13 November 2023 , 16:18
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Chelsea will still be wondering 'what could have been' following a transfer window that saw the Premier League outfit float the idea of signing both Cristiano Ronaldo and Frenkie de Jong.
The two players were heavily linked with a move to the Blues during the club's first whirlwind transfer window under Todd Boehly. However, both stars turned down deals to seek alternative arrangements in what could have drastically changed the club's fortunes.
Following the £5billion takeover of Chelsea by Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022 - ending Roman Abramovich's 19-year reign in charge - the club were quick to splash the cash on a number of deals. The team took swift action in the transfer market in an attempt to stamp their own mark on the West London side.
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One of the first moves saw the Blues aim to make a real statement signing. They pursued a deal for five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Portugese icon having only just recently re-joined Manchester United.
The deal first came about when Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy with the lack of new signings during the summer transfer window. Hoping to capitalise on his annoyance, Chelsea met with Ronaldo's agent at the time - Jorge Mendes - in an attempt to strike a deal.
Ronaldo only had one more year left on his contract at the time and instead chose to continue working under Erik ten Hag. The decision to stay in Manchester would not prove fruitful, when a series of public spats and a controversial interview with Piers Morgan seeing him join Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr in December.
Ronaldo chose to stay at Manchester United but joined Al-Nassr shortly afterwards (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)In an attempt to move on from the Ronaldo deal, Boehly instead lead the charge to sign Barcelona midfielder De Jong. The deal came amid reports that the midfielder was being forced out of the club due to his high wages and heavy links of a move to Manchester United.
Amid the uncertainty, Boehly called De Jong in an attempt to convince him to move to West London - According to Spanish outlet Relevo, via Metro. The midfielder heard the lengthy pitch but remained unconvinced of a move.
De Jong's decision to stay proved to be wise and saw him lift the La Liga title, the Spanish Cup and the Spanish Super Cup. Under the leadership of club icon Xavi the team are currently back competing at the top of the table following years of uncertainty.
Despite missing out on two superstar signings, Chelsea instead chose to spend over £1billion on other transfer targets instead. The club has seen more than 20 arrivals in recent windows which has bore mixed results.
Moves for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo cost over £100m each and are regular starters for the team, while a £62m move for Mykhailo Mudryk has only resulted in him becoming an expensive substitute.
Chelsea are currently undergoing another difficult season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino but have shown significant progress in recent weeks. The team faces Newcastle United new at St. James' Park on Saturday, November 25 as they attempt to rise from tenth place in the Premier League table.