Diomande is becoming a starplaceholder image
Diomande is becoming a star | Getty Images
One player has been proven right in his decision to reject a move to Chelsea at a young age.
A player Chelsea tried and failed to sign has explained his decision to dodge a move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues have had plenty of success with their strategy of signing young players with big potential in recent times.
Andrey Santos, Estevao Willian and others have all panned out, and there is plenty of hope surrounding some of the other young talents that have been snapped up.
Other clubs now seem to be looking to repeat Chelsea’s model, especially when it comes to South American talents, although the new-found wealth of the Brazilian league might mean the golden window of poaching top talents from the country has already passed.
But like other clubs, Chelsea have had their fair share of transfer misses, be it from decisions they have made or decisions made by players who have chosen other clubs. One player who fits into the latter category is Yan Diomande, who joined Leganes before going on to make a big impression in the Spanish second tier at a young age.
The decision to join a club where he would play regularly, something he couldn’t have done at Chelsea at his age, paid off. Diomande earned a £17million or so move to RB Leipzig last summer, and he is already believed to be worth twice that at the age of 19. Transfermarkt put his value at £39million.
Speaking to RBLive, the winger opened up on his big decision to reject Chelsea following a trial, explaining: “I was scouted at an international tournament. To prepare for a professional career in Europe, I moved to an academy in Florida. Two years later, I had my first trials with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Rangers.”
He added: “It was a difficult time. I felt like for many people, it was all about money. A lot of people told me I absolutely had to play for Chelsea. Then I stopped everything and made a decision for myself. I knew the president of Leganés; he had helped with my move to the USA.
“Suddenly, I was faced with a choice: Leganés or Chelsea? It was risky, but luckily, it was the right decision. I think patience is very important in football. It’s not always just about money. If you play well, it will come naturally. I’m young; I need to play to increase my sporting value, to improve. And I wouldn’t get that on the bench.”
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