Roy Hodgson says that the “very wealthy group” of Premier League clubs is a “frustration” for those such as Crystal Palace, following the news that Michael Olise had rejected a move to Chelsea in favour of remaining at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea had hoped to complete a deal for the 21-year-old winger, only for him to opt to sign a new four-year deal with the Eagles.
Palace boss Hodgson says he is “delighted” with the news but admits he has been frustrated by the enormous wealth of some clubs making it possible for them to poach players from those without the same resources.
“There’s a very wealthy group at the top of the league who are spending enormous sums of money – hundreds of millions and even pushing up towards billions of pounds,” Hodgson explained.
“When you do get a team like the one that did so well at the end of last year and you see that potential, it’s frustrating to realise that sometimes these clubs are going to come in with their wealth, and even with the prestige and glamour of certain clubs, they’re maybe going to tempt your players away.
“But it is a fact of life, and I think you can only deal with it in the best possible way.”
Chelsea are approaching the £1bn pound mark for transfer fees spent since their new owners took over the club before the start of last season – and have broken the British transfer record again this summer to sign Moises Caicedo from Palace’s rivals Brighton for £115m.
But Hodgson says he told Olise that staying at Palace as oppose to joining many other players in moving to Chelsea would be best for his career.
“It’s the best possible news that we could have,” he said.
“We’ve been concerned, as one is concerned, when a club of Chelsea’s stature start to take an interest in a player and suggest a move to them might be the best bet.
“I’ve always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that at such a young age, his future here is very bright and we can help him move very quickly to another level.
“Of course the decision has been his, and I’m just delighted now.
“I had a long chat with him when the subject first approached. That was a long time ago, in the pre-season after we got back.
“I made it clear how much I enjoy working with him, what respect I have for him as a player and what potential I think he has as a player. In that, of course, I suggested that being at Crystal Palace and playing here would be the best option.
“But I also made it clear that I wasn’t going to put him under unnecessary pressure.”
