Chelsea missed out on what would have been an incredible signing back in the 2012 summer transfer window.
Having just won the Champions League, Chelsea were in a very strong position in the transfer market.
Their status as European champions helped them win the race for Eden Hazard, for instance. In the end, though, there was one player they could not land.
What do you rate Chelsea’s 2026-2027 home kit 1️⃣-🔟?
We're still undecided on it!
Chelsea's 2026-27 home kit
Credit – Chelsea FC
Jordi Alba could have joined Chelsea in 2012
In a recent interview, Barcelona and Spain legend Jordi Alba admitted that Chelsea were interested in signing him.
However, the former defender opted to join Barcelona, where he won six La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy.
Speaking on Mario Suarez’s YouTube channel, Alba said: “There was Chelsea, but my priority was Barca, I mean, obviously it was Barca, right? Obviously, the club would earn more for Valencia from the Premier League.
“I don’t remember the price, but the Premier League was a bit more than if I went to Barcelona, and well, I chose Barca because I wanted to, I already told my agent.”
Jordi Alba left-back of Barcelona and Spain in action
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Barcelona paid just £11m for Alba, so they ended up getting a real bargain. The retired left-back went on to make over 300 appearances for them.
Chelsea now have their own Spanish left-back in Marc Cucurella, who may actually be a better one-v-one defender than Alba was.
However, the Blues may not have the 27-year-old for much longer as he continues to be linked with a move away from the club.
Chelsea could be in the market for a new left-back this summer
Cucurella could join Alba’s former club Barcelona, whom he also used to play for before moving to Getafe in 2020.
A transfer to the La Liga champions or another outfit would likely see Chelsea dip into the transfer market for a new left-back.
It has already been claimed that Chelsea have identified Andrea Cambiaso as a potential replacement for Cucurella.
The Blues have Jorrel Hato, who could easily slot into the left-back spot if Cucurella departs. Hato was one of Chelsea’s best players in the second half of last season and can play at left-back and in central defence.
For Spanish players like Alba and Cucurella, it is always going to be hard to say no to Barcelona. They probably could not have done much more to lure the former to Stamford Bridge, while it is now going to be difficult to prevent the latter from moving to the Camp Nou or another La Liga ground.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox