Looking through the headlines on Monday evening, I couldn’t help but do a double-take. Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg had pulled off an audacious €80m move for FC Porto’s Hulk and Benfica’s Axel Witsel. Now that’s a pretty big statement of intent.
It’s also put a nail in the coffin of one of the summer’s longest running sagas: Chelsea’s pursual of 26-year-old Hulk. It’s claimed he cost Zenit £39.5m, a fee that the Blues could surely have coughed up had they been really interested. (Source: Daily Mail).
There was clearly a conscious decision made by the club’s top brass to stop chasing the talented Brazilian, but was it the right one? Would Hulk have been a smart addition for Chelsea?
There’s a reason why Zenit were so willing to splash the cash. Since his move from Japan to Portugal, he simply hasn’t stopped scoring. Back in 2010/11 he put in 51 appearances and scored 36 goals (assisting 21 times – incredible!). Last season he made 38 appearances and grabbed 21 goals. He’s got a great conversion rate. Along the way, he has won the Primeira Liga title 3 times. He looks like a born winner.
So why weren’t Chelsea interested? He looked to be a tailor made replacement for Didier Drogba. He’s a natural goal-scorer, with incredible strength, power and aerial ability. And yet his physique fails to do justice to his athleticism and his grace in front of goal. In terms of pure finishers, there are few better players than him and he’s set for a big future with Brazil.
Could it be that this Drogba comparison is the reason why Chelsea eventually resisted the move? The Blues already have a blockbuster on the books and they’ve worked hard to get him back to his best. It’s commonly attested that Fernando Torres was unable to play his best football knowing that Drogba was the ‘top dog’ at Chelsea. His exit has freed him up and he’s now starting to look like he’s back to his best.
Perhaps Chelsea want to give Torres a fair run. Perhaps they’ve made the following statement: ‘Torres is our main man, we don’t need anybody else’. Perhaps that’s why Hulk ended up at Zenit, rather than at the Bridge?
And if that’s the reason, then I can’t help but feel that the Chelsea board made the right decision. One of many that they made this summer.
What’s your take? Will Chelsea come to regret not snapping up Hulk?
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Definately,he is not worth £39M,Hazard is better and younger and he doesnt cost that much.
I think Hulk would have been a terrific addition to Chelsea, or almost any other team in the world to be honest. He plays mainly on the right for Porto so he could have played in the same side as Torres no problem. I think Chelsea simply weren’t prepared to pay top dollar for him when they already have plenty of attacking options. A shame, I think with his power and speed he’d have lit up English football.
he is simply too way expensive and doesn’t worth it
sometimes..you have to pay more to make your squad complete so you can compete with top dogs like barca or real..
to me can really benefit torres..
unlike sturridge.. he is unselfish..and strong..
why we did not sign hatem ben arfa..
that guy is so very under rated..
Pls sell oriol romeu nd bring josh mceachran back.