Joe Cole former Chelsea and Liverpool player, has stated that the former should have taken Virgil van Dijk from the latter last summer.
The Reds captain’s future was undeniably uncertain for much of last season as his contract expired. Van Dijk was one of three major players on the verge of becoming free agents, along with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Although the latter would eventually leave for Real Madrid, Van Dijk and Salah both signed new two-year contracts with Liverpool before winning the Premier League title.
Cole on the other hand, believes Chelsea should have attempted to get Van Dijk before he was able to extend his contract with Liverpool.
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The Blues are attempting to catch up with the Reds in the race for the Premier League’s top four, with Liam Rosenior taking over as manager following Enzo Maresca’s dismissal.
When asked who he would buy for Chelsea during the January transfer window, Cole told Paddy Power: “When Virgil van Dijk’s contract at Liverpool expired last summer, I would have gone all out to sign him.
Cole added: “I’d be looking at the PSG squad, which I think is bloated. Players who understand winning and know how and what it means to win.
“I don’t think Arsenal will be able to maintain up with all of their players, and some will be available at the end of the season.
“Unfortunately, none of the top, top players will be coming to Chelsea, because if they are available, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool will come knocking and go there first.
“So Chelsea are still in their rebuilding phase.”
Despite Cole’s comments, Van Dijk revealed upon signing his new deal in April that he had never planned on leaving Anfield.
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