Ranking 5 Players Who Flopped After Leaving Jurgen Klopp

Numerous Liverpool players have learned firsthand that departing the club doesn't always lead to better outcomes.

Despite the Reds' significant success under Jurgen Klopp since 2015, several influential players have opted to leave Anfield.

While various factors contribute to their departures, few have experienced immediate success elsewhere.

Instead, many have endured challenging periods post-Merseyside, often casting envious glances back at Liverpool's achievements.

Sports Brief examines five players who have faced difficulties following their exits from Liverpool during the Jurgen Klopp era.

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Players who flopped after leaving Jurgen Klopp

Jordan Henderson

After revolutionizing Saudi Arabia's infrastructure in just six months in Asia, Jordan Henderson reportedly desires a swift return to Europe.

His move to the Saudi Pro League stirred controversy and strained relations with Liverpool fans, tarnishing his reputation. Henderson now finds himself playing under the management of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq, performing in front of sparse crowds this season.

Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino, another former Liverpool standout, is facing challenges in Saudi Arabia. Departing Anfield on a free transfer last summer, the centre-forward joined Al Ahli after losing his place in Klopp's lineup.

Despite a hat-trick on his Saudi Pro League debut, Firmino has struggled to find the net since, with reports suggesting Al Ahli are eager to offload him.

His value has plummeted to the extent that he's now linked with a move to bottom-ranked Sheffield United in the Premier League. While still cherished by Liverpool fans, Firmino may have been better off staying at Anfield as a backup option under Klopp.

Sadio Mane

After a successful spell at Anfield, winning numerous accolades, Sadio Mane sought a new challenge at the end of the 2021/22 season.

His move to Bayern Munich, however, didn't yield the expected results. Despite tallying 12 goals and six assists in 38 appearances for Die Roten, Mane faced criticism and dwindling popularity, especially with the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.

The pressure culminated in a dressing room altercation where Mane reportedly punched teammate Leroy Sane, sealing his departure from Bayern.

Now representing Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Mane has already matched his goal contributions from last season in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Georgino Wijnaldum

After opting to depart Liverpool in 2021 for a lucrative opportunity, Georginio Wijnaldum swiftly regretted his decision. The Dutch midfielder moved to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer but failed to make a significant impact despite consistent playing time in France.

A loan spell at Roma during the 2022/23 season initially seemed promising, but Wijnaldum's campaign was marred by a broken tibia that sidelined him for the majority of the season.

Upon returning to Paris, he was subsequently transferred to Al Ettifaq. Joining forces with Henderson in Saudi Arabia, Wijnaldum has encountered similar challenges to his former Liverpool teammate.

Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool made an astute decision with the £142m they received for Philippe Coutinho, reinvesting it in Alisson and Virgil van Dijk. However, Coutinho's move to Barcelona in 2018 turned out to be a struggle.

Despite his hefty price tag, the Brazilian failed to adapt to the pressure at Camp Nou and struggled to win over the Barcelona fans. Loaned out to Bayern Munich, where he notably scored twice in an 8-2 win over Barcelona in the Champions League, Coutinho's performances weren't enough to secure a permanent deal with Die Roten, and he had no future at Barcelona either.

Returning to the Premier League with Aston Villa initially showed promise for Coutinho, but he soon found himself on the sidelines. Now playing for Al Duhail in Qatar, Coutinho's career took a downward turn after leaving Anfield.