Should Chelsea Have Signed Johnson?

After England’s 6-0 victory over Andorra there were three things that everyone was talking about. First up, there was Wayne Rooney’s brace as he completed a fantastic season for his country. Next, it was the performance of David Beckham. The LA Galaxy man was in fantastic form and went some way to booking his seat to South Africa next summer.

The third and perhaps most surprising England related topic was Glenn Johnson. He was in sublime form for Fabio Capello  and he was involved in the majority of England’s promising attacks.

This type of performance finished off a superb personal season for Johnson who has excelled for Portsmouth at right back. He appears to be becoming the player we all thought he could be, something highlighted by the fact that he has nailed down a spot in the national side.

So, where am I going with this? Well, with his reputation growing, a number of clubs had been linked with his services. This included Manchester City (of course) and Chelsea, although as we now know, he opted for Liverpool. What I want to know is – would Chelsea fans have been happy if Johnson had come back to Stamford Bridge?

The 24-year-old signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2003, but failed to hold down a spot in the side. His inexperience showed and he was eventually loaned to Portsmouth in August 2006, before they decided to purchase him for £4m in January 2007.

As we speak though, Johnson has developed into a very capable right back. He is more confident, more determined and a much more complete player. His defending has come on a lot and he is always a threat going forward. His performance for England proved that.

So, would Chelsea have wanted him back? Personally, I think it would have been a good acquisition. They may have had to spend around £17m to prize him away from Fratton Park, but this would have been good value for a player who is at top of his game. Having England’s Ashley Cole and Glenn Johnson as full-backs at Chelsea would have looked good from where I’m sitting.

The player himself  appeared very happy at Pompey, but Champions League football and the prospect of playing at Liverpool was apparently something he couldn’t turn down.

What are your thoughts though? Should Carlo Ancelotti have made a bigger play for the rejuvenated England man?

By Thomas Rooney