5 Players Who Chose Chelsea Over Liverpool

Football transfers often dominate headlines as fans eagerly anticipate Chelsea Over Liverpool which stars will join their favorite clubs. Some transfer sagas are straightforward, while others become intricate tales of rivalry, persuasion, and last-minute decisions.

Among the most intriguing are the players who, faced with the choice between two iconic clubs, made a decision that altered their careers. This article explores five footballers who chose Chelsea over Liverpool, delving into the circumstances and outcomes of their decisions.

1. Willian Borges da Silva

Willian’s transfer saga in 2013 is one of the most dramatic in Premier League history. Initially linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, the Brazilian winger underwent a medical in North London before Chelsea swooped in at the last moment to secure his signature. However, few remember that Liverpool was also in contention for the player.

Background: After impressing at Shakhtar Donetsk and Anzhi Makhachkala, Willian became a hot property in Europe. Liverpool identified him as the perfect creative addition to their squad. Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager at the time, reportedly held discussions with Willian’s representatives, but Chelsea’s financial muscle and recent success proved decisive.

Why Chelsea Won: Chelsea offered a more lucrative financial package and the promise of immediate contention for silverware. Roman Abramovich’s backing and the allure of playing under José Mourinho were significant factors in swaying Willian’s decision.

Outcome: Willian enjoyed a stellar career at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and the Europa League. His technical skills, work rate, and ability to deliver in crucial moments made him a fan favorite.

Liverpool, meanwhile, turned their attention elsewhere, eventually building a squad that achieved tremendous success under Jürgen Klopp. While the Reds’ trajectory was delayed, Willian’s choice underscored Chelsea’s ability to outmaneuver rivals in the transfer market.

2. Mohamed Salah (Initial Move)

While Mohamed Salah is now synonymous with Chelsea Over Liverpool resurgence, his journey to Anfield was far from straightforward. Before becoming a Reds icon, Salah opted to join Chelsea in January 2014, a decision that initially stunted his development.

Background: The Egyptian winger had burst onto the scene with FC Basel, impressing in the Champions League against top clubs, including Chelsea. Liverpool were keen to secure his services, with Brendan Rodgers making his interest known. However, Chelsea, managed by José Mourinho, entered the fray with a higher bid and the allure of immediate silverware.

Why Chelsea Won: Chelsea’s ability to quickly close deals and their financial power played a decisive role over Liverpool. Mourinho’s direct involvement and Chelsea’s position as reigning Premier League contenders made them a tempting choice for Salah, even though he admired Liverpool’s history.

Outcome: Salah’s time at Chelsea was underwhelming. Limited opportunities saw him loaned out to Fiorentina and Roma, where he reignited his career. Eventually, Liverpool signed him in 2017, and he transformed into one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players. Despite his initial choice, Salah’s story proves that career setbacks can lead to monumental comebacks, and his eventual move to Liverpool reshaped the club’s fortunes.

Read More: Chelsea’s Top 3 Swap Deals That Made a Difference

3. Ryan Bertrand

Ryan Bertrand, the talented English left-back, was the subject of significant transfer speculation in 2014 when Liverpool expressed interest in acquiring his services.

At the time, Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool’s manager, was keen on bolstering his squad with a reliable left-back, especially after the underwhelming performances of Aly Cissokho and Jose Enrique.

Liverpool initially targeted Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno but faced resistance over the transfer fee. Consequently, Rodgers turned his attention to Bertrand, who was available for a much lower fee.

Despite Liverpool’s interest and the potential for regular first-team football, Bertrand decided to remain at Chelsea. He was determined to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, even though he faced stiff competition from Cesar Azpilicueta for the left-back position.

Bertrand’s decision to stay at Chelsea was influenced by his desire to prove himself at the club where he had developed through the youth ranks.

He believed in his ability to break into the first team and contribute to Chelsea’s success. This determination paid off, as Bertrand went on to become a key player for the Blues, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s top left-backs.

In retrospect, Bertrand’s choice to reject Liverpool and stay at Chelsea was a pivotal moment in his career. It allowed him to develop further, gain valuable experience, and achieve success with the club that had nurtured his talent from a young age.

Read More: 8 Brazilian Wonderkids to Watch in 2025

4. Timo Werner

Timo Werner’s decision to join Chelsea over Liverpool in 2020 is Chelsea Over Liverpool a modern example of how transfer dynamics can shift quickly. The German striker was heavily linked with Liverpool, with Jürgen Klopp reportedly a big admirer of his talent.

Background: Werner had established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards during his time at RB Leipzig. Liverpool seemed like a natural fit for his playing style, and Werner openly expressed admiration for Klopp’s team. However, when Chelsea activated his €53 million release clause and offered better financial terms, Werner opted for the London club.

Why Chelsea Won: Chelsea’s aggressive approach in the transfer market, coupled with their willingness to meet Werner’s release clause promptly, gave them the edge. Liverpool, on the other hand, were cautious due to financial uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outcome: Werner’s time at Chelsea was mixed. While he contributed to Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2021, his inconsistent finishing often drew criticism. Liverpool, meanwhile, remained competitive with their existing attacking options, including Salah, Sadio Mané, and Roberto Firmino. Werner’s decision underscores how financial factors and immediate opportunities often outweigh stylistic fit.

5. N’Golo Kanté

After Leicester City’s fairy-tale Premier League triumph in 2016, N’Golo Kanté became one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. Liverpool were among the clubs interested in signing the Frenchman, but Chelsea won the race.

Background: Jürgen Klopp, newly appointed at Liverpool, sought to revamp his midfield with players who could bring energy and defensive solidity. Kanté, who excelled in breaking up opposition play and covering ground, was an ideal candidate. However, Chelsea’s ability to meet Leicester’s asking price and offer a competitive wage package tipped the scales.

Why Chelsea Won: Chelsea’s track record of attracting world-class players, combined with Kanté’s desire to stay in England and compete for major honors, led to his decision. The London club’s ambitious project and higher wages sealed the deal.

Outcome: Kanté’s impact at Chelsea Over Liverpool was immediate and profound. He played a pivotal role in their 2016-17 Premier League triumph and went on to win the FA Cup, Europa League, and Champions League.

His consistency and humility have made him one of the most respected players in world football. Liverpool, while missing out on Kanté, eventually found success with players like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

Conclusion

The stories of these five players highlight the complexities of football transfers. Factors such as financial incentives, managerial influence, and the promise of silverware often determine a player’s choice.

While Chelsea’s financial backing and ambition have helped them attract top talent, Liverpool’s ability to adapt and build a cohesive squad under Jürgen Klopp has been equally commendable.

These players’ choices had far-reaching consequences for both clubs. Willian’s flair, Salah’s initial setback, Bertrand defensive mastery, Werner’s promise, and Kanté’s midfield dominance all contributed to Chelsea’s legacy.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s resilience and strategic focus enabled them to find alternative paths to success. Football fans can only speculate how differently their journeys might have unfolded had they chosen Anfield instead of Stamford Bridge, adding to the allure and drama of the beautiful game.