Sneaky Chelsea!

Sivahari · 12th May 2008, 10:59

Every close season Chelsea seems to sign United's transfer target underneath their skin. To name a few:
Jon Obi Mikel
Arjen Robben
Damien Duff
Ballack
Bosingwa (NOW)

Seems like they are a littel bit clueless when it comes to signing players. It looks like they wait to sea who United's potential targets are and then pay an insane amount which United do not rate the player at to bring them to Stamford Bridge.

032Devil · 12th May 2008, 11:01

They sign players that suit United's style and not theirs.

Hence, they move on a few season's later.

MikeUpNorth · 12th May 2008, 11:04

Essien

sonymobby · 12th May 2008, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeUpNorth

Essien

Yep, he forgot the best one...

Drifter · 12th May 2008, 11:18

They basically want to be United on and off the Pitch.

Ekeke · 12th May 2008, 11:30

In hindsight, I dont miss any of those players.

Robben was the one who looked amazing for a season, but its not going amazingly for him now.

Oh except Essien.

Fergie's gum · 12th May 2008, 12:26

Wannabe United
You're just a wannabe United
Wannabe United
You're just a wannabe United

Sarni · 12th May 2008, 12:49

Mourinho was first to discover Obi Mikel as far as I remember, at least he was interested in him before United came bidding. Ballack was a no-brainer, half of the world wanted him, not only us but Real Madrid and Milan as well. As for Duff, I don't think we ever wanted him, we would have made a move.

Robben and Essien were both our targets, although I'd say we were serious about the first one only. Essien, I think, was not a prime target hence we never made a bid for him.

As for Bosingwa, they haven't signed him yet.

MrMarcello · 12th May 2008, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarni

As for Duff, I don't think we ever wanted him, we would have made a move.

Think SAF mentioned him after the 2002 World Cup but the Rio transfer saga took quite a bit from the coffers. The board wasn't willing to give SAF another 15-20m to sign a player that would sit behind Beckham and Giggs after having spent some 80m net in the previous 12 months. And then in 2003 Chelsea offered 17m to trigger the buyout clause. By that time SAF had already identified other options like Ronaldhino and Ronaldo (ended up signing Ronaldo that summer, one year ahead of time).

olesmyhero · 12th May 2008, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMarcello

Think SAF mentioned him after the 2002 World Cup but the Rio transfer saga took quite a bit from the coffers. The board wasn't willing to give SAF another 15-20m to sign a player that would sit behind Beckham and Giggs after having spent some 80m net in the previous 12 months. And then in 2003 Chelsea offered 17m to trigger the buyout clause. By that time SAF had already identified other options like Ronaldhino and Ronaldo (ended up signing Ronaldo that summer, one year ahead of time).

That worked out well for us. Glad the owners got a bit stingy with the money that summer.

The Wizard · 12th May 2008, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarni

Mourinho was first to discover Obi Mikel as far as I remember, at least he was interested in him before United came bidding.

This is not true. He and onother youth player from Nigeria both were on trial with United, 2 years before Mourinho was at Chelsea. We had some permit problems with them I think, so were couldn't sign them, but were tracking them.

Anyway, Kenyon left for Chelsea, and next thing we know all out targets are ending up at Chelsea... including Obi Mikel.

Sarni · 12th May 2008, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMarcello

Think SAF mentioned him after the 2002 World Cup but the Rio transfer saga took quite a bit from the coffers. The board wasn't willing to give SAF another 15-20m to sign a player that would sit behind Beckham and Giggs after having spent some 80m net in the previous 12 months. And then in 2003 Chelsea offered 17m to trigger the buyout clause. By that time SAF had already identified other options like Ronaldhino and Ronaldo (ended up signing Ronaldo that summer, one year ahead of time).

So we basically didn't want Duff at the time of a signing. We can hardly bear any grudges towards Chelsea regarding that transfer, as we weren't the ones following Duff that Summer.

