Considered by many to be the most competitive league in the world, the Premier League isn’t for everyone. Young players lack the game time they need and not all big money signings work out. This is when leagues like the Bundesliga come into play. In recent years, fans have seen several Premier League rejects make their way to Germany. Searching for change and opportunity, the Bundesliga provides the ideal environment. Here are just some of the players who are thriving, since making the switch from England to Germany.
Premier League Rejects Thriving in the Bundesliga
Péter Gulácsi
One of the league’s best goalkeepers, RB Leipzig’s Péter Gulácsi used to play for Liverpool. The Hungarian keeper joined the Merseyside club in 2008, spending five years with the Reds. Not seen as a first-team option, he was loaned out twice before the inevitable happened. Leaving the club in 2013, the 28-year-old joined Red Bull Salzburg on a free transfer. Winning two league titles and two Austrian cups, the goalkeeper we all know today was beginning to emerge.
In 2015, he made the predictable switch to sister club RB Leipzig. Establishing himself as Hungary’s number one, the Budapest-born keeper was proving to be a bargain for his new club. Costing just £2.7 million, he proved to be a smart signing. This season has been his best for the club. Tallying 17 clean sheets in 33 games, Gulácsi has made big strides this campaign. Released by Liverpool just six years ago, he’s now one of the most reliable keepers in the Bundesliga. Starting every league game this season, Gulácsi is improving with age, as he cements himself as one of Europe’s best.
Davy Klaassen
Former Ajax captain Davy Klaassen was never supposed to end up in the Bundesliga. The Dutch international joined Premier League club Everton for £24.3 million, a move which never worked out. The 26-year-old was sold after one below-par season with the Merseyside club. Once considered a key piece of the Everton project, he was sold for a loss just 12 months later. Joining Werder Bremen for just £12 million, the Dutch midfielder has become a key player for the German club.
Since joining Bremen, Klaassen has been an everpresent in Florian Kohfeldt’s team. Starting every Bundesliga game this season, the former Ajax man has contributed six goals and five assists. Playing alongside Maximilian Eggestein and Nuri Şahin, Bremen’s midfield is all about work rate. Top five in distance covered, Klaassen has been invaluable. Werder Bremen are unbeaten in 2019, with the once unwanted Dutchman playing a key role.
Serge Gnabry
Once considered one of the better prospects in England, Serge Gnabry’s Arsenal career never took off. Sold by the Gunners in 2016, the German winger joined Bundesliga club Werder Bremen for just £4.5 million. Impressing during his time in Bremen, Gnabry was signed by Bavarian giants Bayern Munich. A bargain at just £7.2 million, the former Arsenal youth player is now a valued member of Niko Kovač’s squad. Despite missing out on one of Germany’s best young players, Arsenal made the right decision by selling the 23-year-old.
Loaned out to Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, Gnabry was given one season to impress the Bayern hierarchy. Performing at a high level for Die Kraichgauer, Bayern had seen enough, making him a part of their first team plans this season. Originally set to be a depth option behind Bayern legend Arjen Robben, Gnabry has played more than anyone expected. As Robben has dealt with injuries, the former Arsenal man has thrived in his first full season with the club. Scoring eight goals and contributing six assists in the Bundesliga, the German international has been involved in 18% of Bayern’s league goals this season.
Andrej Kramaric
When Andrej Kramaric signed for Leicester City, expectations were high. Failing to make an impact, the Croatian forward was loaned to Hoffenheim. Impressing during his loan spell, the German club decided to make the move permanent. Completing a deal worth £9.9 million, Kramaric was a huge signing for the club. An unwanted flop in England, he would go on to make history in the Bundesliga.
It’s been almost three years since Kramaric left Leicester City. This season has been business as usual for the Croatian striker. Scoring 20 goals in 31 games, including five in the Champions League, Kramaric is slowly becoming a club legend. Matchday 27 saw the 27-year-old made club history. Scoring in a 4-1 win against Bayer Leverkusen, Kramaric became the clubs all-time leading goalscorer. Solidifying his legacy at the club, he will go down as a key player, helping a small town club play Champions League football.
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