BREAKING: Champions League Winner Claims He Nearly Joined Chelsea Before £11m Barcelona Move
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According to a report by Football London, on Wednesday 3 June, 2026, Chelsea came close to signing one of Spain’s greatest modern defenders before he completed a move that would define his career at Barcelona.
Former Barcelona and Spain star Jordi Alba has revealed that Chelsea were interested in signing him during the summer of 2012, shortly after the Blues won their first Champions League title.
At the time, Chelsea were among the most attractive destinations in European football, having just conquered Europe under Roberto Di Matteo.
The club’s success helped convince several top players to consider moves to Stamford Bridge, with Eden Hazard famously choosing Chelsea that summer. However, Alba was one player who slipped through their grasp.
Speaking in a recent interview, the retired left-back admitted that Chelsea made a serious attempt to sign him while he was still playing for Valencia.
Despite the financial appeal of a move to the Premier League, Alba’s heart was set on joining Barcelona.
He explained that although Valencia could have earned more money from a sale to Chelsea, his personal priority was always Barcelona.
Having come through the Catalan club’s youth system before establishing himself at Valencia, the opportunity to return to Camp Nou was one he could not turn down.
Barcelona eventually completed the transfer for around £11 million, a fee that would prove to be one of the bargains of the decade.
Alba went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Over more than a decade at Barcelona, Alba won six La Liga titles, a Champions League trophy, multiple domestic cups and numerous other honours.
His partnership with Lionel Messi on the left flank became one of the most effective combinations in European football.
For Chelsea, missing out on Alba remains one of those transfer stories that provoke curiosity about what might have been.
The Spaniard’s pace, attacking quality and ability to provide width would likely have made him a major success in the Premier League.
Interestingly, Chelsea now find themselves facing another potential Barcelona-related situation involving Marc Cucurella.
The Spanish left-back has been linked with a return to La Liga, including speculation surrounding Barcelona’s interest.
Should Cucurella leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea may once again be forced into the market for a new left-back.
