Chelsea will try to sign Benfica’s Anderson Talisca at the end of the season, as a replacement for the ageing Didier Drogba. The Brazilian is mainly used as an attacking midfielder, but Blues boss Jose Mourinho believes he could be transfromed into an out-and-out forward, due to the youngster’s composure and technique.
Mourinho has spoken about the 20-year old on several previous occasions and The Special One thinks that a move to England could happen, but only if he gains a work permit. He has said: “Some say he’s unknown. He’s so unknown the only thing stopping him from playing in England is a work permit.”
Talisca does have international experience, having played for the Under 20 Brazil side, but his performances have caught the eye of first-team coach Dunga, who could bring him up to the senior squad soon.
If Talisca did make the move to Stamford Bridge, it could be in the place of Didier Drogba, who will be 37 come next summer. He’s found himself behind Remy and Costa in the pecking order for Chelsea and it could mean that at the end of the season he hangs up his boots. Mourinho himself is known not to be afraid of getting rid of popular players, with the Portuguese coach letting the likes of Lampard, Cole and Mata leave the club over the past few seasons.
If the Ivorian striker does decide to retire, then Talisca could very well end up his replacement and Chelsea fans would certainly hope that he could emulate Drogba’s goal-scoring ability for the club if he was to join them.
By Charlie Gregory
Follow me on Twitter – @CharlieGLFC
