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The Bundesliga has long been a fertile breeding ground for top-tier talent, producing players who have gone on to shine in leagues across Europe. However, not every star who excels in Germany finds similar success in the English Premier League.
Despite promising resumes and hefty transfer fees, several Bundesliga standouts have struggled to adapt to the pace, physicality, and demands of English football. With insight from [Bet442](https://www.bet442.co.uk/), here are five notable examples of Bundesliga stars who flopped in the Premier League.
1\. Loris Karius (Liverpool)
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When Liverpool signed Loris Karius from Mainz in 2016, he was touted as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young goalkeepers. The German arrived at Anfield to provide competition for Simon Mignolet, but his time in England was defined by inconsistency and, ultimately, infamy.
Karius’ defining moment came in the 2018 Champions League final, where two catastrophic errors handed Real Madrid victory. Although reports later revealed he suffered a concussion during the match, the damage to his confidence and reputation was irreparable.
After loan spells and a brief stint as a backup, Karius quietly departed Liverpool, a stark fall from grace for a player once seen as a long-term solution in goal. He remained in the Premier League following a switch to Newcastle United, but after limited gametime on Tyneside is now back in Germany with Schalke 04
2\. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
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Few transfers in recent memory generated as much excitement as Jadon Sancho’s £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United in 2021. After lighting up the Bundesliga with dazzling dribbling, creativity, and goals, Sancho was expected to revive United’s attacking flair.
Instead, he struggled to replicate his Dortmund form. A combination of tactical instability, confidence issues, and public disputes with Erik ten Hag derailed his progress. Despite flashes of brilliance, Sancho’s numbers were underwhelming, and following loan moves to Dortmund and Chelsea, he is currently on loan at Premier League side Aston Villa.
3\. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)
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Before Sancho, another Borussia Dortmund star made the leap to Manchester United with similarly disappointing results. Shinji Kagawa arrived in 2012 as one of Europe’s most exciting playmakers, fresh off helping Dortmund win back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Jürgen Klopp.
However, the Japanese midfielder struggled to find his footing in Sir Alex Ferguson’s system and was often played out of position. Injuries and the chaotic post-Ferguson era further hindered his progress. After just two seasons, Kagawa returned to Dortmund, where he rediscovered his confidence and creativity, proving that sometimes, the Premier League simply isn’t the right fit.
4\. Sébastien Haller (West Ham United)
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Sébastien Haller’s record at Eintracht Frankfurt, 33 goals in 77 games, convinced West Ham to splash a then-club-record £45 million on the powerful striker in 2019. Yet, despite flashes of his technical ability, Haller never looked comfortable in the Premier League.
Whether it was West Ham’s inconsistent tactics or the lack of service, Haller failed to adapt and managed just 10 goals in 48 league appearances before being sold to Ajax. Back in continental football, he rediscovered his scoring touch, proving himself once again in the Champions League and later back in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. The Premier League, however, remains a frustrating chapter in his career.
5\. Naby Keïta (Liverpool)
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When Liverpool signed Naby Keïta from RB Leipzig for over £50 million, many expected him to become the heartbeat of Jürgen Klopp’s midfield. The Guinean’s dynamic play, press resistance, and energy seemed tailor-made for Klopp’s system.
But injuries and inconsistency plagued his time at Anfield. While he occasionally showed flashes of brilliance, including in key Champions League matches, Keïta never established himself as a reliable starter. By the time he left Liverpool in 2023, his career had stagnated, leaving fans wondering what might have been if he’d managed to stay fit and consistent.
Final Thoughts
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The Premier League may be the world’s most-watched league, but it’s also one of the toughest to thrive in. The experiences of Loris Karius, Jadon Sancho, Shinji Kagawa, Sébastien Haller, and Naby Keïta serve as cautionary tales: success in the Bundesliga doesn’t always translate to England’s high-intensity environment. Talent can open the door, but adapting to the Premier League’s unique challenges is what truly determines success.