How Enzo Maresca convinced one of Chelsea's top targets to join the Blues

Rohit George

How Enzo Maresca convinced one of Chelsea's top targets to join the Blues image

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea have enjoyed some of their most stellar transfer markets in the recent years, and current boss, Enzo Maresca, deserves a lot of credit for it.

Maresca has earned the trust and support of the Chelsea hierarchy after a successful first season in charge, where he led the team to UEFA Champions League qualification alongside clinching the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup titles.

On the back of that success, the Chelsea higher-ups have backed their manager in the ongoing transfer window and left no stone unturned in their efforts to strengthen the squad for the 2025/26 season.

Maresca has opted for a host of attacking talent so far and he is reportedly set to add one more player to his ranks in the form of Xavi Simons.

Chelsea hold Simons in high regard and believe he is the ideal replacement for Joao Felix, who has agreed a deal to join Al-Nassr.

Now, Maresca’s role in convincing Simons to choose the Blues has been revealed.

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How Maresca convinced Simons to choose Chelsea

Simons was always open to a move to Chelsea, but the manager’s involvement seems to have made up his mind, as he closes in on a switch to Stamford Bridge.

According to SportsZone, Maresca held ‘positive and interesting’ talks with Simons and his representatives, and an official bid from the Blues is expected at the start of August.

"Xavi Simons and Chelsea have agreed personal terms. The 22-year-old Dutch player is now closing in on a move to the Bridge after ‘positive & interesting’ talks with Enzo Maresca about his vision for him and the project. The first bid is expected in the next few hours."

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Rohit George

Rohit George is a content producer for The Sporting News' English-language editions, based in India.