Pundit says Chelsea should have signed Eric Bailly before Manchester United.
QPR’s Tommy Smith in action against Chelsea’s David Luiz (C) and Petr Cech
Former Premier League ace and pundit Stan Collymore has criticised Chelsea’s deal to re-sign David Luiz, speaking to The Mirror.
Chelsea bought the Brazilian back from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day in a shock move – just two years after selling him to the Ligue 1 club.
Football Soccer – Paris Saint Germain v FC Metz – French Ligue 1 – Parc des Princes stadium in Paris
Collymore said he would have liked to see the Blues sign talented defender Eric Bailly instead, arguing that the physically imposing defender who signed for Manchester United would have been a perfect fit.
He said: “I can’t help but think there were much better options on the market this summer who would have represented far better value for money.
“Namely Eric Bailly, a young man who is already a very good defender but in time will be an exceptional one.
“He has the raw materials and the chance to spend a year, maybe two, training and playing alongside Terry would have benefited him and Chelsea greatly.”
Manchester United’s Eric Bailly in action with Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy
Bailly has looked impressive for Manchester United, that cannot be argued, with the Ivorian quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Yet part of the point Collymore makes about United acting early to sign Bailly, explains why Chelsea could not.
United snapped up Bailly before Euro 2016 even began, when Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was managing Italy and had not even met most of his squad.
Mourinho, out of work since his Chelsea sacking in December, had months to plan his moves, a luxury Conte did not.
That is not an excuse for the Italian if you do not feel Luiz is the right move, but it is simply a case of fact when it comes to discussing why they did not, or could not, move for Bailly.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho celebrates after the match
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