Rumour Mill: The One Where Chelsea Wants to Sign Cuadrado

If there’s one thing that Chelsea don’t need, it’s another attacking midfielder. Ok, yes, the running mass of hair that is Willian could be better (see finishing). But with little value every being found in January and some serious questions being asked at the back, should Chelsea really focus on an attacking midfielder who may or may not improve the side?

So what should anyone make of these links / opening bids for Juan Cuadrado? There’s obviously a camp of supporters who think that if Jose Mourinho wants him he must be brilliant. Although it’s a nice sentiment those people are probably the ones who still defend the potential of Mohamed Salah and blatantly forget the likes of Kezman, Jarosik and SWP.

Cuadrado did have a good World Cup. He directly contributed to a goal in each of his 5 appearances - but it certainly didn’t hurt that he was sharing the pitch with James Rodriguez, arguably the standout player of the tournament. And that was six months ago now - what has he done for me Fiorentina lately.

With the agents currently in the thick of it, it was nice of Cuadrado to try and justify the price of his buyout clause by scoring in a Coppa Italia match against Atalanta yesterday. But he’s managed just 4 goals this season from FIFTY shots! That gives him a conversion rate of 8%. Eight. That’s actual less than Mario Balotelli when he was still scoring goals.

Chelsea has Willian, they don’t need his Colombian counterpart. If a team is going to spend anything on a player let alone £27M, it should be one that can make a difference and improve the side in the positions that need it. If there’s one team in the Premier League that doesn’t need Cuadrado - it’s Chelsea.

jb x