Finding Success Abroad: The Stories of 5 Teenagers Who Had to Leave the Prem

The English Premier League is renowned the world over for nurturing young talent, but not all prodigious players find their breakthrough within its confines. Several teenage sensations have ventured beyond England’s top tier to realise their potential and achieve remarkable success.

As part of our series on Premier League teenagers, today we explore five such players who left the EPL as uncut gems and flourished elsewhere.

You can click here to read our article about the most expensive Premier League teenagers ever as well.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham’s ascent in football has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in Stourbridge, England, Bellingham joined Birmingham City’s youth academy and made his senior debut at just 16, albeit not in the Premier League, but in the Championship. His exceptional performances caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, leading to a transfer in July 2020.

At Dortmund, Bellingham became their youngest goalscorer and played a pivotal role in their midfield, contributing to their DFB-Pokal victory in the 2020–21 season. His stellar performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award for 2022–23.

In 2023, he secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he continued to excel, helping the club clinch both the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League. Bellingham’s journey underscores the benefits of seeking opportunities beyond the EPL to maximise one’s potential.

Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho’s decision to leave Manchester City’s youth setup in 2017 was pivotal for his career. He joined Borussia Dortmund, where he quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most promising wingers.

Sancho’s time in the Bundesliga was marked by impressive statistics, including numerous goals and assists, which highlighted his creative flair and technical prowess. His performances in Germany eventually led to a return to the EPL with Manchester United in 2021.

Sancho’s success story illustrates how stepping away from the Premier League can provide the necessary platform for young talents to develop and showcase their abilities on a grand stage.

While this time at Manchester United has not exactly been a resounding success, he is currently on loan at Chelsea where he provides assists on a fairly regular basis and is one of the more influential members of the squad.

Cesc Fàbregas

This is actually a reverse case, a player who came to the Premier League as a teenager and took it by storm.

At just 16, Cesc Fàbregas made the bold move from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy to Arsenal in 2003. Under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, Fàbregas matured into one of the Premier League’s most distinguished midfielders. He became Arsenal’s youngest-ever first-team player and goalscorer, eventually captaining the side.

His vision, passing accuracy, and football intelligence were instrumental in Arsenal’s successes during his tenure. Fàbregas later returned to Barcelona, where he continued to amass titles, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

His career trajectory exemplifies how a strategic move during one’s teenage years can lead to a flourishing career both within and outside the EPL.

Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba’s initial stint with Manchester United saw limited first-team opportunities, prompting his transfer to Juventus in 2012 at the age of 19. In Italy, Pogba developed into a dynamic midfielder, known for his strength, skill, and long-range shooting.

He played a crucial role in Juventus’s domestic dominance, securing multiple Serie A titles and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2015. His outstanding performances earned him the Golden Boy award in 2013.

Pogba’s success in Serie A eventually led to a then-world-record return to Manchester United in 2016. His journey highlights the importance of seeking playing time and development opportunities, even if it means departing from the Premier League during formative years.

Ryan Sessegnon

Ryan Sessegnon’s rise began at Fulham, where he made his first-team debut at just 16. His exceptional performances in the Championship, including becoming the first 16-year-old to score in a league match, attracted significant attention.

In 2019, Sessegnon transferred to Tottenham Hotspur, seeking to establish himself in the Premier League. However, limited opportunities led to a loan move to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for the 2020–21 season. In Germany, Sessegnon gained valuable first-team experience, contributing both defensively and offensively.

His time abroad allowed him to develop his game further, and upon returning to Tottenham, he has been more integrated into the squad, showcasing the benefits of gaining experience outside the EPL.

Now aged 24, he finds himself with Fulham once more, joining his boyhood club on a free transfer last summer, but he has not played a huge part in their season so far.

Conclusion

Most of these players’ journeys underscore a common theme: leaving the English Premier League as a teenager can provide invaluable opportunities for development, exposure, and success.

While the EPL is one of the most competitive leagues globally, the intense competition can sometimes limit playing time for emerging talents. Venturing abroad or to other leagues can offer the necessary platform for young players to hone their skills, gain experience, and ultimately return to the Premier League or other top clubs as more complete and accomplished professionals.