Mauricio Pochettino convinced player to join Chelsea on 'phone call' shortly before being axed by club
Mauricio Pochettino persuaded a player to sign for Chelsea, only to leave the club shortly after.
Pochettino lasted just a single season at Stamford Bridge, guiding Chelsea to a sixth placed finish which secured qualification to the Europa League next season.
Chelsea ended a topsy-turvy campaign strongly with five straight victories but after talks with the hierarchy, it was agreed that the Argentine would depart via mutual consent on Tuesday.
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The Blues now find themselves searching for yet another manager since Todd Boehly bought the club, with a whole host of candidates linked with the vacancy.
But it's emerged that one transfer target finds himself in a bit of limbo after Pochettino's departure.
17-year-old Palmeiras starlet Estevao Willian is set to join the club imminently in a deal that could total €65 million, according to reports in Brazil, via Sport Witness.
Although a transfer is close to being finalised, he is not allowed to make the move until he is 18 in April 2025.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the young Brazilian had spoken to Pochettino - who had basically sold the idea of him joining Chelsea.
Yet the former Spurs and PSG boss will no longer be at the helm, putting Estevao in a tricky situation.
However, there is no suggestion that Pochettino moving on will result in the deal for Estevao stalling.
As a club Chelsea are placing a great emphasis on acquiring young talent for the future, doing plenty of shopping in South America.
They are set to pay an initial €45 million for Estevao, before an additional €20 million in performance-related bonuses.
The likes of Kieran McKenna, Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim have all been touted as replacements for Pochettino.
In terms of the 52-year-old's next move, Jacobs reports that there is interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Managerless Al Ittihad are believed to be an option, with Pochettino having a strong relationship with sporting director Ramon Planes.
Topics: Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino
Josh Lawless