Academy graduates from
Manchester United
,
Chelsea
,
Arsenal
,
Tottenham
and
Leeds United
include several British athletes participating in Europe’s leading leagues during the 2024-25 season.
It's growing more common for both up-and-coming young talents and seasoned, established players to challenge themselves abroad. We compile such lists annually, and with each passing season, these rosters expand further.
We've closely examined the performances of all 38 British players who have played significant minutes in Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, and the Bundesliga this season and assessed their progress.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham's first season with Real Madrid couldn't have been more successful.
He scored
two
Injury-time match-winning performances against Barcelona and numerous crucial goals, culminating in him concluding the season with titles from both La Liga and the Champions League — earning him the distinction of being the first Englishman to stand on the Ballon d'Or podium since Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005.
The second year hasn't been as impressive.
He has frequently appeared as a frustrated figure within Carlo Ancelotti’s often malfunctioning team, forced to compensate for the lack of effort from both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe by doing extra work.
The newest Galactico's arrival at the club has hindered his chances as an emergency center-forward, a role in which he excelled frequently during the previous season.
Nevertheless, there's still a possibility that Bellingham will secure a domestic double by the end of the 2024-25 season. Stay tuned.
Conor Gallagher
The picture of Gallagher’s first season in Madrid is indelibly etched with Diego Simeone passionately celebrating a crucial defensive effort during a tight win against Athletic Bilbao.
You have always been aware that the Argentine would appreciate the Chelsea academy product's determination and commitment.
He has had some highlights — such as equalizing against Real Madrid in the Champions League — but Gallagher’s season seems destined to conclude with disappointment.
Just a couple of weeks back, Atlético were performing well across multiple competitions, but they have since significantly faltered in their pursuit for the La Liga title. Additionally, they've been eliminated from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey at the hands of rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Gallagher has frequently fallen prey to Simeone’s rotational policy, managing to start approximately half of Atletico Madrid’s league matches.
Even though he seems ready for this fresh challenge and new surroundings, it wouldn’t shock us to witness him emulate Kieran Trippier’s example and make his way back to the Premier League within one or two years.
Max Aarons
This campaign, Aarons has been the overlooked third English player in Spain’s top division. He moved to Valencia on loan in January, having found limited playing time under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.
Carlos Corberan has made an impressive turnaround for Valencia's performance, though Aarons hasn't been significantly involved.
He has only featured in three matches across all competitions — two of which were heavy losses to Barcelona (7-1 and 5-0), with the third being a memorable 2-1 win over Real Madrid.
Talk about throwing him in at the deep end. Limited opportunities mean we can’t see this move being made permanent. Might a return to the Championship beckon?
Oli McBurnie
The ex-Sheffield United player had a stronger beginning in La Liga compared to Kylian Mbappe, providing two assists in just his initial three matches with Las Palmas.
However, he wasn’t expected to surpass Mbappe’s performance for an extended period, and subsequently, his goal-scoring record declined. It was just last month when he eventually began registering goals in Spain’s highest division, scoring in consecutive matches against Real Sociedad and Getafe.
It appears McBurnie is thoroughly enjoying his time in Gran Canaria and has lately demonstrated his remarkably fluent Spanish skills.
But things could be going better on the pitch, with Las Palmas finding themselves in the relegation zone ahead of the run-in.
Scott McKenna
McBurnie isn't the only pale Scottish international player struggling to adapt in the Canary Islands.
The 28-year-old defender has almost always been present for Las Palmas, accumulating more appearances and playing time compared to McBurnie. He recently delivered an outstanding performance in a crucial 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid.
An essential figure for their chances of making it through.
Harry Kane
England's captain will soon see their title drought come to an end.
Kane has performed reasonably well with 24 goals in his 28 Bundesliga appearances this season, and he might still
keep his European Golden Shoe
.
More importantly, Bayern have resumed normal service and are on the brink of sealing yet another Bundesliga title.
