Coming into the season, Chelsea were the newly crowned Club World Champions and considered by some as Premier League contenders. On the other hand, Manchester United looked lost under Ruben Amorim. The roles were somewhat reversed by the time they met at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
Chelsea have lost their way over the course of the season. Sacking Enzo Maresca is proving to be a mistake. Liam Rosenior seems out of his depth. And another managerial change, and a squad rebuild, might be needed in the summer.
On the other hand, sacking Amorim seems to have done wonders for Manchester United. Michael Carrick has revived them as a team. And while they still have a long way to go before being contenders, they look to be Champions League bound at least.
Manchester United came out on top against Chelsea when the two met at the weekend. But now, it looks like they are facing off in the transfer market as well. Although, once again, Man Utd appear to hold the advantage.
Chelsea and Man Utd frontrunners to sign Premier League midfielder
Even Behdad Egbahli recently admitted that Chelsea needed ‘ready-made’ players. But what fits the definition of that? Is it a 21-year-old midfielder with less than a season’s worth of Premier League experience?
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United and Chelsea are the current frontrunners to sign Noah Sadiki. He has not yet made a decision but will make his own choice depending on the sporting project. In this race, Man Utd have the advantage of being almost guaranteed a Champions League spot next year.
Sadiki has done well since arriving at Sunderland in the summer. He is already a nailed-on starter for them. He is also a full DR Congo international with the capability of playing as a central or a defensive midfielder. That is drawing the interest of top clubs. Will Chelsea make their move?
Chelsea’s needs do not fit Noah Sadiki move
Chelsea have signed enough youngsters over the last few years. They still have quite a few yet to arrive, as deals were pre-agreed. Right now, the call for the hour is experience and proven quality.
Of course, the club’s ability to attract such players this summer is in question. Firstly, because are likely not going to have Champions League football on offer. Secondly, because that will have a financial impact and hurt their budget.
Are established top-level players going to join a club that is not even in the Champions League? Well, Manchester United have struggled to make it consistently for years now and that did not stop the likes of Casemiro and Raphael Varane. It will be about how much ambition BlueCo shows and if they are really willing to change their strategy.
