10 Biggest Dodged Bullets In Chelsea Transfer History

3. Marouane Fellaini

This one's so obvious I barely feel the need to write anything, but after signing for Everton for £15 million in 2008, Belgian youngster Marouane Fellaini quickly proved himself quite the man about town with his enormous hair, crunching challenges and frankly terrifying presence in the middle of the field. It seemed that manager David Moyes had picked up a bargain, despite the fee then being the highest in Everton's history. His early years may have been marred by a surfeit of disciplinary issues, casting a shadow over some tremendously authoritative performances, but he soon became a fan favourite and inspired a range of afro wigs for supporters to wear around Goodison. Despite having been signed as a defensive midfielder, Moyes gradually became aware of the player's ability to make a big contribution from an attacking perspective, testing him out as a false nine and in the No.10 role behind the striker. While his temper never went away, with him picking up a ban for violent conduct in late 2012 after headbutting Ryan Shawcross, his name was increasingly being touted around the top clubs, with Chelsea strongly attached following the injuries which led to the decline in health and form of Michael Essien. His move to Manchester United was seemingly sealed from the moment David Moyes was chosen as successor to the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson, but in one of the most mishandled transfers in living memory, Fellaini only officially signed on the last day of the 2013/14 transfer window and for a significantly higher sum than his release clause, which United had inexplicably allowed to expire earlier in the month. In a tumultuous season, Fellaini's dismal performances drew much of the blame for United's struggles and eventual 7th placed finish, leading to Moyes being unceremoniously sacked prior to the end of the season. Perhaps Fellaini would have done better at Chelsea, but most fans will be grateful not to have had to find out.