Quote:

This is not true. He and onother youth player from Nigeria both were on trial with United, 2 years before Mourinho was at Chelsea. We had some permit problems with them I think, so were couldn't sign them, but were tracking them.

Anyway, Kenyon left for Chelsea, and next thing we know all out targets are ending up at Chelsea... including Obi Mikel.

Thing is, we never offered him a deal then. We waited for Lyn to sign him and then made a move, when Mourihno had already known of him (he was on trial at Chelsea as well) and had spoken highly of him.

Essien and Robben - these are the two players they took from under our noses, but Essien wasn't even our target at the time of Kenyon's departure. Robben was a deal screwed up on our side, we bid 10 million and then lowered it by 5 million for no reason - PSV got angry and agreed terms with Chelsea. Barcelona and Inter were interested at the same time, unsurprisingly, as Robben was one of the brightest prospects of European football.

antihenry · 12th May 2008, 14:50

Yes, there is in fact an exclusive club called "Manchester United Transfer Targets" and Chelsea doesn't scout any players, they just wait for some tabloid to link another name to MU and then they think: "He must be great" so they go and buy the player, someone they don't really need and the only purpose of such despicable behavior is to prevent other clubs to strengthen their squads.

It's all true.

Sarni · 12th May 2008, 14:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by olesmyhero

That worked out well for us. Glad the owners got a bit stingy with the money that summer.

Feck knows, Duff might have turned differiently under Ferguson's command.

Solius · 12th May 2008, 14:51

Im glad we didn't sign half of those, I'm starting to think we should just link ourselves with average players so that Chelsea sign them.

AttackingFlair · 12th May 2008, 14:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekeke

In hindsight, I dont miss any of those players.

Robben was the one who looked amazing for a season, but its not going amazingly for him now.

Oh except Essien.

He isn't doing that bad at Madrid when he's not injured anyway.

Anyway, here's hoping they bid for Palacios and Valencia

Cold_Boy · 12th May 2008, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by antihenry

Yes, there is in fact an exclusive club called "Manchester United Transfer Targets" and Chelsea doesn't scout any players, they just wait for some tabloid to link another name to MU and then they think: "He must be great" so they go and buy the player, someone they don't really need and the only purpose of such despicable behavior is to prevent other clubs to strengthen their squads.

It's all true.

Its the cafe.

devilish · 12th May 2008, 14:59

Cold_Boy · 12th May 2008, 14:59

Players are generally linked up with most of the top clubs.

Why would Chelsea just go out and buy any player that has been likned with us?I mean that makes no sense and is completely stupid and unprofessional.

I mean Chelsea would rather hire world class scouts and sign players that would actually fit in their team rather than signing someone who has been linked with United just for the sake of it.

Scholesy_LEGEND · 12th May 2008, 15:01

you surprised?

gaffs · 12th May 2008, 15:26

Is it any surprise that the top team's in England, and argubly Europe, are looking at the same players?

dileno · 12th May 2008, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solius

Im glad we didn't sign half of those, I'm starting to think we should just link ourselves with average players so that Chelsea sign them.

We don't need to! Need I say more than Sidwell, Ben-Hayim and Pizarro?

Sarni · 12th May 2008, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold_Boy

Players are generally linked up with most of the top clubs.

Why would Chelsea just go out and buy any player that has been likned with us?I mean that makes no sense and is completely stupid and unprofessional.

I mean Chelsea would rather hire world class scouts and sign players that would actually fit in their team rather than signing someone who has been linked with United just for the sake of it.

Point is, players who have ability keep being linked to big clubs - it's inevitable. But people still think that Chelsea aim to sign every single player that is being chased by United. If they put themselves in position of Real Madrid or Inter Milan, they would soon learn that they also get players snapped by Chelsea in the end. That's because top clubs are interested in top players, and Chelsea are a top club at the moment when it comes to making signings.

