Chelsea FC have had their ups and downs in the transfer market over the years so we decided to look into their most “controversial”.
Fernando Torres (2011)
– Chelsea signed the Spanish striker for a club-record fee of £50 million from Liverpool. However, Torres struggled to adapt to his new team, scoring just 20 goals in 110 appearances, leading some to label him as a flop.
“Liverpool fans are feeling absolutely gutted at the loss of Torres, who was seen as the club’s talisman.” – Graeme Souness, former Liverpool player and manager
“To leave Liverpool for Chelsea is an insult to the fans, the club, and the city of Liverpool.” – Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender
“Torres has gone from being an icon at Liverpool to being Public Enemy No. 1 in the space of a few hours.” – Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo journalist
“I think Fernando Torres has made a big mistake. He was a hero at Liverpool, but now he’s going to a team that are not as good as Liverpool.” – Kenny Dalglish, former Liverpool player and manager
“The move is a statement of intent from Chelsea, but it’s also a gamble. Torres has struggled for form and fitness in recent years, and the pressure will be on him to deliver at Stamford Bridge.” – Gary Lineker, former England striker and pundit.
Ashley Cole (2006)
– Chelsea signed the left-back from Arsenal in a controversial transfer that saw Chelsea fined for “tapping up” the player. Cole was accused of meeting Chelsea officials without Arsenal’s permission, and the two clubs engaged in a bitter dispute.
“Ashley Cole’s move from Arsenal to Chelsea is a sad indictment of the modern game.” – Graham Taylor, former England manager
“The transfer is a huge blow for Arsenal, who have lost one of their best players to a direct rival.” – Thierry Henry, former Arsenal striker
“Ashley Cole’s transfer to Chelsea is not about money, it’s about ambition.” – Jose Mourinho, former Chelsea manager
“Cole’s move to Chelsea was inevitable. He had burned his bridges at Arsenal, and Chelsea were the only club who could match his ambition and his wage demands.” – Martin Keown, former Arsenal defender
“The transfer shows that Chelsea have the financial muscle to sign any player they want, even from a rival club.” – Alan Hansen, former Liverpool defender and pundit.
Michael Ballack (2006)
– The German midfielder joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. However, the transfer was controversial due to the way Ballack announced his departure from Bayern, which angered many fans of the German club.
“We are disappointed and feel let down by Michael Ballack, who has decided to leave Bayern Munich without any explanation.” – Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern Munich CEO
“Ballack’s decision to join Chelsea is a slap in the face for Bayern Munich, who gave him the opportunity to become a world-class player.” – Franz Beckenbauer, Bayern Munich legend
“We did everything we could to keep Ballack at Bayern Munich, but he has chosen to leave. We wish him well, but we will not forget his lack of loyalty.” – Uli Hoeness, former Bayern Munich president
“The way Ballack has left Bayern Munich is disgraceful. He has shown no respect for the club or the fans who supported him.” – Oliver Kahn, former Bayern Munich goalkeeper
“Ballack’s move to Chelsea is a sad reflection of the current state of football, where players have no loyalty to their clubs or their fans.” – Lothar Matthaus, former Bayern Munich midfielder.
Didier Drogba (2004)
– Chelsea signed the Ivorian striker from Marseille for a fee of £24 million. While the transfer was controversial at the time due to the high fee, Drogba would go on to become one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players, winning numerous trophies and scoring over 100 goals.
“Chelsea have paid a massive fee for Drogba, but he’s worth every penny. He’s a top-class striker who will score goals and create chances for his teammates.” – Ruud Gullit, former Chelsea manager
“The fee for Drogba is ridiculous. He’s a good player, but he’s not worth £24 million.” – Alan Hansen, former Liverpool defender and pundit
“Drogba’s transfer to Chelsea is a sign of the changing times in football. Clubs are willing to pay huge fees for top players, and Marseille couldn’t turn down the offer.” – Didier Deschamps, former Marseille manager
“Drogba’s transfer to Chelsea is a statement of intent from Roman Abramovich. He’s showing that he’s willing to spend big money to make Chelsea a top team.” – Marcel Desailly, former Chelsea defender
“The fee for Drogba is a reflection of his potential. He’s a powerful striker with great technical ability, and he could become one of the best players in the world.” – Jose Mourinho, former Chelsea manager.
Claude Makelele (2003)
– The French midfielder joined Chelsea from Real Madrid for a fee of £16.8 million. While Makelele would go on to become a fan favorite at Chelsea, the transfer was initially controversial due to the high fee and the fact that Makelele was a relatively unknown player at the time.
“The fee for Makelele is high, but it’s a reflection of his value to the team. He’s a crucial player for Real Madrid, and they will miss him.” – Vicente del Bosque, former Real Madrid manager
“The transfer fee for Makelele is ridiculous. He’s a great player, but he’s not worth that much money.” – Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager
“Makelele’s transfer to Chelsea is a smart move. He’s a world-class player who will add quality to their midfield.” – Zinedine Zidane, former Real Madrid and France midfielder
“The fee for Makelele is high, but it’s a sign of Chelsea’s ambition. They are willing to spend big money to sign top players.” – Gianfranco Zola, former Chelsea player
“The transfer fee for Makelele is not just about his ability on the field, it’s about his importance to the team. He’s a player who makes those around him better, and that’s why he’s worth the money.” – Jose Mourinho, former Chelsea manager.
Are there others you can think of? Apart from Cole’s controversial move most appear to be mainly about the sums of money paid at the time.