“They were absolutely foolish to let him go – sold for just £17M, and now he’s the best player in the world!” That was the bold statement made by Mauricio Pochettino, and it’s sent shockwaves through the football world.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss made headlines this week after commenting on a once-overlooked player who has now risen to global superstardom.
In a recent interview, Pochettino slammed a major European club for offloading a young talent in 2019 for a modest £17 million fee — a player who has since become a powerhouse in modern football.
“They were foolish for letting him leave,” Pochettino stated bluntly. “They sold him for just £17M, and now look – he’s on top of the football world.”
Although he didn’t directly mention the name of the club or the player, fans online immediately began speculating, and two names stood out among the chatter: Moussa Diaby and Serge Gnabry.
Let’s start with Diaby. The rapid French winger was sold by Paris Saint-Germain to Bayer Leverkusen back in 2019. Since then, Diaby’s career has skyrocketed.
His blistering pace, exceptional dribbling, and improved finishing made him a Bundesliga sensation.
Now playing for Aston Villa after a high-profile move to the Premier League, Diaby has become a nightmare for defenders, showcasing his class on the biggest stage every week.
From a forgotten PSG prospect to a France international and top-flight star, Diaby’s transformation is remarkable.
Then there’s Serge Gnabry, whose story is even more staggering. Once deemed not good enough by Arsenal and even loaned out to West Brom (where he struggled to get minutes), Gnabry was sold for around £5 million to Werder Bremen.
Fast forward a few years, and he’s won it all with Bayern Munich — including the Champions League — and is now one of the most feared wingers in world football.
His redemption arc is the definition of perseverance and raw talent finally being unlocked.
Regardless of who Pochettino was referencing, his words hit hard — especially for Premier League clubs who have gained a reputation for giving up on young players too quickly.
These clubs often fail to develop their academy or fringe talents, only to watch them blossom elsewhere.
Pochettino’s remarks have reignited a familiar conversation about premature sales and missed opportunities.
For fans of clubs like PSG and Arsenal, it’s a painful reminder of what might have been.
And for the footballing world, it’s a lesson in patience — because some players just need the right environment to become world-class.
