Joe Cole believes Chelsea missed an opportunity not trying to sign Virgil van Dijk before he extended his contract with Liverpool.
The Blues have a very young squad and despite heavily investing again over the summer, there’s still a lack of proven quality.
Chelsea made an enquiry for Antoine Semenyo, but the Ghana winger opted to join Manchester City, with the Blues expected to be quiet this month.
Joe Cole claims Chelsea should have gone for Virgil van Dijk
Chelsea have plenty of talent in their squad, but they really lack consistency, with both fans and the media in agreement they need more proven quality.
Cole has previously stated the very best players don’t want to join Chelsea because the club are still undergoing a rebuild.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 06, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Cole claims Chelsea should have tried to sign Van Dijk when his contract was expiring. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Chelsea are still crying out for leaders and quality at centre back, and Cole feels they missed a trick not trying to sign Van Dijk before he extended his contract with Liverpool.
“I would have gone down the road of going really big for Virgil van Dijk when he was coming to the end of his contract at Liverpool last summer,” he told Paddy Power as quoted on X.com.
“You need seasoned winners in the side.
“I’d be looking at the PSG squad, which I think is bloated. Players who understand winning and know how and what it means to win.
“I don’t think Arsenal are going to be able to keep up with all their players, certain players there will be available at the end of the season.”
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Whilst Chelsea are expected to quiet in January, they will almost certainly make additions to the squad in the summer.
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Joe Cole doing punditry.
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The Blues already have Geovany Quenda and Emmanuel Emegha arriving, whilst they are looking to add another attacker on top of those arrivals.
However, the priority is believed to be a midfielder to take some of the burden off Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, and the Blues have been linked with both Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.