They lead the defending champions Bayer Leverkusen by eight points, with only four matches remaining.
QUIZ:
Could you list all 26 British players who have played in the Bundesliga since the year 2000?
Jamie Gittens
The 2024-25 season has been extremely disappointing for Borussia Dortmund, as they currently occupy the seventh position in the Bundesliga and seem unlikely to secure a spot in the Champions League.
However, despite having a challenging season, Gittens (who has dropped the Bynoe) continues to stand out as a significant talent.
The young player, at just 20 years old, has made significant progress in his growth and appears poised to emulate Jadon Sancho and Bellingham by being transferred for a substantial profit.
Various reports suggest he plans to depart Dortmund during the upcoming summer, however, sporting director Lars Ricken asserts these rumors are inaccurate. Stay tuned for further updates.
Eric Dier
The defender’s powerful header against Inter sadly did not make a difference in Bayern’s Champions League elimination, yet it showed that he can still be an effective team member when performing well.
Despite not making it into the starting lineup for the Bundesliga’s upcoming champions, the 31-year-old still earns recognition from his coach.
"Eric is an experienced player who understands exactly what needs to be done in such situations," states Vincent Kompany.
Eric has great character and always puts the team first.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Among approximately ten thousand promising young players signed by Chelsea in recent years, Chukwuemeka naturally found it difficult to secure playing time at Stamford Bridge. In an effort to gain more match experience, he moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan during January.
The young midfielder, at 21 years old, has so far had just one starting appearance in the Bundesliga along with one goal. However, his recent role in leading Dortmund to an impressive come-from-behind win against Borussia Mönchengladbach has led Fabrizio Romano to suggest that the team plans to secure his services past this summer.
The Athletic
asserts he possesses a €50 million (£43m) escape clause within his agreement, as reported by a German source.
Kicker
assert they were able to secure him for €35 million (£30m).
Oladapo Afolayan
Lesser-known Afolayan departed Bolton Wanderers to join FC St. Pauli in January 2023.
The forward achieved promotion in his first full season and has played his part in them looking home and dry from the threat of relegation in 2024-25.
Afolayan has scored three goals and provided one assist in 29 Bundesliga appearances (15 starts) this campaign.
Oliver Burke
To some extent, he has become somewhat overlooked, and we can safely conclude that Burke hasn't fully reached his potential following predictions about him becoming a future luminary.
The transition from Nottingham Forest to RB Leipzig didn’t pan out, and since then, his career has followed an unusual, up-and-down path as he moved between clubs.
Following unsuccessful stints on loan at Millwall and Birmingham City, Burke came back to his parent club, Werder Bremen, last summer. He has since taken up a supporting role within the team this season.
Burke has scored three goals in his past three Bundesliga matches, which were all wins, but he is anticipated to leave the club once this season concludes, with Union Berlin being considered a probable next stop for him.
Scott Banks
Banks, who previously represented Scotland at the youth level, was acquired by St. Pauli after playing for them on loan from Crystal Palace during their successful campaign to get promoted from the 2. Bundesliga.
However, the attacking midfielder has largely been relegated to a minor part, featuring as a substitute only 11 times, accumulating merely 92 minutes of playing time in the Bundesliga this season.
Fin Stevens
A third English player in St. Pauli’s team, international Welsh player Steven has found it difficult to get playing time since joining from Brentford last summer.
So far, his Bundesliga experience consists of just one brief appearance in stoppage time to secure a 3-0 win against Union Berlin.
Charlie Cresswell
Hyped as the future of Leeds United’s defense, Cresswell was unable to secure consistent playing time at his hometown club and departed to sign with Ligue 1 team Toulouse during the previous summer.
The English player at the under-21 level has had an impressive first season in France’s top division, and his $5 million move now looks like a steal.
Toulouse appeared ready to vie for a spot in Europe, but their performance has drastically declined recently.
