Much has been made about just how out of touch Chelsea’s owners are with football as a whole. Perhaps a move to sign Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool last summer proves just that.
Protests were staged earlier this month by both Chelsea and Strasbourg supporters over BlueCo’s ownership of both clubs. Chelsea fans are fed up with Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s ownership.
The five-year plan has not worked, and this season’s failures are a result of that. Thinking of the future, but constantly changing managers, failing to bring in any experienced players, and the blatant hypocrisy.
One of many problems on the pitch at the moment 🤦♂️
Chelsea's Wesley Fofana
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Simple things like giving Liam Rosenior a vote of confidence and sacking him three days later. Todd Boehly recently said he only signed Marc Cucurella because Man City wanted him; that says it all, really.
Chelsea tried to sign Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool last summer
If Chelsea fans needed reminding that their owners do not have a grasp on football, then it has been proven further by reports that the Blues attempted to sign Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool last summer.
Van Dijk was in the final few months of his contract, and Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has told The Transfer Talk podcast that Chelsea attempted to convince the Dutchman of a move to West London.
“To be fair to them, they have tried to sign older, more experienced players before. For instance, they were exploring the possibility of signing Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool before he signed his new contract.
Liverpool v Barnsley - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
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“I think Mo Salah was a possibility as well before he signed his new Liverpool contract. So they haven’t just been focusing on signing 20-year-old players,” Solhekol said, who is often an advocate for Chelsea.
It shows just how out of touch Chelsea’s owners are. Even if van Dijk didn’t sign a new contract with the Reds, there is absolutely zero chance that the Dutch skipper would even entertain a move to Chelsea.
Indeed, it is very unlikely that van Dijk ever plays for another Premier League club, such is his relationship with Liverpool. It is another clue that proves BlueCo’s lack of footballing expertise and knowledge.
Chelsea need a Virgil van Dijk-like option at centre-back
Of course, in terms of what van Dijk offers both on and off the pitch, he is exactly what Chelsea need. While there was always zero chance of getting the Liverpool captain, that type of player is needed.
On a free transfer, he has to be considered!
John Stones graphic
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Charlie Austin recently said that Chelsea’s perfect summer signing would be Antonio Rudiger. The Real Madrid star is out of contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, and was a key part of Chelsea’s recent success.
Chelsea need an experienced leader in the middle of the defence. One that can come in and immediately wear the captain’s armband, one that can finally organise a defence lacking leadership and know-how.
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