On the back of a poor domestic league campaign in 2011-12, which was considerably softened by success on the European stage, Chelsea went about a fresh revolution thanks to Roman Abramovich's seemingly blank chequebook.
In came Eden Hazard, a promising talent who was reportedly sought by a number of top clubs on the continent, alongside Marko Marin, Cesar Azpilicueta, Victor Moses and Brazilian midfielder Oscar - the latter of whom joined on this day three years ago.
The transfer splurge set Chelsea back around £70m, providing a mix of potential prospects and those very much recruited for the here and now, as the Blues embarked on a campaign they hoped would end with similar joy in the Champions League.
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While the signing of Hazard rightly caught the attention, with the player announcing the move via Twitter, it was also the capture of Oscar that excited many supporters. This was, after all, a player who had already earned six senior caps for the Brazil national side at the age of just 20.
Prior to officially linking up with his new teammates, Oscar still had the small matter of the 2012 Olympics to concentrate on - a competition the Brazilians take more seriously than some, despite failing to ever claim gold. With the showpiece sporting event being held in Britain that summer the transition would prove to be smooth, and sure enough the Selecao star soon found his groove upon joining.
After settling into a midfield three alongside Juan Mata and Hazard, Oscar was selected 49 times in all competitions for the Champions League holders, despite not having a break from the sport. In all, the youngster officially played 64 games that term, having previously run out for Internacional in the Brazilian top flight, alongside his national team exploits.
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It was a mixed campaign for Chelsea on the whole; lifting the Europa League title after dropping out of the Champions League early on, while also falling short in the League Cup and FA Cup. Roberto di Matteo, the man who had led the West London outfit all the way in the continent's elite competition the previous campaign, had long since been replaced by Rafael Benitez.
In came Jose Mourinho, a true messiah in these parts, who granted Oscar just as much playing time. Again, the midfielder featured a whopping 58 times in all competitions for club and country, proving his true value to both sides.
Mourinho declared upon arriving that Oscar would indeed be his first-choice option in that number 10 role, with eight goals to show for his more advanced play. Heartbreak was to come at the end of that campaign, though, as Brazil suffered the ultimate humiliation on home soil at the World Cup.
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Oscar featured in all seven of the host nation's fixtures, scoring in the opening match of the competition against Croatia and once more in the 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany. A disappointing summer on the whole, then, but just a glimmer of personal pride for the man who had gone under the radar in many ways due to the performances of teammate Neymar.
While an injury ruled the man who has represented his country at all levels out of this year's Copa America, it was still a memorable season on the whole thanks to his achievements at club level. Chelsea stormed to the Premier League title, with Oscar making 26 appearances in total.
What impressed most, however, was his improved statistics in front of goal. Assists had not been the Sao Paulo product's strong point in his previous years on these shores, but he will be delighted having played a part in 14 goals in the league alone. Mourinho was right to show faith in the talented South American, whose strong tactical understanding makes him more than just a player who helps with attacking moves.
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With fellow Brazilian starlet Nathan now on the scene, alongside another summer recruit in Danilo Pantic, questions have recently been asked about Oscar's longevity at Stamford Bridge. However, just as speculation linking him with Juventus began to pick up, the player himself shot down these rumours.
"My future is in Chelsea," he told Sky Sports News earlier this month. "In the last year I have signed the new contract and I love Chelsea; I want to stay here for a long time."
Far from being content with his showings last time out, Oscar is now targeting further improvement in front of goal should Mourinho - as is looking increasingly likely - stick with the same lineup next term.
If his development to date is anything to go by, with an array of experience already under his belt, then you would not bet against the boy from Americana shining once more.
Daniel Lewis