However, during this decline, Cresswell has shown his prowess in set-pieces, scoring three goals in his past ten Ligue 1 matches.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Maitland-Niles recently caught the attention of the broader football community again during Lyon's chaotic Europa League exit against Manchester United - however, he has been performing admirably behind the scenes in France.
"Angel Gomes demonstrated that it's achievable for players in Ligue 1 to receive acknowledgment from England," French football journalist Matt Spiro remarked via Twitter in December.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles deserves consideration now. He is playing the finest football of his career at Lyon and is a crucial player for Pierre Gagne’s squad.
Once settled in France, the Hale End graduate has shown significant improvement and continues to be a trusted starter following the replacement of Sage with Paulo Fonseca as manager.
Chuba Akpom
Somewhat of a late bloomer, Akpom experienced a sudden surge in form, culminating in winning the Championship Golden Boot, which led to his transfer to Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax in 2023.
The forward had difficulties performing in the Dutch capital and was loaned out to Ligue 1 club Lille in January.
So far, he has netted two goals in 10 Ligue 1 matches, with most of these appearances coming as a substitute. It seems improbable that the transfer will become official.
Angel Gomes
Nearly a breakthrough with his limited appearances for England so far, Gomes showcased the ability to secure a position next to Declan Rice at the heart of the national team’s midfield.
However, despite bursting onto the international scene over the last 12 months, he appears to be struggling this fourth and presumably final season with Lille. Since December, playing time has been scarce for him.
The player, who is 24 years old, is nearing the end of his contract with Stade Pierre-Mauroy, and it seems Lille is planning for a future without him.
They say he has turned down a proposal from West Ham, and Roma is also being mentioned. One can assume there will be plenty of potential takers.
Jonathan Rowe
Last summer, Marseille secured the signing of highly-rated young Norwich City winger Rowe after defeating Leeds United in negotiations.
In retrospect, staying in the Championship could have been more beneficial for him.
He has played for Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille, scoring three goals and providing two assists in Ligue 1, however, he has started only four out of his 24 league appearances this season.
"I've found it challenging on a personal level; the entire season has been tough," Rowe stated to journalists earlier this month.
The transition from Norwich, where I played a crucial role in the squad, to this new environment has been quite challenging, with high expectations for me to deliver.
I've accepted the challenges, and they haven’t been easy. I’ve often found myself benched, which naturally had an impact on me, I believe anyone could notice that. Nonetheless, I kept pushing forward, and that really matters.
It seems probable that they will return to England.
Jordan James
Last summer, Rennes signed the promising young player from Birmingham City.
At just 20 years old, the Welsh international still shows promising progress in his growth.
"Traveling to France has significantly shaped my personality, both off and on the field," James stated.
BBC Sport
.
I believe I have much greater impact on games nowadays. Though I'm still young, I no longer feel like that youthful child.
Sorba Thomas
It isn’t very common for a player from League One to be competing in one of Europe’s top divisions, but Huddersfield Town’s Welsh winger Thomas will spend the 2024-25 season on loan with Ligue 1 side Nantes.
This season, he has scored one goal and provided two assists in France's top division. After assisting twice in a 3-1 win against Kazakhstan during the previous international break, he continues to be an integral player in Craig Bellamy’s strategies.
Fikayo Tomori
This season, similarities can be drawn between Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, as both teams have struggled significantly in Serie A and decided to make a coaching change.
Tomori recently went through six consecutive league matches without playing from the bench (during which Milan lost four), following reports that he had prevented potential transfers to Tottenham and Juventus in January.
However, he has lately come back into favor and performed exceptionally well as Milan thwarted Inter's ambitions for an unprecedented treble with a resounding 3-0 win in the Coppa Italia semifinals.
Recent reports from Italy indicate that the defender might be put up for sale this summer. This move could help AC Milan finance a "defensive overhaul," putting English teams on high alert.
Tammy Abraham
After being considered excess baggage at Roma following his gradual comeback from an extended injury absence, Abraham has been on loan at Milan for the 2024-25 season.
