Chelsea’s attempt to lure Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to Stamford Bridge is one of the famous transfer sagas in recent memory.
Back in the summer of 2005, Jose Mourinho was looking to build from a position of strength at Chelsea, having won the Premier League on his first attempt.
Reports of interest in Gerrard were a clear indication of the Portuguese manager’s ambitions, looking to bring one of the best midfielders in world football into the fold.
It wasn’t without cause, either. Gerrard had become disillusioned at Liverpool with the team stagnating during the seasons prior. Now, he has given us more insight into the events that unfolded.
Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and Frank Lampard of Chelsea during a game
Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Steven Gerrard admits he was tempted by Chelsea
It was pandemonium on Merseyside when news broke of Gerrard’s transfer request — just weeks after Liverpool won the Champions League.
The boyhood Liverpool fan was seen as a deity at Anfield, but he wasn’t happy with Liverpool’s lack of effort in extending his contract. It didn’t materialise into a move, but it was much closer to happening than many believed at the time.
Gerrard recently sat down with Ally McCoist for TNT Sports and shared how Mourinho tried to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
He said: “I ended up signing the new deal with Liverpool and was extremely happy. Everything was fine with Rafa from there onwards and we went on from there. But of course, I was guilty of doing a bit of flirting.
“Mourinho comes on the phone, arguably the best manager in the world at the time, or the hottest manager at the time. And when he speaks to you, you know, I mean, his convincing skills and his people skills over the phone and face to face from a manager’s perspective is high level.”
Gerrard is renowned as one of the iconic one-club men, but he was tempted by the Blues.
He continues: “Chelsea came and were much stronger than the team I was playing in. So it was tempting, of course it was. It was tempting and you know, financially, they’re offering you double the money.”
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Enzo Maresca of Chelsea celebrates
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Chelsea would be in for Gerrard if he was playing now
Chelsea were in a much stronger position than Liverpool at the time of the Gerrard links, but they wanted to make an already-imperious midfield even better.
It’s not too dissimilar to today’s Chelsea, who are exploring additions in the engine room, despite having one of the strongest midfield units in the league.
Kobbie Mainoo has been linked to Chelsea for a January move, with both the player and the interested party open to it.
Chelsea also love Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson — two of the most coveted midfielders in Europe.
Romeo Lavia’s injury record could force Chelsea to sign a new midfielder in 2026. Who would you buy if Kobbie Mainoo isn’t available?
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been mentioned 👀
Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia preparing a pass and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo jogging
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If the Gerrard situation was unfolding this season, you can be sure that the Blues would be looking seriously at bringing him in.
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