History may not be on their side, but they are for sure in the market for top players with their budget.

choiboyx012 · 12th May 2008, 16:30

soccernet.com

chelsea closing in on bosingwa

dammit, who we gonna get?

Devil_forever · 12th May 2008, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarni

So we basically didn't want Duff at the time of a signing. We can hardly bear any grudges towards Chelsea regarding that transfer, as we weren't the ones following Duff that Summer.

Thing is, we never offered him a deal then. We waited for Lyn to sign him and then made a move, when Mourihno had already known of him (he was on trial at Chelsea as well) and had spoken highly of him.

Essien and Robben - these are the two players they took from under our noses, but Essien wasn't even our target at the time of Kenyon's departure. Robben was a deal screwed up on our side, we bid 10 million and then lowered it by 5 million for no reason - PSV got angry and agreed terms with Chelsea. Barcelona and Inter were interested at the same time, unsurprisingly, as Robben was one of the brightest prospects of European football.

It was because we found out that PSV were having financial trouble so tried to be really cheap (retarded decision) even though we were usually more than happy to pay above the asking price. If we had got him who knows how that would have effected chelsea's form and ours and he may not have got those injuries either. An amazing talent and SAF would have sorted out his attitude quickly and we'd have had a perfect replacement for giggs. No need for Nani at £14mill. Him and Essien are the biggest regrets I think we have.

Devil_forever · 12th May 2008, 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by choiboyx012

soccernet.com

chelsea closing in on bosingwa

dammit, who we gonna get?

Lahm or Richards perhaps

JazzG · 12th May 2008, 16:40

I used to think like this but you have to be more realistic as well. All the top players will have top scouts and will all be looking at similar players.

The year before Essien went to Chelsea we had put an offer on him, we put an offer for him because he is a top player and obviously Chelsea feel the same hence them signing him, it doesn't mean they only signed because we wanted him or Man utd want him. Just because you get linked in the press more earlier doesn't mean a club is stealing your targets, you think Chelsea's scouting system is just a bunch of gimps who sit around looking on the internet and reading newspapers and base their

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarni

Mourinho was first to discover Obi Mikel as far as I remember, at least he was interested in him before United came bidding. Ballack was a no-brainer, half of the world wanted him, not only us but Real Madrid and Milan as well. As for Duff, I don't think we ever wanted him, we would have made a move.

Robben and Essien were both our targets, although I'd say we were serious about the first one only. Essien, I think, was not a prime target hence we never made a bid for him.

As for Bosingwa, they haven't signed him yet.

The season Mourinho was at Porto he faced Lyon and he is known to do his homework on his opposition so he knew all about Essien before he even joined Chelsea so when he joined them he probably told them he wanted that player so it doesn't mean, like some seem to think, just because Man utd were in form him that is why Chelsea wanted him.

snootyjim · 12th May 2008, 16:52

If they've just spent £16m on Bosingwa, I'm hearing that it's a total waste of cash.

In which case, job well done by United.

Cold_Boy · 12th May 2008, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarni

Point is, players who have ability keep being linked to big clubs - it's inevitable. But people still think that Chelsea aim to sign every single player that is being chased by United. If they put themselves in position of Real Madrid or Inter Milan, they would soon learn that they also get players snapped by Chelsea in the end. That's because top clubs are interested in top players, and Chelsea are a top club at the moment when it comes to making signings.

History may not be on their side, but they are for sure in the market for top players with their budget.

Agreed.

That's what I said too.

Don16 · 12th May 2008, 17:10

Just because we were linked with them in the paper doesn't mean they have to sign for us.

12th May 2008, 10:59	#1 (permalink)
Sivahari Youth Team Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Malaysia Posts: 241	Sneaky Chelsea! Every close season Chelsea seems to sign United's transfer target underneath their skin. To name a few: Jon Obi Mikel Arjen Robben Damien Duff Ballack Bosingwa (NOW) Seems like they are a littel bit clueless when it comes to signing players. It looks like they wait to sea who United's potential targets are and then pay an insane amount which United do not rate the player at to bring them to Stamford Bridge.

