Omorodion scores FOUR as Chelsea regret transfer mistake

Cameron Smith

• 15 Oct 2024 18:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea’s failure to sign Samu Omorodion this summer continues to look like a major error, with the FC Porto striker scoring four first-half goals for Spain’s U21 side on Tuesday.

Omorodion wore the captain’s armband against Malta and he netted four times during a 6-0 rout as Spain maintained their unbeaten record in U21 European Championship qualifying.

Santi Denia’s side qualified for the tournament in September and their victory over Malta ensured they ended the campaign with nine wins and one draw in 10 matches.

READ MORE: Chelsea chiefs confirm HUGE transfer offer

Omorodion opened the scoring with a neat swivel and finish after just five minutes, while he netted a further three goals before the conclusion of the first-half.

The 20-year-old has now scored 11 goals in his last eight appearances for club and country, including a brace against Manchester United, after an electric start to life at Porto.

READ MORE: Chelsea 'back away' from wonderkid deal despite agreement

Chelsea rue Samu Omorodion error

Omorodion sealed an initial €15 million move to Porto in late August following a failed transfer to Chelsea.

He was expected to join the Blues for a fee of around €50m, with Conor Gallagher set to join Atletico Madrid in exchange.

However, Chelsea’s proposed deal for Omoridon collapsed at the final hurdle and Enzo Maresca’s side were forced to sign Joao Felix on a permanent deal in order to ensure Gallagher’s move went through.

During the October international break, Omorodion revealed the true reason why he didn’t join Chelsea.

He told RTVE: “It was a very difficult summer. I went through a very difficult time because, after all, everyone knows that I was close to signing [for Chelsea], but the truth is that it didn't happen. It was for a reason: God didn't want it!”

While Omorodion has thrived since joining Porto, the aforementioned Felix only has one goal contribution in his last six Chelsea appearances.