Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has made waves with a strong and surprising statement that has reignited conversations about some of the worst transfer decisions made by Premier League clubs.
According to Pochettino, a player who was once sold for just £17 million in 2019 has now blossomed into one of the finest footballers on the planet, with performances that have stunned the football world.
In an explosive interview, Pochettino expressed his disbelief over how a top-tier talent was allowed to leave for such a modest fee. “They were foolish for selling him,” he declared.
“He was sold for just £17 million, and now he’s the best player in the world — at the very top.” These bold comments immediately grabbed headlines and sparked heated debate among fans and pundits alike.
Although Pochettino didn’t reveal the identity of the player or club he was referencing, speculation spread like wildfire on social media. One of the most popular guesses? Moussa Diaby.
The French winger was sold by Paris Saint-Germain to Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 for exactly £17 million. Since making the move to Germany, Diaby’s career has skyrocketed.
Known for his lightning pace, relentless work rate, and improved finishing, he’s become a key figure in the French national team and recently earned a major move to Premier League side Aston Villa.
In England, he’s continued to impress — leaving defenders behind and establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.
However, another player’s name also surfaced — and it’s just as compelling: Serge Gnabry. Once overlooked and even ridiculed during his time at Arsenal, and particularly during an uneventful loan at West Brom, Gnabry has completely transformed his reputation.
After being sold for a similar fee, he joined Bayern Munich and became a Champions League winner, Bundesliga standout, and a consistent presence in the German national team. Like Diaby, his journey from being discarded to dominating Europe highlights how quickly clubs can misjudge young talent.
Regardless of whether Pochettino was referring to Diaby, Gnabry, or perhaps another player, the message is crystal clear: English clubs often lack the patience to nurture talent. Many are too quick to offload young or fringe players without allowing them enough time to mature.
Now, those very players are proving their worth on the grandest stages, leaving clubs and former coaches to regret their decisions. Fans are outraged, scouts are reflecting, and football history continues to remind us of the cost of impatience.