He’s notched 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, frequently turned to as a super-sub.
Yet another English international from the past faces a choice this summer, wouldn’t you say?
Tino Anjorin
Anjorim, who came through Chelsea’s youth system, ultimately departed his original club during the previous summer after experiencing several mediocre loan spells elsewhere, joining Italian side Empoli in Serie A.
Roberto D'Aversa's team had a strong beginning to the season, emerging as somewhat of an unexpected force, but their performance has significantly declined since December. They have only managed four draws, zero victories, and suffered 12 losses in their past 16 matches in Serie A.
Anjorin has recorded only three assists, but he scored his first goal for the team fighting against relegation in last weekend’s crucial 2-2 tie with Venezia.
Lloyd Kelly
Last summer, Eddie Howe welcomed back Kelly, but the defender found it difficult to secure playing time following his move to Newcastle United as a free agent from Bournemouth.
Kelly subsequently signed with Juventus before the winter transfer window closed, and reports suggest there's a mandatory £20 million purchase option in the summer. A good move for the Magpies, indeed.
So far, the outcomes have varied; the player from Bristol was part of a 4-0 loss against Atalanta and a 3-0 defeat against Fiorentina. Juventus' spot in next year's Champions League is not yet secure.
Keinan Davis
The Aston Villa youth product had limited appearances during his first year at Udinese, yet he emerged as an unexpected hero, securing their place in Serie A with a winning goal in the 76th minute against Frosinone.
Unfortunately, the forward hasn’t fully recovered since then. This season, he has only managed six starting appearances in Serie A and scored just two goals with one assist to his name.
READ:
5 overlooked Aston Villa youth system players who achieved legendary status with other clubs
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Tomori and Abraham have seen their appearances fluctuate within the starting lineup at the San Siro this season, much like their former Chelsea teammate.
Most of his appearances this season have come as a substitute, and he hasn't played much recently due to an urgent operation for acute appendicitis.
Loftus-Cheek did come back into the team as a later substitution to assist in maintaining the 3-0 win against Inter.
Kyle Walker
After quickly dropping in status due to Manchester City’s dramatic difficulties prior to Christmas, Walker concluded he needed to seek fresh opportunities following his eight successful years at the Etihad where he won multiple titles.
It is anticipated that he will remain with AC Milan once his loan concludes; however, various disappointments have occurred since he joined the team.
A month ago, he became an internet sensation by informing João Félix that he isn’t Messi.
It wasn't me telling Joao, 'you're not Messi, so pass the ball.' Instead, I said, 'we should ensure we follow a proper process,' " Walker stated on his podcast. Joao concurred and mentioned they needed to increase their passing and maintain better control.
I didn't only tell this to João. It wasn't clear there was a camera present. Nonetheless, I wouldn't alter anything I said.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy
Although Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have had remarkable seasons with Arsenal, their teammate Norton-Cuffy has developed his skills on a different journey.
The 21-year-old right-back joined Genoa after gaining experience on loan at Millwall last season.
However, he has had to wait for chances, managing only three appearances in the highest tier of Italian football.
Patrick Vieira, a legendary figure for the Gunners, took over in November, yet it seems he hasn't gained their confidence any more than his predecessor Alberto Gilardino did.
Samuel Iling-Junior
Last summer, Aston Villa brought in the promising England Under-21 player from Juventus but promptly lent him back to Italy, where he joined Bologna.
Iling-Junior had difficulty securing playing time in Serie A, leading to him being called back by his parent club halfway through the season.
Since then, he has been featured more frequently in the second part of the season with Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough team, which is aiming for playoff contention.
Daniel Oyegoke
Another lesser-known figure, Oyegoke hasn't followed the most illustrious career trajectory since his time in the youth systems at Arsenal and Brentford.
The right-back from Barnet, who has played for MK Dons, Bradford City, and Hearts in his professional career, moved to Hellas Verona last summer.
This season, Oyegoke has only had five short cameo appearances in Serie A, as Verona remains comfortably positioned in the middle of the table.
Omari Forson
Touted as a promising player following his debut under manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United during the previous season, Forson ultimately departed from Old Trafford when his contract was not renewed.
It seems that allowing him to depart was proven correct.
The young forward, just 20 years old, has not started a single game in the league for Monza, who currently occupy the last position in the Serie A standings and seem almost certain to face relegation.
Ben Godfrey
Last summer, Atalanta opted for an intriguing move by signing Godfrey from Everton in a £10 million transfer.
Even more intriguing was granting the defender a brief 22-minute appearance in Serie A.
Gian Piero Gasperini apparently did not have faith in him, leading to his loan to Ipswich Town for the second part of the season, where things haven't improved significantly.
It’s anticipated that Gasperini will leave Atalanta once the season concludes. This might result in Godfrey coming back to his parent club for the following term.
Dele Alli
Dele's highly anticipated Serie A start was cut short after just nine minutes when he received a direct red card.
He hasn't shown up since then, but we're still hoping he manages to improve his situation.
READ:
Kyle Walker’s response to Dele Alli’s red card has somewhat improved our view of him.
Scott McTominay
McSauce is quite possibly the most successful tale on this roster. Priced at an incredible £25 million, it’s truly a steal.
In his first season with Antonio Conte’s championship-contending Napoli, he has managed to score nine league goals (a tally higher than any player at Manchester United this season, interestingly enough).
Only Marcus Thuram and Ademola Lookman boast higher average WhoScored ratings in Serie A, and he could very well be in contention for Player of the Season if Napoli secure the Scudetto title.
The midfielder also enjoys the warmer weather.
"Oh wow, the tomatoes. Simply magnificent," he said.
The Athletic
in April 2025.
I never consumed them at my place; they were merely reddish liquid. However, here they genuinely have a tomato flavor. Nowadays, I enjoy them as a treat. I consume every vegetable and fruit available. Everything tastes incredibly fresh. It’s amazing.
Billy Gilmour
Although McTominay remains one of Conte’s top deputies, his fellow Scottish international Gilmour has found himself somewhat on the periphery.
Nevertheless, he has participated significantly with 11 starting appearances in Serie A and an additional 10 substitute appearances.
From the start, he made a strong impression in a recent 3-0 win against Empoli after seizing his opportunity when Frank Anguissa, Conte’s preferred choice, was injured.
Che Adams
After helping Southampton get promoted last season, the forward appears set to depart without any second thoughts.
Adams has netted 10 goals across all competitions for Torino, matching the same number of goals that the renowned Denis Law achieved for the team during the 1961-62 season.
Liam Henderson
Who could have predicted this large-scale Scottish migration to Italy?
Henderson was quite influential as a trailblazer, initially signing with Bari way back in 2018 following his departure from Celtic. Since then, he has played for clubs like Hellas Verona, Lecce, and Palermo. Currently, he is enjoying his second tenure at Empoli and stands out as the inaugural Scottish player to achieve the remarkable feat of playing 100 Serie A matches.
The midfielder, who remains uncapped at the senior level for Scotland, has played significantly more often for the struggling team compared to Anjorin.
When his contract ends this summer, it will be intriguing to observe if he remains in Italy or decides to pursue opportunities somewhere else.
Lewis Ferguson
The Scottish national team player was sidelined for the initial part of the season as they recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in April.
Ferguson returned in November, yet the season has been an exasperatingly inconsistent one for him as he strives to regain his form.
Bologna's captain has been sidelined due to muscle and hamstring injuries, preventing him from playing consistently despite making sporadic appearances in 13 Serie A matches.
He still has the chance to conclude the season by winning the Coppa Italia, however. Bologna will face AC Milan in the final.
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TRY A QUIZ:
Could you list all the English players who have played for Real Madrid since 1990?
