Joel Campbell, the once promising Arsenal talent who was advised to “get out while you can,” has trodden a path filled with numerous club changes and now finds himself signing for yet another one.

• Joel Campbell, once of Arsenal, has experienced a career filled with club switches, and now finds a new home in Alajuelense.
• Campbell made 40 appearances for Arsenal, but was never fully integrated into the starting line-up.
• With a significant international career, Campbell has now earned 124 caps for Costa Rica.

Since departing Arsenal in 2018, Joel Campbell’s career has seen various turns, leading him back to his home country, Costa Rica.

There, he has recently agreed to a deal with Liga Deportiva Alajuelense that will see him earn a monthly salary of more than 30 million colones (£43,800/£10kpw).

Joel Campbell’s journey after Arsenal

Despite Arsene Wenger bringing Campbell to Arsenal, the striker rarely found consistent playing time.

Even though he demonstrated potential when given the chance, he wasn’t awarded a consistent role in the starting line-up. His Arsenal journey eventually ended with Wenger’s departure from the club.

Upon his exit from Arsenal, Campbell transferred to Italian Serie B side Frosinone for £1.35m.

After a brief stint there, he found himself loaned to Club Leon FC in Mexico. This move seemed to finally provide the stability he had been seeking.

He solidified his position at Leon through a £1.8m permanent deal, which led to him making 123 appearances, his highest tally at any club.

Returning to Costa Rica

After finding his feet at Club Leon, Campbell has now made a return to his homeland.

He has recently agreed to a contract with Costa Rican side, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. His return to Costa Rica is perceived as a major acquisition for Alajuelense.

While his club career saw many ups and downs, Campbell’s international career with Costa Rica has been a testament to his abilities. Since making his debut a decade ago, Campbell has earned 124 caps for his country, demonstrating his integral role in the team.

Joel Campbell’s career stats

Now 30, Joel Campbell has just signed for his 12th club and the fourth since he left London five years ago.

Over the course of his career so far, he has scored 40 goals, with 46 assists, in 388 games.

• Club León FC: 123 games, 9 goals, 10 assists, 13 yellow cards, 1 red card, 6,721 minutes played
• Olympiacos: 43 games, 11 goals, 11 assists, 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 3,185 minutes played
• Real Betis: 42 games, 4 goals, 4 assists, 9 yellow cards, 1 red card, 2,123 minutes played
• Arsenal: 40 games, 4 goals, 6 assists, 3 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 1,917 minutes played
• CF Monterrey: 34 games, 4 goals, 4 assists, 3 yellow cards, 1 red card, 1,675 minutes played
• Sporting CP: 29 games, 3 goals, 4 assists, 6 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 1,246 minutes played
• FC Lorient: 27 games, 4 goals, 3 assists, 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 1,222 minutes played
• Villarreal CF: 22 games, 1 goal, 0 assists, 4 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 1,436 minutes played
• Frosinone Calcio: 17 games, 0 goals, 3 assists, 3 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 896 minutes played
• Puntarenas FC: 5 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 1 yellow card, 0 red cards, 295 minutes played
• Deportivo Saprissa: 4 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 125 minutes played
• Arsenal FC U21: 2 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 0 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 172 minutes played