Everton reportedly want to bring Chelsea reject Bertrand Traore back to the Premier League – can he follow in Salah and De Bruyne’s footsteps?
With Chelsea finishing 15 points behind Liverpool this season and 16 short of Manchester City, the Stamford Bridge faithful will once again be wondering what might have been if they hadn’t discarded Kevin de Bruyne and Mo Salah without a second thought.
De Bruyne and Salah both made their Premier League debuts in the blue of Chelsea but blossomed into superstars at City and Liverpool.
And that is without mentioning the likes of Declan Rice and Romelu Lukaku, who were also let go before they had a chance of realising their potential.
Now, Everton could follow in the footsteps of City, Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham by leaving the Blues red-faced. According to The Mail, The Toffees are looking to sign Lyon forward Bertrand Traore for £40 million – two years after Chelsea sold him for just £8.8 million (BBC).
The 23-year-old was never really given a chance in West London despite two outstanding loan spells at Vitesse and Ajax, featuring just 16 times for Chelsea.
But, like Salah and De Bruyne before him, Traore has thrived since being sold for a pittance. Transforming into a skilful and powerful left winger who loves to cut inside, the Burkina Faso international is now one of the most feared attackers in French football.
And, if he moves to Everton and continues his rapid rate of progression, Chelsea fans will once again be left with their heads in their hands.
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