When Maurizio Sarri arrived at Stamford Bridge from Napoli, he brought Jorginho with him. The midfielder was the cog in Sarri’s system as he embarked on his debut season in the premier league.
As it turned out, the appropriately named ‘Sarri-ball’ wasn’t to the liking of some Chelsea fans. Although Sarri managed to take the Blues to a third-placed premier league finish, and Europa League success, an approach from Serie A giants Juventus, was an easy move that went through without a hitch.
Jorginho has remained at Stamford Bridge, and you could argue the Italian has improved, and been more effective under the management of Frank Lampard.
Now, nearly a year since Sarri’s departure, the Daily Mail are reporting a reunion is on the cards. The report claims the former Napoli boss want his favourite player with him at Juventus.
Jorginho cost the Blues £57m two summer’s ago. The offer from Juve is not a cash only deal though, it’s a swap deal plus cash. According to the Mail, the Serie A club want to offer Federico Bernardeschi in part exchange.
The Italian international has not had the best of seasons. Managing only one-goal, and one-assist from 24-appearances. On the plus side, the 27-year-old is versatile, being capable of playing on either flank, or as a second striker.
Hardly a great bit of business judging by those statistics. There is a sweetener to the deal though… £30m. Chelsea don’t exactly desperately need the cash, although it would go some way towards improving the squad. Hakim Ziyech is already on board, and Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi offer other options for the wide roles. Willian and Pedro are set to leave at the end of the season.
You could also argue the emergence of Bily Gilmour could leave Jorginho managing less game time. Although the youngster needs to be nurtured, rather than thrown in with the weight on his shoulders on a regular basis. Ultimately the club could see it as a good bit of business, but a lot will depend on how Frank Lampard wants to build his squad going forward.
