Sergio Aguero’s name echoes through Premier League history, a legend forged over five title-winning seasons with Manchester City. He stands as a prolific goalscorer, currently sixth on the all-time list with a remarkable 184 goals. But the path to City dominance wasn’t preordained; a dramatic shift in fate nearly saw him donning the blue of Chelsea.
The summer of 2017 held a tantalizing possibility: Aguero trading Manchester for London. Chelsea, fresh off a Premier League triumph under Antonio Conte, saw Aguero as the ideal replacement for the departing Diego Costa. Conte envisioned a dynamic partnership between Aguero and Eden Hazard, a potent attacking force to maintain their championship form.
The deal was shockingly close to completion, yet Manchester City intervened at the last possible moment, cancelling the transfer. Aguero revealed the stunning turn of events, leaving Chelsea scrambling for an alternative. It was a decision City wouldn’t regret, as Aguero would soon deliver a season for the ages.
Instead of Aguero, Chelsea opted for Alvaro Morata, a £58 million signing from Real Madrid. The move proved less impactful, while Aguero exploded onto the scene in the 2017/18 season, netting an astounding 30 goals and cementing his status as a City icon for years to come.
The near-transfer is even more surprising considering the fiery clash between Aguero and Chelsea’s David Luiz earlier that year. Aguero received a four-match ban for a reckless, high tackle on the Brazilian defender, a challenge Conte himself deemed “very dangerous.”
Conte, known for his own competitive spirit, initially expressed genuine fear for Luiz’s well-being after reviewing the footage. He openly admitted to being “scared” by the severity of the tackle, acknowledging the potential for a serious injury. It was a moment that highlighted the brutal intensity of the Premier League.
Despite the outrage surrounding the tackle, Conte seemingly put aside the incident, recognizing Aguero’s immense talent. He clearly saw the Argentinian as a crucial piece of his Chelsea puzzle, a testament to Aguero’s undeniable impact on the game. The near-miss transfer remains a captivating “what if” in Premier League lore.
