Photo by Flickr, CC by 2.0
There is no doubting that since its inception back in 1992, the Premier League has completely dominated the landscape in English football.
Beyond that, the way in which England’s top division has grown in stature and profile all over the world has been significant and the impact of English players on the league has been immeasurable.
However, the strength of the Premier League has also been mirrored across Europe, with leagues in Spain, Germany and Italy all producing some wonderful football teams.
With plenty of English players outside of the Premier League, world football has never been so transient and competitions such as the Champions League are enabling English players to experience the highest levels of the game.
Consequently, more and more English players are seeking opportunities abroad, with current England stars Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold playing for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively.
Global interest in English football is currently at an all-time high, with EPL betting sites popping up frequently and taking on new ideologies is having a positive impact within the English game.
Yet for some players, opportunities may not have presented themselves within the cut and thrust of the Premier League and some fantastic Englishman have never graced the EPL.
Here is a rundown of the top 5 English players to have never played in the Premier League:
5. Jobe Bellingham
The first of two Bellingham’s to make this illustrious list, Jobe Bellingham is beginning to forge a name for himself in both English and European football.
Following in his brother’s footsteps, Jobe Bellingham came through Birmingham City’s notoriously strong youth academy, before moving north to Sunderland.
The ultimate sleeping giant, Bellingham was instantly loved at the Stadium of Light for his all action approach, and he had a serious impact at Sunderland from the minute he arrived.
In a quirk of fate, Bellingham was lured to Borussia Dortmund following an excellent campaign for the Black Cats, in which they managed to get promoted to the Premier League.
However, Bellingham has moved to Germany in the summer of 2025, before making an appearance in the EPL and he has snuck onto this list.
Aged just 19, Bellingham may well be lured to the Premier League in the future but for now, he is one of the best English players to have not plied their trade in the EPL.
4. Lee Trundle
One of football’s great mavericks, Lee Trundle managed to achieve some incredible feats in his illustrious career, yet the man from Liverpool never managed to play in the Premier League.
Making his way into the game through the back door of the lower leagues, Trundle was given his break in the English football league by Wrexham and their inspirational manager Brian Flynn.
An instant hit at the Racecourse Ground, Trundle’s tricks and flicks were intertwined with deadly finishing and he moved on to Swansea City following three successful years in North Wales.
The connection with the fans at Swansea rang even deeper, with Trundle scoring 78 goals in 146 games for the Swans, setting the foundations for them to get promoted to the Premier League.
Trundle continued to make his way around clubs in the English lower leagues, before dropping down the leagues in the Welsh system too and he continues to play semi-professional football as he nears his 50th birthday.
3. Steve Bull
One of the only players to have ever been called up to play for England, while operating in the second tier of the game, Steve Bull holds a place in history as one of the most potent strikers of all time.
Bull was instrumental in the rise of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the late 1980’s and 1990’s, helping the club rise from the fourth division, up to the first division and to be banging on the door of the Premier League.
In amongst all this, Bull managed to play 13 times for England, scoring 4 goals – epitomising his ability, regardless of his opponents.
His goal scoring record at Molyneux is scarcely believable, with Bull notching 306 goals in 577 games for Wanderers during his time there and his status as a club legend is unquestioned.
While ‘Bully’ never made it to the Premier League, he retains a fearsome reputation as one of the best strikers to ever grace the English game.
2. Jamie Gittens
A loophole has been found on the countdown here, as young English superstar Jamie Gittens has made a huge summer move to Chelsea in 2025, but he is yet to play in the Premier League.
Like so many top European talents, Gittens is a product of the Manchester City system, producing some excellent performances before he decided to chase more playing minutes abroad.
Borussia Dortmund came calling, a club with a rich history of producing players and Gittens has thrived.
Chelsea and Stamford Bridge wait for Gittens and he will be looking to make his mark when he finally makes his EPL debut.
1. Jude Bellingham
Having made his name at Birmingham City as a prodigious teenager, Jude Bellingham has developed into one of the finest footballers in the world.
Bellingham made his debut for the blues aged 16 and made a string of eye-catching performances at St Andrews in the Championship, before joining German giants Borussia Dortmund.
At Signal Iduna Park, Bellingham grew as a person and as a player, anchoring a potent Dortmund side that housed the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho, as they challenged both in Germany and in Europe.
Following three hugely successful years at Dortmund, the allure of Real Madrid came calling in the summer of 2023 – as Bellingham moved to the Spanish capital for the hefty sum of £88 million.
Quickly, the investment laid out by Madrid proved to be money well spent, with Bellingham playing a key role in the 15th Champions League title won by Madrid in their rich and storied history, as they lifted the trophy in 2024.
Aged just 22, Bellingham looks to have the footballing world at his feet and while he is yet to grace the Premier League, he continues to be a major figure for both England and Real Madrid in every game the plays.
