“It’s a fact” – Netherlands player admits injury prevented him from completing a transfer to Chelsea.

Quilindschy Hartman, a 23-year-old defender for Feyenoord and the Netherlands, revealed that a knee injury prevented him from completing a dream move to Chelsea last summer. The injury, sustained in March, derailed his potential transfer to the Premier League, which would have seen him join Chelsea for the 2024/25 season.

Hartman’s rise to prominence came after breaking into Feyenoord’s first team in 2022. His exceptional performances helped secure Feyenoord’s first Eredivisie title in six years. He continued his fine form the following season, contributing to their Dutch Cup win. His talent caught the eye of top European clubs, including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea, with Chelsea reportedly leading the race for his signature.

Unfortunately, the serious knee injury kept him out for the remainder of the season and ruled him out of the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign. Reflecting on the setback, Hartman told Voetbal Primeur: “It’s true that Chelsea wanted me, but it didn’t happen because of my knee injury. It’s disappointing emotionally, as Chelsea would have been the right fit for me, but I’m not losing sleep over it. Playing for Feyenoord is never a punishment.”

Hartman made his return to action earlier this month, coming on as a substitute during Feyenoord’s 2-1 loss to Ajax. The club is being cautious with his recovery, and he has yet to play a full 90 minutes.

During his recovery, Hartman closely followed the Premier League, particularly Liverpool, where his former Feyenoord manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff are now working. He fondly recalled his time under Hulshoff, who treated everyone equally, from youth players to top professionals like Virgil van Dijk, which Hartman greatly appreciated.