"Why not just keep the talent you've made?"- Shaun Wright-Phillips questions Chelsea's decision to sell 24-year-old
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips reckons Jules Kounde could be a good signing for the Blues but added that they should have kept hold of academy product Fikayo Tomori. The 24-year-old spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign on loan with AC Milan before joining them permanently for £25 million last summer.
Tomori became a regular in the Blues' first team during the 2019-20 campaign. However, he was starved of playing time the following season and was sent out on loan to Milan. Despite his impressive performances, the Blues opted to sell him. Tomori excelled in his second season with the Rossoneri, helping them win the 2021-22 Serie A title.
Thomas Tuchel's side are eager to sign a defender to replace Antonio Rudiger, who is set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Jules Kounde has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
He has evolved into one of the hottest properties in Europe during his time with Sevilla. Wright-Phillips believes the Blues could have kept Tomori instead of spending big on Kounde.
"Jules Kounde would be a good signing for Chelsea; he's young and a very talented defender, but Chelsea sold Fikayo Tomori who's a similar age, and I think he barely gave the ball away all season at AC Milan, and I just wonder why you would go and buy a player of a similar age; why not just keep the talent you've made," Wright-Phillips told Genting Casino.
According to Barca Times, the west Londoners were the frontrunners to sign Jules Kounde, but Barcelona could enter the race to sign the Frenchman.
Fikayo Tomori was not dispossessed of possession once in 31 league appearances for AC Milan this season (2719 minutes)
💪 Fikayo Tomori was not dispossessed of possession once in 31 league appearances for AC Milan this season (2719 minutes) https://t.co/Tejqz6q3wl
Chelsea's decision to sell Tammy Abraham has also backfired
In addition to offloading Tomori, the Blues also sold Tammy Abraham to AS Roma for £34 million last summer. The club signed Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan for a club-record fee of £97.5 million as a replacement for the 24-year-old English forward.
Lukaku, though, endured a dismal 2021-22 campaign, scoring just 15 goals in 44 games across competitions. The Belgian has fallen out of favour with manager Thomas Tuchel after struggling to adapt to his system and is now reportedly seeking a return to Inter Milan.
#CFC
Inter are now prepared to open direct talks with Chelsea to discuss about Romelu Lukaku and loan deal details. Lukaku has held discussions with Chelsea - but it's now time for direct contact between clubs. 🔵 #CFC
Loan fee, salary and more will be discussed with Inter soon. https://t.co/CNYaJFffyf
Abraham, meanwhile, has thrived under Jose Mourinho in Rome. He scored 27 goals in 53 appearances across competitions, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in his first season at Roma.
Reece James tweeting about how well Tammy Abraham in Italy. https://t.co/PhEJ357m5S