Biggest Roman Abramovich Chelsea transfer mistake finally exposed
Chelsea has been made acutely aware of what they are losing out on by Jamal Musiala. Germany easily defeated Scotland in the first group-stage match of the Euro 2024 tournament, and the Bayern Munich midfielder, who moved from Stamford Bridge to the Allianz Arena in 2019, stole the show.
After just ten minutes, Florian Wirtz gave Julian Naglesmann’s team the lead. Moments later, Ilkay Gundogan threaded a lovely ball into Kai Havertz, who sliced inside and set up the former Blues prospect for a simple tap-in goal that doubled his nation’s lead.
With an incredible shot, he struck the net’s roof, rendering Angus Gunn defenseless. Germany opened the European championships in spectacular fashion, defeating Scotland 5-1 thanks to the 21-year-old’s services.
Musiala showed Chelsea exactly what they’ve been missing out on since he left Cobham training ground five years ago. Until the age of seven, he lived in Germany, winning numerous tournaments as a junior with TSV Lehnerz.
Then, a few years later, Musiala’s family relocated on the south coast of England – although not for footballing reasons – where he would continue his development. His mother, Carolin, enrolled in an Erasmus programme at the University of Southampton as part of a master’s degree at Frankfurt’s Goethe University.
Musiala quickly caught Chelsea’s attention; he enjoyed eight years in west London before deciding to return to his homeland and join Bayern Munich. While the German giants have shown no willingness to let him go, large sections of the Blues fanbase dream of his return one day.
Musiala has previously described Chelsea as his ‘family’, sparking speculation of a move. In an interview with The Times in 2021, he said: “My friends [in England] made me feel welcome and comfortable. Chelsea and the FA are family for me, and I am sure, even when I am not there, I remain a member of the family.”
In an interview with German sports programme Sportschau a couple of years earlier, Musiala explained why he chose to represent Germany and not England. He said: “I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England, both hearts will continue to beat – I’ve thought a lot about this question.
“In the end, I listened to my feelings saying it’s the right decision to play for Germany. But it wasn’t an easy decision for me. I had a very good and honest discussion with [former Germany head coach] Joachim Low. He showed me a clear route into the national team.
“Mr Low had clearly worked out and analysed my strengths and weaknesses. He also sees my future in my strongest position of attacking midfield and appreciates my qualities there.”
Then, more recently, Harry Kane revealed that he’s joked with Musiala about snubbing the Three Lions. Speaking on ITV, the former Tottenham Hotspur striker said: “I joke a bit with Jamal Musiala about him choosing Germany over England.
“Obviously, he could have played for England. But maybe if I were here a few years ago, I could’ve put my arm around his shoulder and got him for us. But Jamal is a great player.”