Chelsea has been linked and fans have asked for several reinforcements in January. But the Blues are limited because of their non-homegrown numbers.
It is that special time of year where everyone is making their wish list and checking it twice. No, not for Christmas (well, that too), but for the transfer market.
“I want a Mauro Icardi and an Isco and a Christian Pulisic and an Elseid Hysaj and a Daniele Rugani Santa!” Well slow down there because that is practically impossible even before looking at the homegrown numbers.
See, Chelsea currently has 17 of their allotted 17 non-homegrown players. So, simply put, if the Blues buy a single non-homegrown player, someone is going to have to make way. And that is why the market is very tight for Chelsea.
There is a small sliver of hope in the form of Lucas Piazon. The Brazilian has been around Chelsea forever but he actually does not count as homegrown. He is named to the roster so right now he is taking one of those coveted non-homegrown spots. He is basically a freebie. If Chelsea brings someone in, they can simply not name Piazon to the roster and it would not hurt anyone but Piazon.
After that though, any non-homegrown brought in will mean someone has to go out. Few non-homegrown players currently in the squad have been linked to moves away so it would be difficult to foresee that changing anytime soon. Rumors to spring up quickly in January though so it is possible.
Furthermore, Chelsea is looking at the potential of several homegrown players leaving. It is not as simple as naming under 21 players to those spots, because the non-homegrown number is still stuck on 17. So if a Gary Cahill goes, Ethan Ampadu could be officially named to the roster (though he still does not have to be because of his age), but it does not help the non-homegrown situation.
That is why, on paper, the Callum Wilson rumor makes sense even if the price is high. He can reinforce the squad while not upsetting the balance of non-homegrowns. But bring in an Icardi? Then Piazon goes off the roster. Bring in Icardi and Isco? Then the club has to decide what non-homegrown player is expendable.
January has rarely been busy for Chelsea in recent seasons anyways, but the homegrown quotas are worth keeping in mind when discussing wish lists. And if Chelsea is looking at the prospect of a transfer ban and the homegrown numbers becoming more strict, the club will be squeezed very quickly.
Also, even if some of the current want away homegrowns stay through January, they are all almost certain to leave in the summer. The loan army could fill in for some of those spots, but the market can only fill in with similar homegrown players. Not exactly the ideal scenario.
So while putting together a personal transfer wish list, stay aware that Chelsea can get one freebie non-homegrown player (at the expense of Piazon). Anything after that requires someone to go into the out column. And with few rumors of non-homegrown players leaving, do not expect a big splurge for Icardi, Pulisic, Isco, Rugani, and Hysaj. Pick one at most and move on.