5 former Barcelona players who are currently thriving away from the Camp Nou

5 former Barcelona players who are currently thriving away from the Camp Nou

Ayoola Kelechi 16:36 - 30.12.2023

These former Barcelona stars will make the Blaugrana wish that they had kept them in the team, especially considering the team's current struggles

Most times, when players leave big clubs, the move has devastating consequences for their careers, but these five former Barcelona players have gone against the trend. They have been making significant strides in their careers after leaving the famed Camp Nou. Here's a detailed look at these players and how they are thriving at their current clubs:

Luis Suarez

After leaving Barcelona, Luis Suarez has had a remarkable journey. He won a league title with Atletico Madrid, played for Nacional in Uruguay, and scored numerous goals for Gremio in Brazil. 

Inter Miami announce Luis Suarez signing | X/@InterMiamiCF
Inter Miami announce Luis Suarez signing | X/@InterMiamiCF

His latest move brought him to Inter Miami, where he reunited with Lionel Messi. Suarez's post-Barcelona career demonstrates his enduring quality as a striker and his ability to adapt to different football environments.

Riqui Puig

Riqui Puig, once compared to Andres Iniesta, had a challenging time at Barcelona, with frequent managerial changes and the club undergoing a transition. 

Former Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig | Imago
Former Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig | Imago

He eventually moved to LA Galaxy at the age of 22. In the MLS, Puig has been impressive, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 29 appearances. His performance in the U.S. indicates his potential and adaptability in a different football context.

Luuk de Jong

Luuk de Jong, who joined Barcelona on a loan deal from Sevilla, faced criticism during his time at the club. Despite scoring some vital goals, he never quite fit into the Barcelona style of play. 

PSV's Luuk de Jong | Imago
PSV's Luuk de Jong | Imago

After his stint at Barcelona, de Jong returned to PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he has been prolific, scoring 19 goals in 26 appearances. His success at PSV showcases his abilities as a reliable striker, especially in familiar settings.

Jean-Clair Todibo

Jean-Clair Todibo's departure from Barcelona to Nice for €8.5 million has been a point of regret for Barcelona. Since moving to the French club, Todibo has been in excellent form, attracting interest from several top Premier League clubs. 

Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice. (Photo Credit: Squawka Live/X)
Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice. (Photo Credit: Squawka Live/X)

His performance as a centre-back have attracted interest from top sides like Manchester United and Liverpool and further demonstrates Barcelona's loss and Todibo's potential as a top defender.

Abde Ezzalzouli

Abde Ezzalzouli, a talented winger, moved from Barcelona to Real Betis. While at Betis, he scored his first goal in a 3-0 victory over Valencia and has been showing promising signs of development. His move is part of his ongoing growth as a young player in a competitive environment.

Former Barcelona star Abde Ezzalzouli Imago
Former Barcelona star Abde Ezzalzouli Imago

These players' success after leaving Barcelona highlights the varying paths football careers can take. Whether due to a change in environment, playing style, or personal growth, each has found a way to excel outside of their time at Camp Nou​​​​​​.

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