Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Falcao signing not a risk, says former Chelsea star

SoccerNews in English Premier League 3 Jul 2015

96 Views

The signing of Radamel Falcao does not represent a risk for Chelsea, according to former Stamford Bridge star Clive Walker.

Falcao became one of the most feared strikers in world football due to his goalscoring exploits at Porto and Atletico Madrid, but a serious knee injury ended a promising debut season at Monaco in the 2013-14 campaign in which he scored nine goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances.

Having recovered from that setback, Manchester United brought the Colombia international to Old Trafford last season, but Louis van Gaal’s move failed to yield reward as he scored just four Premier League goals in a disappointing and expensive loan spell.

Despite his struggles in England, Jose Mourinho has long been an admirer of Falcao and, after weeks of speculation, the Portuguese finally got his man after it was confirmed the 29-year-old would move to Chelsea for the upcoming season.

And Walker – who made over 200 appearances for Chelsea between 1976 and 1984 – believes that Falcao could prove a shrewd signing if he can rediscover the form that made him hot property throughout Europe.

“I don’t think it’s a risk for Chelsea. There’s no signing fee so there’s no weight as there was on, for example, Fernando Torres because there was a £50million weight when we purchased him,” Walker told Perform.

“I think in this situation, with a loan, I don’t think it’s a risk for Chelsea. I’d like to think Falcao will improve on the season he had last year, maybe he’s got used to the Premier League a little bit more. 

“Also, Chelsea play a different style to Manchester United and Jose sees that as a situation where Falcao will be a better player in the Premier League because of the style Chelsea play.

“I think it’s a good move for Chelsea and I think it’s also going to be a big season for Falcao. He needs to get himself back on track and what a wonderful player he’s been in the past.

“I just think over the last couple of seasons he’s probably lost his way a little bit. He had the injury and maybe Monaco wasn’t the right place to go to and he didn’t really perform at United so it’s a big, big season for him.” 

Walker also believes that Mourinho is the right man to instill the confidence back in Falcao, adding: “I know Jose has admired him from his time in Spain and Portugal. 

“He knows what he’s doing when he’s buying players Jose Mourinho, and he certainly feels he can be a big asset this season.

“I think when Jose Mourinho makes a decision – and we’re talking about a world-class player now –  and okay it’s a season-long loan, but I’m sure the wages are quite high. So when paying quite a bit of money for someone Jose Mourinho likes to get it right.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top