Chelsea have been linked to Richarlison in the summer of 2017, winter of 2018 and now again. Their interest is looking more and more legitimate.
Richarlison’s transfer to Watford failed to stop the rumors for long. Links to Chelsea have been long standing and continue to grow. At some point it might be time to admit that all this smoke has a fire.
Richarlison himself has not done anything to quiet the links. In a recent interview with Simon Johnson of The Evening Standard, the Watford player the generic “in the future you never know” quote that footballers love to say without actually saying anything one way or the other.
To further add to the rumor mill, he is friends with David Luiz and Willian. The two Chelsea players helped the young Brazilian adjust to life in England.
Chelsea has a history of signing Brazilians, so their current Brazilians could be putting a bug in Richarlison’s ear. Even if they are not, the mere connection of the players amidst the rumors is enough to start rumors.
But this is also not the first time Richarlison has been linked to Chelsea. It is not even the first time this calendar year. The first links started in the summer of 2017 and ended only when Watford signed him.
Add in an angry emoji following Marco Silva’s sacking and there is enough to suggest three things. First, he is willing to move after the club sacked Silva. Second, he would prefer a move to west London. Finally, Chelsea are still interested.
Richarlison would be an interesting purchase. Back when Watford and Silva were happy and firing on all cylinders, Richarlison was setting the league alight. But he cooled just as the team did after Silva’s flirtations with Everton.
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In the right environment, the skill is there. Currently, he is young and raw. He is by no means the finished product. In that sense, he is similar to Kenedy. Both have immense amounts of talent. Both need polish.
If Chelsea were to finalize their interest in Richarlison, he would likely be depth at best. He could find a spot with Willian and Pedro aging. But there are also several other players capable. Kenedy, Charly Musonda, Jeremie Boga, Callum Hudson-Odoi and others offer a similar skill set.
His Premier League experience is likely the biggest boost he has over his possible competition at Stamford Bridge. But as far as signings go, he would be low priority. He screams depth to a squad like Chelsea. The squad needs upgrades, not more depth.
But if all are willing, the transfer seems sure to happen. At best, he fulfills his potential and becomes a key part of Chelsea. At worst, the Blues loan him out and sell him for a profit in a few years.
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He matches the profile Chelsea has filled the loan army with. It can occasionally provide gems. If Richarlison wants Chelsea, he will have to show he can shine.