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Football is arguably the most dynamic sport there is. No factor remains constant as everyone associated with the sport is required to reinvent themselves in order to stay relevant. Take even a moment for granted and one will be swept aside, replaced by someone more capable and willing.
Today, we will take a look at some exceptional midfielders who have fallen out of favor at their respective clubs. These men still have age on their side, meaning a transfer away from their current clubs could very well resurrect their careers.
Here are five midfielders who need to leave their current clubs to get their careers back on track:
#5 Isco - Real Madrid
Isco was one of the most promising names in Spanish football back in 2013. The then Malaga star had the skills and vision necessary to beat the best of the teams, eventually making him a Real Madrid target. Los Blancos spent €30 million to get the up-and-coming midfielder on their payroll.
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Isco won the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in his debut season, playing an important role in both competitions. James Rodriguez’s arrival in 2014 disrupted his progress for a year, but Zinedine Zidane’s appointment turned his life around.
Under the Frenchman, Isco played a starring role as Real Madrid bulldozed to three consecutive Champions League titles.
Unfortunately, since 2018, Isco has not been able to put on a show for Real Madrid. Current coach Carlo Ancelotti does not trust him enough to give him regular opportunities, meaning a transfer is his best bet at the moment.
Isco has only made eight appearances for his club this season, scoring a solitary goal. His current contract with Real Madrid expires in June 2022 and Madrid could sell him in January itself to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
#4 Dele Alli - Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli’s fate is up in the air at the moment. The Englishman has not played nearly enough since the start of the season, managing just 10 Premier League appearances. Moreover, Alli has looked dull whenever he’s stepped onto the pitch.
His heart seems to be away from north London at the moment and a move during the winter transfer window looks imminent.
Premier League’s newest billionaires Newcastle United are believed to be interested in his services. West Ham United and a couple of other German clubs are also in the running, but a move to St. James' Park looks the most likely.
When on song, Alli has the quality to be an excellent goalscorer and ingenious creator. He can prove to be an asset to any team he joins, but his stint at Spurs is surely over.
#3 Donny van de Beek - Manchester United
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, former Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek rarely got the opportunity to prove his worth. The former Manchester United coach preferred workhorses over creative midfielders, meaning Fred and Scott McTominay were ahead of the Dutchman in the pecking order.
The situation was set to take a turn for the better following the appointment of interim manager Ralf Rangnick. Sadly, even the German tactician has ignored Van de Beek's appeal, not allowing him to start even a single game under him.
Given Manchester United’s poor run in the Premier League, Rangnick could eventually come around and give Van de Beek the attention he deserves. However, we believe it is too late for the club to salvage their relationship with the player, who has made just 12 appearances this season.
United are reportedly determined to keep the player beyond January, but it won’t certainly be in his best interest, especially in a World Cup year.
#2 Philippe Coutinho - Barcelona
La Liga giants Barcelona spent a whopping €135 million to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in the January transfer window back in 2018.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder was meant to be an undisputed star in the Barcelona midfield in the post-Neymar era. Instead, he has turned out to be one of their worst-ever transfers.
Coutinho has rarely been impressive in Barcelona colors, often looking clueless about his role in the middle of the park. He has scored some odd stunners here and there, but has not even come close to justifying his transfer fee.
In fact, his most memorable performance since 2018 came against Barcelona while on loan at Bayern Munich. Coming on as a substitute, Coutinho scored a brace in the famous 8-2 drubbing of the Blaugrana.
Coutinho has managed 16 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring twice. Current Barcelona coach Xavi is determined to raise money for his transfer targets and has decided to sell the Brazilian as soon as possible.
A return to the Premier League seems like a real possibility at this point with Newcastle United interested.
#1 Paul Pogba - Manchester United
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is one of the best players in the world. He is an excellent dribbler, can breach any defense in the world, and is also adept at shooting from range. The only issue is his temperament, and Manchester United can’t seem to find a way around it.
Current Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is a man of discipline and always demands 100 percent out of his players. Pogba, who has a reputation for falling out with his managers, might not be the right man for the job.
The Frenchman is reportedly open-minded about moving away from the club and starting a new chapter in his career. A transfer might hurt United financially, but it might be the right move given the tricky equation between Rangnick and Pogba.
Pogba made a bright start to the season, assisting seven times in nine Premier League appearances, but a hamstring injury picked up in November has kept him on the sidelines.