12th May 2008, 11:01	#2 (permalink)
032Devil First Team Regular Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 12,620	They sign players that suit United's style and not theirs. Hence, they move on a few season's later.

12th May 2008, 11:04	#3 (permalink)
MikeUpNorth Wobbles like a massive pair of tits Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,760	Essien

12th May 2008, 11:18	#5 (permalink)
Drifter First Team Regular Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 16,004	They basically want to be United on and off the Pitch.

12th May 2008, 11:30	#6 (permalink)
Ekeke McFuckwit Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 4,981	In hindsight, I dont miss any of those players. Robben was the one who looked amazing for a season, but its not going amazingly for him now. Oh except Essien.

12th May 2008, 12:26	#7 (permalink)
Fergie's gum Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The big donut party that is the Main Forum. Posts: 819	Wannabe United You're just a wannabe United Wannabe United You're just a wannabe United

12th May 2008, 12:49	#8 (permalink)
Sarni nice guy, unassuming, objective United fan. Thinks hes intelligent though. Nutter Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Krasnik, Poland Posts: 10,062	Mourinho was first to discover Obi Mikel as far as I remember, at least he was interested in him before United came bidding. Ballack was a no-brainer, half of the world wanted him, not only us but Real Madrid and Milan as well. As for Duff, I don't think we ever wanted him, we would have made a move. Robben and Essien were both our targets, although I'd say we were serious about the first one only. Essien, I think, was not a prime target hence we never made a bid for him. As for Bosingwa, they haven't signed him yet.

12th May 2008, 14:50	#13 (permalink)
antihenry Reserve Team Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Blue Heaven Posts: 1,857	Yes, there is in fact an exclusive club called "Manchester United Transfer Targets" and Chelsea doesn't scout any players, they just wait for some tabloid to link another name to MU and then they think: "He must be great" so they go and buy the player, someone they don't really need and the only purpose of such despicable behavior is to prevent other clubs to strengthen their squads. It's all true.

12th May 2008, 14:51	#15 (permalink)
Solius Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Playing Connect 4 with Tevez and Anderson. Posts: 4,732	Im glad we didn't sign half of those, I'm starting to think we should just link ourselves with average players so that Chelsea sign them.

12th May 2008, 14:59	#18 (permalink)
devilish Nationality: Italian-English, Maltese Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cnut's home Posts: 17,350

12th May 2008, 14:59	#19 (permalink)
Cold_Boy Amit Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: somewhere i hate to live Posts: 9,379	Players are generally linked up with most of the top clubs. Why would Chelsea just go out and buy any player that has been likned with us?I mean that makes no sense and is completely stupid and unprofessional. I mean Chelsea would rather hire world class scouts and sign players that would actually fit in their team rather than signing someone who has been linked with United just for the sake of it.

12th May 2008, 15:01	#20 (permalink)
Scholesy_LEGEND Incorrigible pest Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: U.N.I.T.E.D, United are the team for me, with a nick-nack-paddy-whack, give the dog a bone, why don't Shitty fook off home! Posts: 2,176	you surprised?

12th May 2008, 15:26	#21 (permalink)
gaffs Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 2,193	Is it any surprise that the top team's in England, and argubly Europe, are looking at the same players?

12th May 2008, 16:30	#24 (permalink)
choiboyx012 Carrick>Hargreaves Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 2,380	soccernet.com chelsea closing in on bosingwa dammit, who we gonna get?

12th May 2008, 16:52	#28 (permalink)
snootyjim In most joy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: The land of the Chelski 'I'm supporting my local team' bunch Posts: 2,795	If they've just spent £16m on Bosingwa, I'm hearing that it's a total waste of cash. In which case, job well done by United.

12th May 2008, 17:10	#30 (permalink)
Don16 Annoying cnut Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: The big goalies coming up! Posts: 2,913	Just because we were linked with them in the paper doesn't mean they have to sign for us.