Reports: Chelsea signings delayed by new kit unveiling
This is just a bizarre rumour, but in the world of football it is entirely plausible. Chelsea are delaying any transfer announcements until they unveil their new kit.
Chelsea fans have been reading about a number of players who are supposedly close to signing for the club. However, nothing has come of it so far. According to the latest piece of tabloid gossip, this is due to the Blues’ commercial interests. The club want to unveil their new shirt so a new signing can be pictured holding it.
Yep…
The Sun claims that this is the case. Chelsea (and Tottenham) want to maximise the commercial benefits from any new player by ensuring they are snapped alongside a gleaming Nike kit.
"The London sides will not reveal any new transfers until their new jersey’s are shown off on July 1.The pair are believed to want the fresh signings to be holding up the kits when they are announced by the club.By doing so, both Chelsea and Tottenham will increase sale venues as fans snap-up replica memorabilia."
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This is a truly remarkable rumour, but one that gains credibility the more you think about it. The business side of football is absolutely vital for a club like Chelsea. A significant proportion of their money to pay and purchase players stems from the numerous commercial activities.
Hence, you can understand the concern about the timing. The Blues are about to start the first season of an extremely lucrative Nike contract. Both the club and the manufacturer want to get the most out of this partnership and that includes maximising replica shirt sales.
There is no better way to begin than to have a player like Alex Sandro posing next to one a day after it is unveiled. Fans across the globe will inevitably be funnelled to retail points to buy their Sandro shirts.
Rumours had suggested that Antonio Conte was growing frustrated by a lack of action in the transfer market. Those have since died down as stories about a July 1st announcement have surfaced. This kit report lends credibility to this.
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What do you think of this story? Can you understand why the club would do such a thing? Let us know in the comments below!