Do Chelsea really need Sneijder?

Following Jose Mourinho’s reappointment as manager of Chelsea, rumours are rife over a host of players that the Portuguese coach will look to bring to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are certain to bolster their squad this summer, but one surprising name reportedly on Mourinho’s hitlist is Wesley Sneijder.

A new striker is surely on Chelsea’s wishlist, as Fernando Torres could leave Stamford Bridge this summer. The likes of Hulk and Edinson Cavani are constantly linked to the Blues, and this is understandable. A central defender would also be a sensible purchase, given that John Terry’s future is up in the air, while Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz are happier playing in other positions.

Sneijder did play a significant role in helping Mourinho’s Inter team to the Champions League crown in 2009-10, and the pair are said to have a good relationship. That said, surely with the likes of Oscar, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata in the west London club’s squad, another playmaker is the last thing the Blues need?

Sneijder’s purchase would be a surprising one given that he only moved to Galatasaray at the turn of the year. The Netherlands international certainly is a class act, but he has failed to show the kind of quality of late that Mourinho was accustomed to during their time together in Milan.

There is an argument that Sneijder could play as one of the two holding midfielders in the current 4-2-3-1 system, and look to use the ball from deep. Mourinho likes to play players of experience and that he knows, and Sneijder still has the ability to play at the highest level, if on form.

However, given Chelsea’s deficiencies in other areas, Mourinho’s initial transfer focus should not be on Sneijder. Despite the amount of money that Chelsea are likely to give Mourinho to spend, it could be used more wisely than in bringing in another playmaker – which is the main strength of the current squad.