Andreas Pereira was close to joining Chelsea during his spell at Fulham, according to former Flamengo director Bruno Spindel. 

In an interview with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Spindel revealed that after leaving Brazil and rebuilding his career at Fulham, the midfielder was on the verge of securing a move to Stamford Bridge before an untimely injury halted the transfer.

“When he left [Flamengo], he ended up going to Fulham and then almost went to Chelsea, but he had an injury,” Spindel explained, while recalling how Flamengo had once been close to signing him permanently before financial complications stopped that deal as well.

The injury in question occurred near the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season. Andreas suffered an ankle problem on April 30, 2023, keeping him sidelined at Fulham for about a month, precisely as the transfer window approached. 

The setback not only delayed a potential move to Chelsea but also shaped the next stage of his career. After recovering, Andreas stayed at Fulham for another campaign before finally returning to Brazil, signing with Palmeiras earlier this year.

The revelation adds a new chapter to the player’s story. One that...