Giorgio Chiellini is one of the greatest defenders in modern football history – and he nearly played for Sunderland.
Roy Keane tried to sign Chiellini back in 2007, while he was manager of the Black Cats, with the Italian willing to join.
The Juventus legend even told his agent to make the move happen but ‘money issues’ between the two clubs meant the deal broke down.
Sunderland AFC News looks at where Chiellini would rank among the Black Cats’ most expensive transfers if he had joined the club.
Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus acknowledges the fans during his warm up prior to the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium ...
Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images
How much would Giorgio Chiellini have cost Sunderland?
Keane remembered Juventus’ valuation of Chiellini as between £10-12 million, while the player himself said it was between £10-15 million.
Even for a Premier League club, this was a substantial fee over 17 years ago, so it is no wonder the deal did not go through.
However, Sunderland will regret not matching Juventus’ asking price as Chiellini would still have been a bargain signing in the long run.
The 40-year-old was worth at least triple the £15m valuation in his prime, as he helped the Old Lady to an incredible nine Serie A titles.
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Instead of Chiellini, Kean bolstered his defence with the signings of Paul McShane, Greg Halford and Danny Higginbotham for a combined £8.5m.
Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus FC celebrates with the trophy after the Serie A match between Juventus and AS Roma at Allianz Stadium on August 1, 2...
Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Giorgio Chiellini’s transfer fee vs Sunderland’s top signings
Sunderland’s most expensive transfer as of 2007 was the signing of former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo from Rangers for around £9m in 2002.
Had Chiellini moved to the Stadium of Light for up to £15m, he would have smashed Flo’s record and then held it for a long time.
Sunderland’s most expensive transfers
Player Transfer Fee From Season
Didier Ndong £16m FC Lorient 2016/17
Asamoah Gyan £13m Stade Rennais 2010/11
Steven Fletcher £12m Wolves 2012/13
Adam Johnson £10m Manchester City 2012/13
Jack Rodwell £10m Manchester City 2014/15
via Transfermarkt
Indeed, Chiellini’s hypothetical record would not have been broken until 2016 when Sunderland bought Gabonese midfielder Didier Ndong for £16m.
And the centre-back would still be in second place, even 17 years later, ahead of Asamoah Gyan (£13m) in third.
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