Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has stirred controversy by openly criticizing a Premier League club’s decision to sell a now world-class player for just £17 million back in 2019. In a candid interview, Pochettino didn’t hold back:
“They were foolish to let him go for just £17M. Now, he’s the best in the world — at the very top,” he remarked, in a statement that has since gone viral among fans and pundits.
Although he didn’t name the player or the club, speculation is rampant online. Two players being hotly debated are Moussa Diaby and Serge Gnabry.
Moussa Diaby’s Meteoric Rise
Diaby, a French winger, was transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 for £17M. At the time, he was seen as a raw talent who couldn’t break into PSG’s elite squad. Fast forward to 2025, and Diaby has become one of the most explosive and exciting wingers in world football.
His outstanding performances in the Bundesliga earned him a high-profile move to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Since joining, Diaby has been unstoppable — dazzling fans with his speed, skill, and consistent goal contributions. He’s now regarded as one of the most influential players in the league.
Serge Gnabry: The Ultimate Redemption Story
Another possible target of Pochettino’s comments is Serge Gnabry. Formerly at Arsenal, Gnabry’s career seemed to stall during an underwhelming loan spell at West Brom, where he was harshly judged by manager Tony Pulis. But after moving to Germany, first with Werder Bremen and then Bayern Munich, Gnabry exploded onto the global stage.
At Bayern, he’s become a vital player — winning the Champions League and multiple Bundesliga titles, and playing a crucial role for Germany on the international scene. Like Diaby, he was let go early and blossomed elsewhere.
A Pattern of Regret for Premier League Clubs
Pochettino’s critique seems aimed at a broader issue: the Premier League’s tendency to give up on young talent too soon. Instead of developing potential stars, clubs often opt for short-term fixes, only to watch those discarded players become world-beaters elsewhere.
This is not a new issue. High-profile cases like Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah — both released by Chelsea before becoming global icons — continue to haunt top English clubs.
Fans have echoed Pochettino’s sentiments, pointing out the short-sightedness in youth development and recruitment strategies. Clubs like Brighton and Brentford have shown that with patience and smart planning, young players can be nurtured into stars.
The Bigger Picture
Pochettino, who’s coached some of football’s biggest names like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, doesn’t give praise lightly. Whether he was speaking about Diaby, Gnabry, or another breakout star, his message is clear: clubs must stop sacrificing long-term potential for immediate results.
His comments have also been seen as a subtle dig at Chelsea — a club frequently criticized for letting talent slip through the cracks. It’s a reminder that in football, one wrong transfer decision can haunt a team for years.
Ultimately, Pochettino’s warning is a call to action for clubs across Europe: trust your youth, plan long-term, and don’t be too quick to sell. Because today’s rejected youngster might just be tomorrow’s global superstar
