Sergio Canales wonder goal sparks Chelsea interest

Chris Wright

12th, January 2010

3 Comments

By Chris Wright

Easy as pie-naar

A two goal, match-winning performance by Racing Santander wonderkid Sergio Canales has moved him up a few places on Chelsea’s wanted list. Canales has become big news in La Liga recently after some eye-catching displays, including four goals in his last three games, and his impudent chipped finish against Sevilla has convinced Carlo Ancelotti that the young midfielder has the potential to make it at Stamford Bridge.

Canales would technically be out of contract at Santander in the summer but a clause in his contract will trigger a year-long extension if the midfielder plays 450 minutes this season and the waters are muddied further by the fact that Deportivo La Coruna own half of the player’s rights and are keen to cash in on the 18 year old, whereas his agent is keen for him to continue his football education in Spain.

Chelsea hope to capitalise on the situation by making an offer neither team could refuse, to bring the Spanish starlet to The Bridge in January to avoid any potential confusion in the summer.

Canales is undoubtedly gifted and from what I’ve seen he’d be a joy to watch but I’d have reservations over his ability to cope with the physicality of the Premier League. Even seasoned campaigners like Deco have struggled to fully flourish at Chelsea due to the relentless pace of the game here and the Portuguese playmaker looks postively robust compared to the very slight Spaniard.

I believe the outlay needed to tempt Racing into parting with their most prised asset (sums in excess of £15 million have been mentioned) may turn out to be money wasted on an, as yet, unproven youngster.