Going into the summer transfer window, there has already been a lot of talk about Chelsea needing to bring in proven quality and experience. Hopefully, that is what we will see as Xabi Alonso is expected to have more of a say on matters than his predecessors. But you never know how things will play out when it comes to BlueCo.
Just recently, the club had a €25 million bid accepted for Zadok Yohanna. Now, I am not questioning his talent or potential. But the 18-year-old Nigerian winger does not fit the ‘experienced and proven’ criteria.
One player who does do that is Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese international is available as a free agent, having left Manchester City at the end of the season. Chelsea have been tipped to sign him by many pundits.
Is the Man City legend even on Chelsea’s radar? I am not sure. But FC Barcelona seem to be taking the most concrete steps towards a possible signing. According to Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga champions have sent their official bid to Silva, who keeps his future open.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Barcelona transfer bid
Clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid have signed numerous quality players as free agents in recent years. That has meant that they have not had to pay large transfer fees, which also keeping the squad competitive.
Perhaps this is an aspect of the game that Chelsea should have tried to master as well. But they have shown no such signs, continuing to try and sign wonderkids for high transfer fees, with most of them failing to meet even minimum expectations. When was the last time you heard of Deivid Washington or David Datro Fofana?
The only free agent signing I can remember Chelsea making in recent times is Tosin Adarabioyo. He has been a squad player at best.
This summer, they already passed on the chance to bring in Ibrahima Konate. Now, it looks like Silva could be headed in the same direction.
Why Bernardo Silva would be a great signing for Chelsea
Considering Silva was allowed to leave as a free agent by Man City, is it easy to think that he is in the twilight of his career. In reality, he is still just 31 years old.
Even more importantly, he is still a quality player. He was starting regularly for Manchester City even last season.
Of course, it is very possible that he might not want to play for another English club, to preserve his Manchester City legacy. If that is so, Chelsea would not have any chance of getting a deal done.
But at the very least, they should try their best to go out and sign a proven winner when their squad needs that profile badly. But are they doing it?
