Feyenoord and Netherlands defender Quilindschy Hartman has opened up about how a serious knee injury cost him a dream move to Chelsea last summer.
The 23-year-old left-back emerged as a rising star after breaking into Feyenoord’s first team in 2022, playing a crucial role in their Eredivisie title-winning campaign.
His impressive performances continued last season, helping the Dutch club lift the KNVB Cup and attracting interest from top European sides, including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea.
Reports suggested that Chelsea were leading the race to sign Hartman, but a devastating knee injury in March derailed the transfer. The setback not only ended his club season but also ruled him out of the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Hartman told Voetbal Primeur: “Chelsea wanted me, but my knee injury changed everything. Of course, it was disappointing emotionally, it would have been a great club for me. But I don’t lose sleep over it. Things happen as they do, and playing for Feyenoord is never a punishment.”
Hartman finally made his long-awaited return to action earlier this month, coming on as a late substitute in Feyenoord’s 2-1 loss to Ajax.
However, the club is taking a cautious approach, yet to give him a full 90-minute game as he eases back into top-flight football.
Despite his injury, Hartman remained invested in the football world, closely following the Premier League particularly Liverpool, where his former coach Arne Slot is now in charge.
“I mainly watch the Premier League now because of Liverpool,” Hartman said. “Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff (Liverpool’s assistant coach) are there.
I played under Sipke for Feyenoord’s Under-21s in front of small crowds. Now I see him walking to the fourth official in massive games. It makes me laugh.”
Hartman also praised Hulshoff’s coaching style: “He treats everyone the same, whether you’re Virgil van Dijk or a youth player. That’s why I respect him so much.”
As Hartman works toward full fitness, it remains to be seen if Chelsea or other European giants will reignite their interest in him when the transfer window reopens.