Chelsea’s £60M Miss on Declan Rice: A Look Back | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Missed Opportunity with Declan Rice: A £60 Million Bargain

In an eye-opening revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Chelsea’s almost acquisition of Declan Rice, now an Arsenal superstar, for a mere £60 million—nearly half of what he would eventually cost—has been brought to light. This piece, drawing on insights from Jordan Seward’s report in the Express, delves into the intricacies of what has become a tale of regret for the Chelsea board and a testament to Rice’s meteoric rise in English football.

Chelsea’s Hindsight on Rice

Declan Rice’s journey from being released by Chelsea’s academy at 14 to becoming one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe is a narrative of resilience and excellence. His recent move to Arsenal for a club-record £105 million underscores his value, making Chelsea’s near-miss a particularly sore point for the club’s management and fans alike. The revelation by Jody Morris, former assistant to Frank Lampard at Chelsea, on the No Tippy Tappy Podcast, sheds light on a “what could have been” story for the Blues.

The Bargain That Wasn’t

Morris’s account of the events provides a fascinating glimpse into the decision-making processes within top football clubs. Chelsea’s hesitation, juxtaposed with Arsenal’s decisive action, paints a picture of missed opportunities and the fast-paced nature of football transfers. Morris’s efforts to bring Rice back to Chelsea, including direct communication with the player and initiating discussions at the club level, highlight a proactive approach that ultimately fell through due to prioritization of other signings.

Photo: IMAGO

Rice’s Stellar Rise

Since leaving Chelsea’s academy, Rice has gone on to establish himself as one of the premier midfield talents in the Premier League. His time at West Ham was marked by significant personal and team achievements, culminating in captaining the team to UEFA Conference League glory. His seamless transition into the Arsenal squad, where he has started every Premier League match this season, attests to his skill and importance on the field.

A Missed Chelsea Connection

Rice’s admission of his willingness to return to Chelsea, coupled with Lampard’s eventual keenness to sign him, adds a layer of intrigue to the saga. The discussions around a £60 million price tag, now seen as a bargain, reflect the rapidly escalating market values in football. Chelsea’s decision to push Rice’s signing behind other priorities is a decision that, in hindsight, appears to have cost them dearly, both financially and in terms of on-pitch impact.

Reflections and Regrets

The story of Declan Rice is one of redemption, remarkable growth, and the unforgiving nature of football’s transfer market. For Chelsea, it’s a stark reminder of the importance of vision in player development and acquisition strategies. As Rice continues to excel at Arsenal, Chelsea’s board and fans can only wonder what might have been had they secured his signature for what now seems like an absolute steal at £60 million.

Credit to Jordan Seward in the Express for the original article, which has provided a detailed account of this fascinating story in the world of football.