Richarlison during his time at Watford. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has said that Chelsea tried to hijack Richarlison’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. And they did so by trying to use veteran defender Thiago Silva.
Silva and Richarlison are national team-mates for Brazil and the 37-year-old centre-back wanted to use that to bring the forward to west London.
Chelsea tried to hijack the deal. They tried in a very serious way. Also with, I am told Thiago Silva trying to tempt the player. But Richarlison made his decision, he wanted to join Tottenham. Chelsea made a bid to Everton but the best proposal was from Tottenham.
The Blues also made a bid for the 25-year-old to Everton, but their rivals had a better one agreed in place. Ultimately, the forward joined the north London club for £50 million with another £10 million payable as add-ons.
Chelsea were interested in the Brazilian international as the club looked to sign a forward for the team. Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner were allowed to leave and that left Armando Broja as the only recognised striker at the club.
Kai Havertz has been playing in the middle of the front three for some time now. With Raheem Sterling also joining the Blues, they both have rotated in the strike position. A number nine was needed and the club knew that.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was signed on the deadline day for £10 million plus Marcos Alonso. The striker made his debut for the club in their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
Richarlison impressed against Fulham last time out. But he is yet to become a regular at Spurs. The Brazilian is a proven Premier League player, but some would argue that he is not worth the price tag. Only time will tell if the Blues will regret not signing the 25-year-old.
The Blues, meanwhile, will hope to bounce back from their defeat in the last game. They travel to face newly promoted side Fulham this Saturday. Fans will hope for win number four from their side in the league this season.
With no Thomas Tuchel on the touchline, this is a time of uncertainty for the team. Perhaps signing Richarlison could have given us a focal point in attack and helped the German get some positive results that could have saved this job.
But that will only remain as a “what if”. It’s best to focus now on what the future holds for us.
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