Three prominent footballers—Anthony Gordon, Michael Olise, and Harry Kane—have recently demonstrated significant progress in their careers since moving away from the English Premier League (EPL), drawing attention during the latest international break.

Anthony Gordon, who currently plays for Barcelona, has notably elevated his performance since transferring from Newcastle United. The move raised questions given Gordon’s beginnings at Everton and his relatively unremarkable reputation in the EPL. However, his consistent displays for both club and country have changed perceptions. Gordon played a key role in England’s consecutive Nations League victories over Czechia and Croatia and has become a regular starter under the national team setup—a status he secured only after joining the Spanish champions. Analysts point to the influence of training alongside Barcelona’s talented squad, including players such as Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, as factors in his development. Gordon’s trajectory suggests that he could soon be considered a world-class talent, with his ceiling still to be determined.

Meanwhile, France’s Michael Olise has emerged as a central figure under coach Zinedine Zidane. After impressing as a number 10 during the World Cup, Olise has settled into his preferred position on the right wing with Bayern Munich. His performances there have elevated France’s standing as strong contenders for the upcoming European Championship. Observers believe that Olise’s experiences alongside Bayern’s elite players have expanded his skill set and tactical understanding. Continued growth at this level could see him attract renewed interest from leading Premier League clubs or potentially even Real Madrid.

Harry Kane, a well-known figure and Tottenham Hotspur icon, has also experienced renewed success since his move to Bayern Munich. While his tenure at Tottenham was marked by personal achievements, team trophies eluded him. However, in Germany, Kane has improved multiple facets of his game, contributing beyond goal scoring to orchestrating play from deeper positions. He broke a long-standing record by becoming the Bundesliga’s fastest player to 100 goals, surpassing a mark set nearly five decades ago, and remains England’s all-time leading scorer with 89 goals. Analysts credit his enhanced vision and game management to playing alongside Bayern’s top-level talents and the confidence gained from winning his first major trophy.

These developments highlight the benefits some players experience when challenging themselves in new environments beyond the EPL. Exposure to different styles of play and higher competitive standards often prompts individual growth that might not occur while remaining in familiar surroundings. The progress of Gordon, Olise, and Kane underscores how immersing oneself in top-tier international clubs can unlock potential and elevate performance on the world stage.