This transfer window has witnessed a lot of twists and turns; clubs jostling to sign players, rival clubs doing counterbiddings, players hopping on juicy offers or abandoning signings halfway, agents getting very busy and interestingly, Cristiano Ronaldo almost advertising himself as a free agent.
Noticeably, the duo of Chelsea and Barcelona have been slugging it out since this transfer window started. It all happened with the transfer tussle for Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele and the Leeds United superstar, Raphina.
Chelsea had contacted Dembele in January and felt so confident getting his signature on the contract papers. However, the deal was delayed and it eventually failed to come through. Apparently, Barcelona aren’t willing to release the explosive winger as they have eventually succeeded in getting him to sign a new contract.
The fierce tug of war continued on who gets a yes from Raphael Dias Belloli, better known as ‘Raphinha’. It was learnt that Chelsea had reached an agreement with the player’s club, Leeds United but on getting to know that Barca was also interested in him, the winger kept Chelsea in limbo as he waited for the Spanish giants to bid for him, a deal which he finally signed. Chelsea lost out again!
And now, it’s Chelsea and Barcelona again in a hot pursuit for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, definitely, another ‘Raphina’ story. Chelsea revisited the Kounde deal after the pact with Manchester city for former team player Nathan Aké met with a brick wall.
As at the time of writing, Barcelona has not submitted an official bid for the defender but there are rumours that he might be keen on playing for Xavi, hence, just like Raphina, he might keep Chelsea on hold while anticipating Barca’s bid. And should Barca make an official bid, another loss stares Chelsea full in the face.
Although the London blues have successfully sealed the deal of Manchester City’s winger, Raheem Sterling and that of Kalidou Koulibaly already in the final stages, the Catalan giants have had the better of the blue army this transfer window. This has actually raised a number of questions about the true state of Barcelona’s treasury. Infact, with the recent signing of Robert Lewandowski, they have come under serious scrutiny and spotlight.
The football world stands in awe of the stunts being pulled by Barcelona football club, who at the point of Messi’s exit, drew sympathy owing to their perceived insolvent state. However, sympathy has now turned into a seemingly dreadful admiration. Xavi, who has enjoyed the interests of key players this summer, must be a very happy man right now and Tuchel’s Chelsea is undoubtedly the largest shareholder of this rude shock!
