Sometimes the grass can be greener on the other side.
Whether it be the change of scenery, new tactics or simply the chance to start afresh, many players have revived their career after changing clubs.
As Marcus Rashford looks to rediscover his best form at Barcelona, he’s hoping to follow in the footsteps of these four players who successfully reignited their careers with the right move.
Moise Kean
Juventus to Fiorentina
By 2023, Moise Kean’s career felt stuck. He bounced between Juventus and loan spells without ever establishing himself as a consistent starter. As a teenager, he made a big money move to Everton but found himself back in Turin after struggling to adapt to the Premier League.
His permanent move to Fiorentina in July 2024 changed everything.
Under Raffaele Palladino, Kean became the focal point of the Fiorentina attack, scoring 19 league goals in the 2024/25 season. His finishing improved, his movement sharpened and Fiorentina’s service from wide areas suited his strengths perfectly. He ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer and a key reason why they secured European football.
Antony
Manchester United to Real Betis
Antony’s time at Manchester United had been a frustrating mix of flashes of talent and long stretches of inconsistency.
In January 2025, he joined Real Betis on loan, a move that immediately lifted his performances.
In just 21 matches, Antony contributed 8 goals and 5 assists, playing a crucial role in Betis’ run to the Europa Conference League final. His confidence on the ball returned and he delivered in the big moments. The Betis fans took to him quickly – none more so than the legendary Joaquín who jokingly said he was prepared to kidnap Antony in a bid to keep him at Betis.
Isco
Sevilla to Real Betis
Once tipped as one of Spain’s most gifted playmakers, Isco’s career had begun to drift after leaving Real Madrid. A short stint at Sevilla had failed to spark a revival, but his switch to Betis in 2023 marked the start of a new chapter.
By the 2024/25 season, he had become club captain, signed a new contract extension and been named Europa Conference League Player of the Season. He is back to his best, dictating the play and setting the tempo. His leadership and impact on the pitch has defined the club’s rise in recent years.
Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea to Napoli
The big number nine has regularly been on the move during his career, having played for 8 teams across Belgium, England and Italy.
His second spell at Chelsea ended with a whimper. A permanent move to Napoli in 2024, which saw Lukaku reunite with Antonio Conte, brought the Belgian back to his best.
Napoli used Lukaku just as Conte had at Inter – a powerful focal point capable of holding the ball, linking play and scoring consistently. Lukaku responded with a strong season, helping Napoli to the 2024/25 Serie A title. His physical dominance and work rate made him one of the most effective strikers in the world once again.
Will Marcus Rashford succeed at Barcelona?
Rashford will be hoping to follow in Antony’s footsteps with a move to Spain that revitalises his career.
He joins on a season-long loan with an option to buy for €35m.
Hansi Flick has publicly praised Rashford’s versatility across the front line, giving Barcelona flexibility as they juggle domestic and European campaigns.
Rashford has featured prominently in pre-season, earning high praise from his teammates and media alike. He scored his first goal for Barcelona against South Korean side Daegu.
With the injury to Robert Lewandowski, Rashford has the perfect opportunity to establish himself.
Barca’s system under Flick thrives on pace and fluidity in attack. Rashford’s direct approach and link-up with Lamine Yamal has the potential to be a nightmare for defenders. He joins the Spanish giants with something to prove.
If he stays fit and can deliver with a consistency that has often been missing from his time at United, this could be the season that transforms him from an inconsistent Premier League talent into a world class match winner.
