Wayne Rooney Could Have Been a Chelsea Player — But Fate Had Other Plans

Wayne Rooney Could Have Been a Chelsea Player — But Fate Had Other Plans

Wayne Rooney will go down as one of the best to play for Manchester United, but he could have ended up at Chelsea.

In the same way that Estevao Willian has taken the Premier League by storm as a teenager, Rooney was doing things at Everton that caught the attention of all the top sides. That naturally includes Chelsea, who were eyeing the Englishman before he made the switch to Old Trafford.

Also Read

Chelsea vs Arsenal VAR Debate: Offside Controversy Explained by Rules Expert

January 15, 2026

Chelsea Recall Teddy Sharman-Lowe Amid Goalkeeper Concerns

January 15, 2026

Chelsea vs Arsenal Preview: EFL Cup Semi-Final First Leg Predictions

January 11, 2026

Liam Rosenior Enjoys Dream Chelsea Debut as Blues Thrash Charlton 5-1

January 10, 2026

Rooney has recently discussed the Blues’ interest in him, and what they would have done if he said yes to a Stamford Bridge move.

Wayne Rooney shares Chelsea’s loan plan for him

Rooney would go on to become one of the Premier League’s finest, but at the time when he was plying his trade at Everton, he was simply a highly promising youngster.

It’s no surprise then to hear that Chelsea were pursuing his signature back in 2004. The Chelsea from 20 years ago was just as keen on young talent as the modern era.

Appearing on NBC Sports, Rooney recalled:

“Everton wanted to sell me to Chelsea, and then Chelsea wanted to send me on loan to Middlesbrough, but I had no intention of signing for Chelsea.”

What a signing that would have been for a Chelsea side on the verge of something great.

@nbcsports Imagine if Wayne Rooney had signed for Newcastle instead of Man United… 💭 #soccer #premierleague #manunited #rooney #newcastle ♬ original sound – NBC Sports

Chelsea did just fine without Wayne Rooney

As much as it might have been thrilling to see an all-time great like Rooney enter his prime in West London, Chelsea won’t feel too regretful.

The very summer that Rooney made his United move was the summer Jose Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge. As we all know, Mourinho took that side into a period of unprecedented dominance — helped by the striker signed after Rooney’s rejection: Didier Drogba.

Those two players reached similar heights in their careers. In fact, Sam Allardyce has even suggested that Drogba was better than Rooney.

Sure, signing Rooney would’ve been a spectacular moment — but Chelsea didn’t do too badly without him.

Wayne Rooney Could Have Been a Chelsea Player — But Fate Had Other Plans