Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has claimed his old club missed a major opportunity by not launching an ambitious move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk before the defender signed a new contract at Anfield.
Chelsea's Need for 'Seasoned Winners'
Speaking via The Metro, the ex-England international argued that Chelsea's ongoing rebuild requires players with proven winning mentalities. Cole pointed to Van Dijk, who committed to a new Liverpool deal in the latter stages of the 2024-25 season, as the perfect example.
"I would have gone down the road of going really big for Virgil van Dijk when he was coming to the end of his contract at Liverpool last summer," Cole stated. "You need seasoned winners in the side."
Why Age Should Not Be a Barrier
Despite Van Dijk turning 35 in the summer of 2026 and experiencing a dip in form this season, Cole believes Chelsea should not be deterred by a player's age. He cited the successful stint of Thiago Silva at Stamford Bridge well into his thirties as a precedent.
The Dutch centre-back, a two-time Premier League winner and Champions League victor with Liverpool, embodies the experience Chelsea have lacked since their last league title in 2017. The Blues are now approaching a decade without winning the Premier League and are effectively out of the current title race.
Chelsea's Rebuilding Challenge
Cole expanded on the difficulty Chelsea face in attracting elite talent during their current phase. "Unfortunately, none of the top, top players are going to be coming to Chelsea, because if they’re available, then the Man City’s, the Arsenal’s and the Liverpool’s will come calling and they will go there first," he explained.
Instead, he suggested the club look at squads like Paris Saint-Germain, which he described as "bloated", or monitor players at Arsenal who may become available, focusing on those who "understand winning".
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, a known admirer of his captain, was effusive in his praise when Van Dijk signed his new contract last spring. Slot highlighted the defender's leadership, professionalism, and exceptional quality in possession as invaluable assets, suggesting he could continue at the highest level if he maintains his fitness.
Cole's comments underscore a growing debate about Chelsea's transfer strategy and their need for proven leadership as they aim to return to English football's summit.
