Todd Boehly and his teams are hard at work. Last summer, the American businessman wanted to hit a big one for his first transfer window with the London team. Helped by Thomas Tuchel, who managed the team and recruitment at the same time, the new Chelsea boss had spent around 284 million euros to notably offer himself Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana, Raheem Sterling or Marc Cucurella .
First two turbulent markets
He took out the checkbook again once winter came in order to make alterations within the group then led by Graham Potter. As a result, the residents of Stamford Bridge had spent around 330 million euros to recruit Enzo Fernandez, Malo Gusto (loan to OL) or Mykhailo Mudryk, to name a few. With 614 million euros spent in two transfer deals, the London club broke the bank.
But the idea was to hit hard before managing a little more afterwards and focusing the next transfer window on a major downsizing. A necessity both sporting, since Mauricio Pochettino had far too many players at his disposal, and economic. And the owners have kept their word for the moment by separating from Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kanté (free) or Kepa (loan to Real Madrid).
A degreasing that has already paid off
Sales have brought in just over 250 million euros so far. But a good part did not remain in the coffers of the club since Chelsea welcomed Christopher Nkunku (65 M€), Axel Disasi (45 M€), Nicolas Jackson (37 M€), Lesley Ugochukwu (27 M€), Robert Sanchez (€23m), Ângelo (€15m) and Moises Caicedo (€133m). That’s around €345 million. But this figure could climb since the Blues are advancing on the Romeo Lavia file or even Michael Olise.
Two courted players for whom it will be necessary to put the package. But the owners of Chelsea will have to continue to degrease in order to bail out their coffers. It will be an obligation with or without these additional arrivals. Indeed, the Telegram explains that the Blues have been in FIFA’s crosshairs for a while. They must already compensate for the losses linked to the absence of the Champions League this season (income paid by UEFA, TV rights).
Sales are still required
This represents a hole of around €116 million in the club’s coffers. To make matters worse, the recent purchase of Caicedo does not help the Londoners who are in the crosshairs of UEFA. Although Chelsea have tried to cushion his huge transfer by signing him to an 8-year contract, as was the case for Mudryk this winter (8 and a half year contract), the Blues are not completely out of the woods. . Indeed, the new UEFA regulations, valid if the club is qualified for the European Cup, makes it possible to limit the amortization of large transfers over 5 years. Chelsea will therefore pay much more for Caicedo.
To be in the green, the English will still have to sell several players. THE Telegram names Trevoh Chalobah (Inter) and Conor Gallagher. For its two players, the Blues hope to raise a total of €87 million. But the club coached by Mauricio Pochettino also plans to raise millions thanks to the sale of Romelu Lukaku. Yesterday the Gazzetta dello Sport referred to exchanges with Tottenham. The Italian media also spoke of a price set at 45 M€. In addition to these three players, the Blues also want to get rid of Callum Hudson-Odoi (Fulham), Marc Cucurella (Newcastle, Arsenal on loan), Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr or Lewis Hall (Crystal Palace, loan). That’s another 8 players to fit in this summer. Boehly and his teams have their work cut out for them.
