8 Former EPL Players' Surprising Destinations

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 30, 2024

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8 Former EPL Players' Surprising Destinations

The English Premier League (EPL) is a global powerhouse, attracting top talent from around the world. But what happens when these stars leave the bright lights of England? Sometimes, their next move is far from expected, leading to some truly surprising career destinations. This article explores eight former EPL players and their unexpected career paths, showcasing the twists and turns of a professional footballer's journey.

1. The Unexpected Journey of Javier Hernandez "Chicharito"

After spells with Manchester United and West Ham United, Javier Hernandez's career took a fascinating turn. While many expected him to continue in a top European league, "Chicharito" embarked on a journey that included stints in the MLS with the LA Galaxy and a spell in Spain's La Liga with Sevilla. His move to the MLS, particularly, was a surprising choice for a player of his caliber, demonstrating that even established stars sometimes prioritize different aspects of their careers, such as a new cultural experience or family considerations.

2. From EPL Glory to the J-League: Shinji Kagawa's Asian Adventure

Shinji Kagawa, known for his time at Manchester United, made a bold move by joining the J-League, Japan's professional football league. This wasn't simply a retirement move; Kagawa was still a highly capable player. This choice, however, highlighted the appeal of returning to his roots and playing for a club like Consadole Sapporo, proving that career choices aren't always about chasing trophies but also personal connections and national pride.

3. The MLS Surprise: Clint Dempsey's Return to America

Clint Dempsey, a popular figure during his time with Fulham and Tottenham, made a significant impact on American soccer by returning to the MLS after his EPL career. While this wasn't entirely unprecedented, the magnitude of his impact and the overall respect he commanded post-EPL, made his return to the Seattle Sounders a moment that surprised many expecting a continuation in a higher European league.

4. A Different Kind of Pitch: David Beckham's American Dream

David Beckham's move to LA Galaxy was, in its time, a seismic moment for football. While he'd already established himself as a global icon, his decision to join the MLS represented a significant shift in the perception of the league, signaling its growing importance on the world stage. This unexpected move helped elevate the profile of the MLS considerably.

5. The Australian Adventure: Robbie Fowler's Final Chapter

After a prolific career in the EPL with Liverpool, Robbie Fowler's later career took him down under. His stint with Perth Glory FC in the A-League was a surprising move, showing that even legendary strikers can find a new chapter in less traditionally prominent leagues. This underscores the longevity and diversity that a footballer's career can offer.

6. A Return to Roots: Nwankwo Kanu's Journey

Nwankwo Kanu, known for his time at Arsenal, surprisingly ended his EPL career with a return to his Nigerian roots. While not exactly a "foreign" league, the move still marked a departure from the limelight of the EPL, showing that personal factors and opportunities beyond just financial gain and fame are prominent in professional athletes' decision-making.

7. From the EPL to the Indian Super League: Robert Pires' Unexpected Turn

After leaving the EPL, Robert Pires chose a more unusual path than many predicted. His move to FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) was a fascinating change of pace, demonstrating how even established players may seek different challenges and experiences in their post-EPL careers. The ISL’s growth is significant, and this demonstrates a shift in football's globalization.

8. A Turkish Delight: Emmanuel Adebayor's Career Path

Emmanuel Adebayor's career path includes various surprising turns, and after his time in the EPL, he played for teams across Europe and eventually found himself in Turkey’s Süper Lig. This highlights the competitiveness of the global football market and the fact that a player's journey isn't always a linear progression towards a specific ultimate destination.

These eight examples demonstrate that the trajectories of former EPL players are rarely predictable. While some seek continued success in other top-tier European leagues, others find fulfillment and new challenges in less expected locations. This highlights the diverse range of factors that influence a footballer's career decisions beyond trophies and financial considerations. Their journeys prove that the story of a professional footballer doesn't end with their departure from the EPL but rather continues to evolve in exciting and unforeseen ways.