After 7 seasons, 95 goals, 3 Premiership Titles, 2 League Cups, 3 FA Cups and 2 Charity Shields (nobody really cares about them though!) time might just have been called on Didier Drogba’s Chelsea career.
Word on the street is that Roman Abramovich has began looking for possible buyers for the Ivorian striker, as his contract at Stamford Bridge begins to run down.
Drogba has been one of the stars of the Chelsea side since his arrival from Marseille in 2004. I’ll admit, I’d have expected him to score more than 95 goals since then, but it’s the timing of his goals that makes them so special. At his best, Drogba is unplayable and is truly one of African football’s greatest players as well as one of the best foreign imports the Premiership has ever seen. So here at the Transfer Tavern we thought we’d help Roman Abramovich out a litte (never thought I’d ever write that) and offer him our 5 possible transfer destinations for Didier.
Tottenham – It’s unlikely that Drogba will stay in England, but if he were to do so he’ll probably join another London club. The most likely is Spurs, who have been pretty much linked with every striker under the sun since January. Tottenham have struggled with goals this season and the introduction of a player like Drogba, who holds the ball up well and brings people into play whilst scoring goals, would be a welcome one. It’s unlikely that Drogba’s transfer fee will be much of a problem for Harry Redknapp. The latest figure being touted is a respecable £15 million. The wages might be a bit of stumbling block however, but if the Spurs manager was willing to sign David Beckham then why would he turn his nose up at Drogba?
Olympique Marseille – The place where the Drogba legacy began. The Ivorian only played one full season with Marseille, scoring 19 goals in 35 appearances and narrowly missing out on a UEFA cup trophy. Drogba has apparently said that he would like to return to Marseille one day, and the French club are reportedly planning a wage packet and transfer bid that would satisfy all parties.
Galatasaray – The long shots. Or are they? Drogba was linked to the Turkish giants some time ago now, way back in January. It wouldn’t be that strange a move, with a number of ex-Premier League players moving out to Turkey to wind up their careers already. Drogba would be perhaps the highest profile move however, and again the wages are the only stumbling block. Don’t be fooled though. Galatasaray are certainly no mugs, and do have a hefty war chest to draw upon should they need it. The question is, would Drogba fancy a move to arguably a more low-key league when he’s still good enough to win things on the big stage?
Real Madrid – Which brings me on to my next option. Don’t look at me like that! I know what you’re thinking, “£15 million for a 33 year old when they’ve already got virtually the same player in Adebayor! No chance! I’m hungry. Let’s have a sandwich!’ and normally I’d agree with you (especially the sandwich bit…chicken for me!) but Jose Mourinho really is a law unto himself. Let’s not forget that the Portugese manager was a fan of Drogba at Chelsea, and with the success he’s currently having at the Bernabau Real might happily hand him over the cash to go and sign the striker. The move has already been suggested by a number of noteworthy periodicals…ok, the Star and the The Mail…so it’s not that crazy an idea!
Newcastle – Ok, this one’s just for me! Those of you who know me, and if you don’t you’ve probably guessed by the second paragraph of this article, no I’m a huge Drogba fan. Not in a weird way though! As a Newcastle fan, I’d love to see him as the next Number 9. And why not anyway? Haven’t we got £35 million sitting in the bank from the Carroll sale? Don’t Mike Ashley and Alan Pardew keep telling us they want to show how ‘serious’ they are?
Aren’t we the club who paid a ridiculous amount for Micheal Owen, Albert Luque and Obafemi Martins who all turned out to be complete non-starters? I reckon that Drogba would slot into the Newcastle side quite nicely, and he’d be a hit with the fans. We were so close to signing him in 2004, but Freddie Shepherd wouldn’t give Bobby Robson the cash. Wouldn’t it be nice to see Wor Bobby’s dream finally realised? Ok, that’s complete nonsense….back to reality!!
Drogba is definitely on his way from Chelsea, and these are just 5 examples of where he could end up. My money is on Marseille, because Drogba has already practically stated his desire to return there. If they can solve the wage issue out, then I don’t see any other problems. It’s been a great ride though Didier! Chelsea fans, and one member of the Toon Army, will miss you!
Follow Peter Turner on Twitter @petermagpie
