Chelsea had huge deal for Spain star agreed – player’s father

Ian Watson

Chelsea had a €36m deal for Joaquin Sanchez agreed when the Spain star was still in his first spell with Real Betis – until the player pulled the plug.

Joaquin, 37, is currently back at Betis having started his career with the club.

During his first spell with the Seville-based club, the winger was attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea.

According to the player’s father, Chelsea had agreed on a deal to sign Joaquin. But the Spain star refused the move and eventually joined Valencia.

His father, Aurelio Sanchez, has offered some details of the proposed five-year deal with Chelsea.

“The signing for Chelsea was done,” he told El Espanol. “There was €36m for the club plus another €3m for a friendly; and €6m per season for Joaquin, who would sign for five years. I would take €3m and Jorge Mendes €3m for the operation.”

Upon being told to return to Seville to sign the contracts with Chelsea, Joaquin refused.

 

The winger capped 51 times by Spain discussed the snub in 2015, and he spoke last week of his desire then to join Real Madrid.

“I wanted to sign for Real Madrid and it was very close,” Joaquin told Onda Cero.

“I was ready to sign my contract and undergo medical tests, they wanted me and I wanted them but it was not to bed.

“The Betis president knew this is what I wanted because I made it clear to him, this would be the prime opportunity for me and my career.

“But he wanted a massive sum of money and when we spoke to Florentino Perez he said the demands were too high and it could not happen.”

Joaquin eventually joined Valencia in a €25m deal in 2006.