Four players that regret leaving Chelsea after scathing criticism and loan woes

Mauricio Pochettino makes quick Nicolas Jackson U-turn after difficult Chelsea start

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly oversaw a major overhaul of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad during the summer transfer window. The Blues have now spent over £1billion since the Boehly-led takeover in May 2022. 

That spend would not have been possible without several departures. A stunning 25 players departed the West Londoners before last Friday’s deadline, although some might already be regretting their exits. Express Sport takes a look at four. 

Mason Mount

Mason Mount had barely learned who Chelsea might appoint to replace Graham Potter before deciding to leave. Hastily concluding that his time at Stamford Bridge was up, the England star considered interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal before choosing to move to Old Trafford. 

But Mount might have played a key role under Pochettino. There might not have been a £115million spend on Moises Caicedo – a deal for which the jury remains out – and the 24-year-old might have fitted into Mauricio Pochettino’s style better than Erik ten Hag’s. 

Mount had the opportunity to become a Chelsea legend but ultimately decided that his future lied elsewhere. Criticism for his early performances at United and a frustrating injury mean it is yet to be seen if his choice was justified. 

READ MORE: Chelsea ‘asked about Awoniyi’ 48 hours before deadline with Jackson struggling[LATEST]

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Like Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek decided that an array of new midfield signings meant he required a new challenge. But Pochettino might have liked the academy graduate’s all-action and energetic style of play. 

The new Chelsea boss will have admired Loftus-Cheek’s ability to cover ground and get from box-to-box. The 27-year-old decided otherwise and joined AC Milan in a £17m transfer. 

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

DON’T MISS…
Graham Potter ‘in talks to join overseas club’ five months after Chelsea sacking[NEWS]
Chelsea can dominate England with eight wonderkids as another new signing close[TRANSFERS]
Chelsea icon John Terry ‘on verge joining new club’ to seal first manager role[LATEST]

N’Golo Kante

There might also have been a place under Pochettino for Chelsea icon N’Golo Kante. Injuries stalled his progress at Stamford Bridge over the last two years and he opted to join Saudi champions Al-Ittihad. 

But at 32, the Frenchman had the opportunity to rekindle the latter stages of his Premier League career as one of the elder statesmen in the Chelsea team. He still had another few years of top-flight football in him. 

Andrey Santos

Chelsea youngster Andrey Santos sealed an exciting loan move to Nottingham Forest ahead of the deadline. A Brazilian teenager signed for £18m last January, the Blues have high hopes for Santos. 

But the former Vasco da Gama ace might be worried about how frequent his game time might be after seeing two major midfield signings arrive at the City Ground on deadline day. Forest sealed moves for Ibrahim Sangare from PSV and Nicolas Dominguez from Bologna. 

On top of those additions, Forest already have the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Danilo, Ryan Yates and Orel Mangala. 

Source: Read Full Article