Antoine Griezmann
Some of these players need to find a new club to get back to their best.
There are a lot of variables at play when it comes to a footballer having a successful stint at a club. Different clubs have different philosophies and styles of play and the going gets even more complicated when a managerial change happens.
Over the past few seasons, we have seen some of the big names in football struggle to keep their levels up. This dip in form has been facilitated by a multitude of reasons and if it's not easy for the individual to produce his best at a club or if the environment is not conducive to his growth, the best option is leave for greener pastures.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five players who should leave their current club.
#5 Christian Pulisic - Chelsea
In the latter part of last season, Christian Pulisic was arguably Chelsea's best player. His trickery and composure in the final third made him a handful to deal with for Premier League defenders and he looked set to have a great future at Stamford Bridge.
But the 2020-21 season has not worked out to his liking. The 22-year-old, who is one of the most talented wingers in the English top-flight right now, has started just 10 Premier League games for the Blues this term.
He has scored just two goals and provided two assists for Chelsea from 28 appearances across all competitions this season and is used sparingly by new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Players like Pulisic do not seem to have a place in Tuchel's system as the German coach prefers wing-backs and attacking midfielders to out-and-out wingers. At 22, Pulisic has shown us glimpses of his world-class abilities and now would be a bad time for him to have his growth tampered with.
#4 Aymeric Laporte - Manchester City
The Manchester City centre-back, who was viewed as the Cityzens' main man in defense for years to come, is now playing second fiddle to John Stones. Manchester City roped in Ruben Dias last summer and the Portuguese has been incredible at the back for them.
But what has backfired for Laporte is John Stones' revival at Manchester City. The Englishman has also formed a formidable partnership with Ruben Dias in defense and it looks like Pep Guardiola will stick with them for the foreseeable future.
Aymeric Laporte is one of the best defenders in the Premier League without a doubt. He is also well aware of the fact that he will need to move to get more minutes and a transfer could very well be on the cards for Laporte, whose position looked so secure just last summer.
#3 Paulo Dybala - Juventus
Paulo Dybala is no longer viewed as 'untouchable' at Juventus. Andrea Pirlo's system doesn't seem to suit the Argentine and the fact that his season has been blighted by injuries hasn't helped his case.
Dybala has started just eight games for the Bianconeri in the Serie A this season. Juventus haven't really missed him either as his contribution, whenever he's featured, has been measly. It looks like the right time for the 27-year-old to seek a move to another club.
The quality that the Argentine possesses has never been in question and he just needs to find the right team where he can shine. Several English teams have been linked with Dybala and it's highly likely that we won't see him at Juventus beyond the summer.
#2 Eden Hazard - Real Madrid
Eden Hazard's Real Madrid move was one of the most hyped transfer deals in recent times. However, the Belgian's stint at Real Madrid has been extremely underwhelming. If his debut season was a let down, this campaign has been even worse.
The 30-year-old has become extremely injury prone and has not played the full ninety minutes in a year and a half. He has become a shadow of his former self and the player who used to cause nightmares for Premier League defenders is starting to become a laughing stock in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid also seem to be moving on with their patience wearing thin. They are reportedly keen to cash in on Eden Hazard to furnish funds for other signings. This summer is perhaps the last chance for Hazard to seek a move and still get a decent contract as well.
#1 Antoine Griezmann - Barcelona
Barcelona's big-money signings have all disappointed them in recent seasons. Though it'd be a bit cruel to call Griezmann a transfer flop, he has not been able to justify his €120 million price tag.
Griezmann has been unable to replicate the form that set him apart during his Atletico Madrid days. The Frenchman has had a decent season so far and has scored 14 goals and provided six assists from 39 appearances across all competitions this season.
However, Griezmann simply does not seem to be a great fit for Barcelona. They are actively on the lookout for a striker this summer and once reinforcements are roped in during the upcoming transfer window, Griezmann's position at the club will be under threat.
As such, this summer looks like a good time for the 30-year-old to move elsewhere and start afresh. It's worth noting that just a few years back, Griezmann's name was mentioned in the same breath as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.