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It is often key that players pick the right time to leave their clubs for pastures anew. The lure of playing for a top club, the opportunity to win trophies and lucrative financial package are tempting, but a wrong move can derail promising careers.
Some of the best players in the world have made the mistake of choosing the wrong club at the wrong time. That led to a decline in their values, as they failed to fit in tactically or failed to adapt to their new surroundings.
There are a variety of reasons why moves to another club may not work out for players. That is why it is essential that a player and his entourage studiously dissect the pros and the cons before changing ship.
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On that note, let's take a look at the top five players who switched clubs at the wrong time.
#5 Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United)
Jose Mourinho's first summer transfer window saw Manchester United sign players like Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Mkhitaryan was heralded as a vital acquisition by Manchester United, as he was seen as a player who could provide pace and creativity in attack. The Armenia international had enjoyed a wonderful season at Borussia Dortmund but never truly got going for the Red Devils.
The forward made 63 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists. He scored a goal in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Ajax in the UEFA Europa League final.
He was swapped with Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez in January 2018. The 32-year old currently plays for Serie A side Roma, with whom he is contracted till 2023.
Also Read: Euro 2020: 5 surprise packages in the tournament so far.
#4 Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United)
Before Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shinji Kagawa made the jump from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, doing so in 2012.
Just like Mkhitaryan, Kagawa was a creative midfielder who had shone at Borussia Dortmund the season before his move to Old Trafford. But the Japan international barely featured for Manchester United during his two seasons with the club. He made 57 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing ten assists.
Kagawa returned to Borussia Dortmund in 2014, where he spent another four and a half seasons. The 32-year-old, who went on to play for the likes of Besiktas and Real Zaragoza, currently represents Greek side PAOK.
Also Read: Euro 2020: Ranking the top 5 favourites to win the tournament.
#3 Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich)
A highly-rated talent during his initial spell with Borussia Dortmund, Mario Gotze was hailed as the next big thing in German football.
The Germany international, a product of the Borussia Dortmund academy, was one of the club's best players between 2010 to 2013. That saw Bayern Munich pay £33.3 million to acquire Gotze in 2013. However, the player struggled at Bayern Munich and did not enjoy the best of time under Pep Guardiola.
Gotze had his moments, though. He scored the sole goal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina, helping Germany lift their fourth trophy in the competition. The 29-year-old, who returned to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, currently plays for Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven.
#2 Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid to Manchester United)
It was a surprise to see Angel Di Maria join Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2014, particularly after a 'Man of the Match' display in the Champions League final for Los Blancos.
Di Maria did not come cheap, though, costing Manchester United £67.5 million. The Red Devils were keen to make an impact in the transfer market after a poor 2013-14 season. So the Argentina international's signing was seen as a statement of intent.
The winger enjoyed a good start to his Manchester United career but did not enjoy the best of relationships with manager Louis van Gaal.
Injuries and poor form saw Di Maria getting dropped from the XI. He was named as one of the worst signings of the season by various critics and journalists. A season later, Di Maria joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he has rediscovered his mojo.
#1 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to Barcelona)
Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona after a stellar spell with Liverpool in January 2018 for £121.5 million. The Blaugrana were looking to bolster their ranks after selling Neymar a few months ago.
However, it would prove to be a poor decision for both the club and the player. Coutinho never got going at Barcelona, despite his obvious talent. The Brazil international did not fit tactically at the club, and reduced game time and incessant criticism saw Coutinho join Bayern Munich on loan in 2019.
In the Champions League quarter-final, Bayern Munich beat Barcelona 8-2 in a historic game, with Coutinho scoring two goals against his parent club. Eventually, Bayern Munich declined to buy him on a permanent deal, and Coutinho returned to Barcelona.
The La Liga giants look set to suffer a huge financial loss, as the 29-year old is likely to leave Camp Nou this summer.
Also Read: Ranking the 5 most versatile players in world football.
