Chelsea’s list of ‘could have beens’ grows longer by the day, with one of Spurs’ most in-form players revealing interest from Stamford Bridge back in the day.
With how much business the Blues tend to do in the market, it’s no surprise that a host of top players slipped through their fingers.
Chelsea almost signed Ousmane Dembele in 2022. He’s now the current Ballon d’Or holder.
Another recipient of the award, Luka Modric, almost joined Chelsea twice.
That was one of Spurs’ rare transfer wins over their London rivals — another is Xavi Simons. And it is the Dutchman who has recently shared his Chelsea story.
Chelsea pulled out of a move for Ousmane Dembele back in 2022 😬
Can you think of a greater transfer fumble?
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele holding Ballon d'Or
Photo by Kristy Sparow – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Xavi Simons discusses Chelsea interest when he was at Barcelona
With how long Simons’ name has been out there, you would think he’s older than just 22.
Spurs beat Chelsea to Simons’ signature over the summer, and while he had a rough start, recent performances have been much improved.
But long before the battle with Spurs, when Simons was a youngster at Barcelona, the Blues were eager to secure his services.
Appearing on The Wayne Rooney Show, he was asked about the interest he was receiving at just 12 years old, seen as the next superstar talent to come out of La Masia.
Eight-year-old Barcelona youth player Xavi Simons strikes the ball
Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images
He revealed: “Yeah, I remember like they [Chelsea] had interest and other clubs as well but I remember my dream was always Barcelona and that was my plan at that time.
“Obviously this it’s nice that clubs call you and try to show interest but I think at that time I didn’t need to move on.”
So Chelsea missed out on Simons twice. All season, fans of the Blues were rejoicing at the outcome, seeing him struggle to adapt to the Premier League.
That adaptation looks to be happening now, though, and maybe the prevailing feeling has changed.
Xavi Simons is finding his feet at Spurs…
Any regrets, Chelsea fans? 👇️
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Chelsea can be happy with their options in Simons’ position
One thing many fans noticed about Simons’ struggles was that he isn’t the wide player Thomas Frank was trying to use him as.
He’s far more effective centrally.
Chelsea already have Cole Palmer and Estevao as the planned 10s for the future. Joao Pedro is also floating around as an option.
Simons could have been a Blue on two separate occasions, but no one should lose sleep over it considering the options Enzo Maresca has available in his place.
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