Fernando Llorente’s proposed move to Chelsea from Swansea City spanned more than one transfer window, and resulted in a double failure. During the last winter market, Swansea had been set against letting Llorente join anyone, knowing how important he’d be in a fight against relegation.
When the summer came, a transfer was much likelier and, given the earlier interest had been renewed, a switch to Chelsea looked a matter of time.
The Premier League champions were unable to agree a fee with Swansea, and that gave Tottenham the opportunity to swoop in and hijack the deal.
And that they did.
AS quote the striker as saying: “I had the suitcase packed to go to London but didn’t know which club I was going to… I was talking to Antonio Conte, but they didn’t agree with Swansea City. These things happen in football. Then Pochettino called and I loved the project they sold me, I’m very happy.”
Llorente is one of an increasing number of players to reveal a magic telephone call from Mauricio Pochettino, who seems to be quite a persuasive manager. Antonio Conte may be able to match him, but there’s not much the Italian can do when Chelsea fail to agree a fee.
