Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed in a press conference today that Willian has chosen to join the Blues, despite the Brazil international having a medical ahead of a proposed £30m move to Tottenham.
The Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder initially attracted the attention of Liverpool, but Spurs hijacked the deal for the 25-year-old. And it seems like, Chelsea have snatched the deal from right under the noses of their London rivals.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas reflected on the transfer saga after yesterday’s 5-0 victory over Dinamo Tbilisi, said:
“I confirmed [on Wednesday] there was interest in the player, if something happens… everything is possible. I’m not aware of all the circumstances because of our involvement in the game. Neither did I want it to be a distraction for what we achieved tonight.”
The Brazilian midfielder was already starting to cast doubts over a move to Spurs when he revealed he was considering his options, despite having undergone the medical.
When asked whether Willian is about to join Chelsea, Mourinho nodded and said as quoted by Sky Sports:
“I think he’s already made his decision.
“I don’t like to speak before time because football can be crazy. I know what the player wants, so in this moment we cannot hide. That is a possibility.
“You have to do the medical before, but the best thing to do is to do the medical in secret. If the player is fine, you can sign him. If the player is not fine you don’t destroy his career.”
Further, as confirmed by the Chelsea manager, the Brazilian still needs to complete the medical, before becoming a Chelsea footballer officially. But, if that happens, it would be one hell of a hijacking-saga, and obviously would come as a massive blow to Tottenham who were on the verge of signing him.
Should Willian join Chelsea, the future of Juan Mata will come under scrutiny again, despite Mourinho’s claims that he is a player the club wants to keep. Does his inclusion pave the way for the Spaniard to join Manchester United?
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