5 transfers from La Liga to Premier League that failed

The Spanish La Liga is known to be one of the best footballing leagues in Europe. On the other hand lies the Premier League of England, which is often dubbed to be the most entertaining league. The comparisons are made everyday and will continue to be made till the end of time, but there will never be a certain to it.

And it isn’t certain for players to shine in both of the leagues, despite moving from one to the other. While there have been numerous examples of players who have done well in the Premier League after sealing switches from Spain, there is also no shortage of examples when players have failed miserably. Whether it’s a case of never being able to find their feet in the league or the physical demands, they have failed to make a mark.

Here, we take a look at players who failed to impress after moving from the La Liga to the Premier League in recent times.

#5 Alberto Moreno

Alberto Moreno was once known to be one of the best young fullbacks in the world. That tag existed even after his first full season at Liverpool, but has worn off considerably now.

The Spaniard arrived from Sevilla in the summer of 2014 for a £12 million fee and did well in his first two seasons at Anfield. It was after Brendan Rodgers’ departure that Moreno’s stock fell and the left-back failed to prove himself under Jurgen Klopp.

Last season, Moreno made only two starts at Liverpool in the Premier League and came off the bench 12 times. His lack of defensive abilities is a cause of concern and the 25-year-old could well be on his way out this summer.

#4 Filipe Luis

Luis is shown a yellow card

Filipe Luis was an Atletico Madrid player and still is a Rojiblancos star, but the reason why his spell at Chelsea is forgotten is because it isn’t worth remembering at all.

Jose Mourinho signed the Brazilian from Atletico Madrid for a £15.8 million fee and could never really displace Cesar Azpilicueta from the left-back spot, making only one start throughout the 2014-15 season and it came against Manchester United in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Chelsea cruised to the title that season, but Luis could never be a regular. But the full-back played in the League Cup final against Spurs as the Blues beat their fierce rivals 2-0 to claim the trophy.

After only a single season, Filipe Luis rejoined Atletico and it has been smooth sailing since then.

#3 Roberto Soldado

Soldado

Someone who was dubbed to be one of the best strikers in the world at one point of time at Valencia, Roberto Soldado’s career went downhill after a big money move to Tottenham.

The Spaniard was one of those players who was purchased from the money that the North Londoners acquired from Gareth Bale’s sale, but Soldado hardly impressed. While he always worked hard off the ball, Soldado could not score on a regular basis and could find the back of the net only seven times in a period of two Premier League seasons.

The emergence of Harry Kane saw the final nail in Soldado’s coffin and a move to Villarreal followed.

#2 Angel di Maria

Angel Di Maria

Still at the receiving end of a considerable amount of hate from Old Trafford faithful, Angel di Maria did win over some fans during his short stay, but all of it evaporated into nothingness soon after.

The Argentine arrived for what was then a British record fee of £59.7 million and scored on his Old Trafford debut through a wonderfully taken free-kick against QPR and was impressive during the initial part of the campaign, but injuries and the inability to work hard enough to break into the first side cost him.

He was reduced to a role on the bench and struggled with form throughout. While Di Maria did show glimpses of brilliance, he could never become a regular.

Paris Saint-Germain came calling next summer and Di Maria was offloaded by United, who endured a loss of around £15 million.

#1 Victor Valdes

Valdes

Victor Valdes is widely known as a Barcelona legend, who was a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s side that won the UEFA Champions League twice. But a knee injury kept him out of action for a considerable amount of time and a move to Manchester United followed.

Louis van Gaal, who gave the Spaniard his debut back in Barcelona, signed him on a free transfer in the January of 2015 and made him play second fiddle to David de Gea. Soon enough though, the stopper’s relationship with van Gaal broke down and he was forced to train with the reserves. He was loaned out to Standard Liege, where he made five appearances and was then sold to Middlesbrough the following summer.

Valdes managed consistent game time with Boro, but his contract was mutually terminated at the end of the season and he is now a free agent.