Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has revealed that he came very close to signing for Chelsea in 2008, but an untimely injury ended the possibility of the high-profile move.
Aiyegbeni, who enjoyed an impressive career across Israel and England, remains Nigeria’s highest-scoring player in Premier League history with 95 goals and 24 assists. He achieved this milestone while playing for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking on the Home Turf Podcast, the former striker explained that Chelsea had opened negotiations for a £15 million transfer—until disaster struck.
“I was unlucky not to play for Chelsea. I got a chance to sign for Chelsea, and then I got injured,” he said. “I ruptured my achilles and I didn’t play for 11 months. That was the day they were negotiating a fee for me… and that was gone.”
Aiyegbeni admitted the setback was deeply painful:
“I was crying in the dressing room because it was my time to play for one of the bigger clubs.”
Despite the missed opportunity, he bounced back, returning to England through Leicester City in the Championship before rejoining the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.
“So far so good… I think I did everything,” he added, reflecting on a career that still ranks among the most successful for any Nigerian footballer.
