Why Chelsea must avoid signing Joe Hart this summer
Chelsea are lining up Joe Hart as a shock replacement for outbound Thibaut Courtois. The Blues are willing to shell £5m to sign the out-of-favour Manchester City goalkeeper who had a terrible loan season with West Ham United last year.
The England shot-stopper, who was left out of the World Cup squad due to poor form in the past few seasons, will be more than just a risk for Chelsea to take. With Courtois almost certain to leave Stamford Bridge, the Blues need better options in goal to improve their performances next season.
Here’s why moving to Chelsea wouldn’t be a good move for either party involved.
Hart is operating on the lowest confidence level
Joe Hart’s loan to West Ham was labeled as a clever move by the Hammers, as they got a goalkeeper of high pedigree and class. But as it turned out, the 31-year-old couldn’t perform to the level expected of him. He conceded 39 goals in 19 appearances last season, with 4 clear-cut errors leading to a goal.
One might argue that West Ham were poor at defending but the fact that Hart missed some simple saves makes us think differently. His confidence has probably been low since Pep Guardiola left him out of the Manchester City squad upon the Spaniard’s arrival in 2016.
This also dented the morale of the player who was once hailed as “phenomenal” by none other than Lionel Messi, following his stupendous performance against Barcelona. Hence, to sign a goalkeeper who is operating at his lowest confidence won’t be a good move for Chelsea.
Concurrently, this possible move wouldn’t appease Hart one bit. Switching to Stamford Bridge would mean he will be scanned minutely and a single error could lead to the jury being out in West London.
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Verdict
Analyzing the perspectives of both parties, this deal may just prove to be a disaster if and when it goes through. Chelsea, as a club, are ruthless and the intensity might prove to be too much for Hart. Meanwhile, new manager Maurizio Sarri will require a better shot-stopper who can play out from the back as well. To that end, the 31-year-old doesn’t fit the bill.
