"We wanted to sign him in Chelsea" - Mauricio Pochettino opens up on Blues' failed move to sign 25-year-old Premier League star last summer
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Chelsea wanted to sign Tyler Adams in 2023. The Argentine said he had a conversation about the midfielder but the club opted against the move because of his injury.
Speaking to the media, Pochettino said the Blues knew about the midfielder's qualities and were looking to bring him into the squad. However, the move fell through because of a hamstring injury, and the United States star went on to join Bournemouth. He said (via GOAL):
"We know very well we need to look after him [Adams], to have [him] in the best condition for 2026. I know very well him because I think it's public that we wanted to sign him in Chelsea. When we arrived in Chelsea, I remember that in USA, in Chicago, we had a conversation."
"We knew and after, the club didn't sign him because he was injured. That is why, in the end, we cannot but we already know and we know how important but we need to provide the good platform for him to get [to] his best," he added.
Chelsea did not keep quiet after the move for Adams failed. They signed Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who have now become key figures in the midfield for new manager Enzo Maresca.
Enzo Maresca heaps praise on Chelsea star Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo, whom the Blues signed immediately after ending interest in Tyler Adams, has been in fine form for the Blues this season. He has managed to seal his place in the starting XI and also captained the side during their Premier League draw (1-1) against Arsenal on Sunday (November 10).
Maresca spoke about his star midfielder earlier this month. He said (via weekly newspaper South London Press and Mercury):
“Moises has been fantastic. I said during the week that the problem with him is that because the club paid big money, people expect them always to be the best. He’s improving a lot, and we’re trying to spend time with him to help him improve. He’s showing how good he is. Most of the time in football, one plus one is not two."
"Because he was so good at Brighton, that does not mean immediately when he joins Chelsea, we will be as good as he was there. He needs a bit more time to adapt. Chelsea is one of the best clubs in the world. Because we paid them a lot of money, we think: ‘They’re going to arrive here and be the best.’ You need a bit of time. He’s showing now how good he was and how good he is this year," he added.
Caicedo had interest from Liverpool last summer and the Reds even had a league-record bid accepted by Brighton. However, the midfielder decided to join the Blues as he had agreed terms with them.