Why Chelsea abandoned their pursuit to sign Erling Haaland

Much is going on in the Chelsea sphere presently. Which is to be expected with the season expiring, a cup final upcoming and new ownership being processed. There is so much to discuss and update you on, probably, that we shouldn’t waste any time by jumping straight in! First of all soon-to-be Blues board member, Daniel Finkelstein, says there will be heavy investment into the club by the victorious bidders. Though spending by new owner Todd Boehly will be conducted wisely. Secondly, the Tory peer believes Boehly shall be a “fantastic” proprietor. Finkelstein, a Pensioners fan himself, professes to being very impressed with the American businessman.

Subsequent to the aforementioned optimistic opinions, the next story is as wonderful as it is monumental. Reece and Lauren James – appearing for Chelsea men’s and women’s teams – could both win the FA Cup this weekend. As youngsters they were very competitive growing up, and came of age supporting Chels’ – now the siblings are stars of the sides. The Emma Hayes-led team meet Manchester City at Wembley, but must wait until Sunday. Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel’s men encounter Liverpool in Saturday’s final. If the Jameses are both successful in their respective competitions, then they will become the maiden brother and sister pairing to lift the trophies.

Why Chelsea abandoned their pursuit to sign Erling Haaland

Premier League followers have also had significant news this week, with superstar striker Erling Haaland agreeing to join Manchester City. Which enables a neat segue into our next section. Haaland would have been a marvel on Fulham Road; he is undoubtedly an upgrade on Romelu Lukaku overall, in my view. I won’t kid you.

Nevertheless, the Belgium international has the capacity through his skill set, along with fine domestic and national coaches, to become a Premier League great. Minor glimpses we’ve seen this season do hold promise for Lukaku. Additionally, it is feasible that Tuchel’s system – intense pressing from forwards – does not suit the 29-year-old and wasted some of his goalscoring energy stock. It appears that the former Inter Milan and Everton hitman will remain a Blue for the start of 2022/23.

But why didn’t CFC seriously attempt to sign Haaland, or even scupper Man City’s easy seeming process? Well, the answer to the second point is simple: sanctions were in place at the time the transfer was finally completed. Not to mention, the ex-RB Salzburg man and his father – also a well-known footballer, Alfie – have a definite affinity with the dad’s former side, the Citizens. Basically a deal was never likely, though we can expect a very similar level of marquee captures to arrive at Stamford Bridge under the fresh chief.

Possibly in ‘leaked’ spin mode, it is now claimed that the West Londoners were unsure over the Norwegian. Apparently Blue scouts doubted his talent and style would suit the English top-flight, especially as there is less space to perform. Umm, OK. I’m gonna go ahead and respectfully disagree with that assertion. Haaland is likely to take the EPL by storm; CFC fans will hope Lukaku is able to keep up.