Garth Crooks has urged the London club to ‘seriously consider’ re-signing Nathan Ake from Bournemouth. The Netherlands international spent five years at Stamford Bridge after graduating from Chelsea’ academy but only made seven league appearances before joining the Cherries.
Nathan originally joined Bournemouth on loan but made a move permanent two years ago after impressing coach Eddie Howe.
Ake helped the Cherries secure their first-ever victory at Saints on Friday night, heading the visitors ahead on their way to a 3-1 win.
Garth was impressed by the 24-year-old defender’s performance at St Mary’s and believes the London club should consider re-signing him from Bournemouth. ‘The shot of Dutchman suspended in mid-air having attacked a set-piece and buried a bullet header past Angus Gunn in Southampton’s goal was a picture to behold,’ Crooks said.
‘It was not only Bournemouth’s first goal in a historic win over their south coast rivals but a clear indication that the Cherries meant business. ‘I don’t know what Nathan would cost for Chelsea to repurchase him, but if I was them, I would seriously consider it.’
Blues, meanwhile, were beaten by Premier League leaders Liverpool on the weekend amid producing a spirited performance at Stamford Bridge. First-half goals from Trent and Roberto Firmino helped the Merseyside club maintain their fantastic start to the campaign amid N’Golo Kante’s second-half consolation strike.
Speaking after the 2-1 loss, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said: ‘Performance-wise we were the better club. ‘We had more energy in our match, character and spirit.
That’s why the fans applauded at the end. Let’s take this forward.’ London club welcome Brighton to Stamford Bridge next weekend.