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The Premier League has produced some stunning players over the years and many of them have gone on to become huge sensations in the football world. Some of these players have opted to take their game to the next level and to do so, they have desired to move away from England.
For some of these Premier League players, the move has done wonders, while for the rest of it, it hasn't worked out that well. Even some of the best players have struggled with their game outside England.
The Premier League has provided La Liga with some superstars
Playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is a dream for many of the young footballers growing up. In order to fulfill that, some of the players have gone through severe hardships but eventually ended up playing for one of the Spanish giants.
The Premier League has provided an excellent platform to accomplish that dream. Players have developed in England and left for La Liga to achieve more success. On that note, let's take a look at some of the most expensive footballers to move to Spain from the Premier League.
Note: All values are as per Transfermarkt
#5 Luis Suarez (Liverpool to Barcelona - £73.55 million)
The dynamic striker made a name for himself while playing for Ajax in the Eredivisie. With his amazing goal-scoring abilities, Luis Suarez was making all the noise in the Dutch league.
In the winter of 2011, Liverpool decided to sign the Uruguayan and what a signing it turned out to be. In his four seasons with the Reds, Suarez went on to score 69 goals in 110 league games. In the 2013-14 season, he almost helped them win the Premier League, scoring 31 goals, winning the Golden Boot in the process.
His fine performances for the Reds attracted interest from Barcelona. In the summer of 2014, the Catalan club were able to sign him for a fee of £73.55 million. Suarez went on to become a massive player for Barcelona, winning La Liga four times and the UEFA Champions League once.
#4 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United to Real Madrid - £84.60 million)
The Portuguese captain signed for Manchester United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon. The then-young Cristiano Ronaldo looked a great prospect with some mind-boggling dribbling and creative abilities at his disposal.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believed in the youngster and helped him develop into one of the finest players in the game. Ronaldo spent six seasons with United, amassing 84 Premier League goals in 196 appearances. He helped them win the league thrice and also won the UEFA Champions League once.
In 2009, Ronaldo wanted to fulfill his dream of playing for Real Madrid once and hence left the Red Devils for Los Blancos. Madrid signed him for a transfer fee around £84.60 million. The Portuguese superstar had a fabulous time with the Spanish club, winning La Liga twice and the UEFA Champions League four times.
#3 Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid - £90.90 million)
The Premier League has produced some of the most amazing wingers in the history of the game and Gareth Bale is surely one of them. Coming through the ranks at Southampton, the Welshman initially played as a left-back.
It was at Tottenham Hotspur under manager Harry Redknapp that Bale was advised to play as an attacker. Courtesy of his blistering pace and amazing ability to run past defenders with the ball at his feet, the left-footed player was sensational with Spurs. Over time, he became more involved and efficient in attack, becoming one of the finest players in the Premier League.
His performances did not go unappreciated as his signature was sought by top European clubs. Eventually, he ended up signing for Real Madrid in 2013 for a fee around £90.90 million. The move worked out very well for the Welshman as he went on to win two La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies.
#2 Eden Hazard (Chelsea to Real Madrid - £103.50 million)
Signed from Lille, Eden Hazard turned out to be a fabulous acquisition for Chelsea. Since arriving in the Premier League in 2013, the Belgian forward had a sensational time in England.
With his nimble footwork, close control of the ball, mind-boggling dribbling and amazing ability to create and score goals, Hazard was a beast in attack for Chelsea. He primarily played as a winger but is known to drift centrally if and whenever needed. His superb performances helped win the Premier League twice and earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2019.
The transfer fee was around £103.50 million for the former Chelsea forward. Unfortunately, the move hasn't worked out well for Eden Hazard as he has struggled with injuries and poor form since moving to La Liga.
#1 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to Barcelona - £121.50 million)
The Brazilian midfielder was signed by Liverpool from Inter Milan in 2013. It did not take much time for Philippe Coutinho to settle with the Reds as he made an impact almost instantly.
Over time, the former Inter playmaker grew in confidence and became one of the most creative midfielders in the Premier League. His form only got better with the arrival of Jurgen Klopp as Coutinho turned into a very productive player in attack.
In his six seasons with Liverpool, the dynamic midfielder contributed in 77 goals. Seeing this, Barcelona were tempted to sign Coutinho and after some failed attempts, they were successful in signing him in 2018.
The transfer fee was around £121.50 million, making him the most expensive player to leave the Premier League and play in Spain. Like Hazard, Coutinho has yet to justify his big-money move with his performances.
