the greatest in Premier League history.
6. Kvicha Kvaratskheila
In that very same season as Haaland, Kvicha Kvaratskheila made waves in Italy, leaving a remarkable impression. This extraordinary talent managed to contribute to 31 goals in 43 games during his debut season with Napoli, an exceptional feat considering it was his first experience at a major club. Hailing from Dinamo Batumi in Georgia, he seamlessly assumed control of Serie A.
Kvaratskheila formed a lethal strike partnership with Victor Osimhen, a key factor in Napoli clinching their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Such was Kvaratskheila’s excellence that Napoli supporters affectionately dubbed him “Kvaradona” just a few months after his signing. His performances earned him recognition, including the Champions League Young Player of the Season award. Additionally, he finished the season with the most assists in Serie A, earned the Serie A Goal of the Season award, and was crowned MVP. To cap it off, he received a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. It was an astonishing debut season for the young talent.
7. Neymar
Neymar’s arrival at PSG marked a pivotal moment in his career. After his record-breaking transfer from Barcelona in 2017, Neymar quickly validated his hefty price tag.
During his time at the club, Neymar demonstrated his worth, notching an impressive 28 goals in just 30 games while also contributing 16 assists. His impact was nothing short of extraordinary, resulting in a remarkable total of 44 goal contributions in a mere 30 games.
In that season, Neymar’s exceptional performance earned him the title of Ligue 1 Player of the Year, an achievement even more remarkable considering he only participated in 20 league games. His quality on the field was unparalleled, making him virtually unstoppable. It’s astonishing to think about how his PSG career eventually took a disappointing turn.
8. Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez’s debut season at Barcelona was nothing short of extraordinary. Upon his arrival at the club in 2014, he seamlessly integrated into the team, leading to the creation of the iconic MSN trio, widely regarded as one of the greatest front threes in the history of football.
Suarez’s individual performance was equally impressive, as he managed to score 16 goals and provide 16 assists in just 27 games that season. When considering all competitions, his total contributions reached a remarkable 48 goals in 43 appearances. It’s worth noting that he was suspended for several matches at the start of the season due to his involvement in the infamous biting incident with Chiellini at the World Cup.
With Suarez’s ability to score and assist seemingly at will, he played a crucial role in Barcelona’s achievement of the European treble for the second time in their history, a feat that had never been accomplished before. His debut season at Barcelona was truly exceptional.
9. Diego Costa
Diego Costa made a remarkable impact at Chelsea, proving to be a sensational addition. His transfer to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2014 ultimately resulted in Chelsea clinching the Premier League title in his very first season, courtesy of his impressive 23 goal contributions in just 26 appearances. Not surprisingly, his excellence earned him a well-deserved place in the prestigious PFA Team of the Year.
10. Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier embarked on a bold and consequential move by departing from Atletico Madrid, the reigning Spanish champions, and joining relegation-threatened Newcastle United during the midway point of the 2021-22 season. In just a little over a year, he played a pivotal role in transforming the club’s fortunes from battling relegation to securing a coveted spot in the top 4.
Trippier exhibited solidity in defense and excellence in attacking, notably scoring two goals in his first six Premier League appearances for Newcastle. The subsequent season saw an even more impressive performance from him, as he contributed significantly to Newcastle’s top 4 finish in the Premier League.
His exceptional contributions did not go unnoticed, as Trippier was honored as Newcastle’s Player of the Season and earned a coveted spot in the PFA Team of the Year, making him the sole Newcastle player to receive this distinction.
Special Mention: Lionel Messi
While it’s almost impossible to include him in any regular list, given his extraordinary abilities, what he has achieved since joining Inter Miami is simply beyond belief.
Messi ended an 11-game winless streak in his very first game with the club, and within less than a month of his debut, he secured the club’s inaugural trophy.
It’s worth noting that prior to Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami was considered the weakest team in the MLS. However, under his influence, they have not only clinched a trophy but also advanced to another final. Currently, they are displaying remarkable potential to reach the playoffs this season. The transformation has been nothing short of mind-boggling.
These 10 football stars showcased their exceptional talents and dedication to their new clubs, making an unforgettable impact after their transfer moves. Their incredible performances continue to inspire and remind us of the magic of football.
Who is your favorite player who has bossed it after making a transfer move?
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