Chelsea has finally made an appeal on the transfer ban. But all signs point towards it not being about freezing the ban for this summer.
The layman understands registas better than they understand the transfer ban. Or maybe it is the other way around? It really depends on if anyone watched Napoli last season.
As things currently stand, Chelsea is under a transfer ban for this summer and for January. They had not yet appealed because, supposedly, the Blues had to get written reasons for the ban in the first place before they could appeal. Knowing what is to be appealed is a pretty good thing to have before making an appeal after all.
Now, Chelsea has appealed but that is not the same thing as asking for the ban to be frozen. In fact, with the window already opened for nearly a month now, Chelsea is so far behind competitors in the market that there is little reason to look for a freeze.
The point of appealing now is not to get what is left of this window back. The point is mostly about getting the January window back. That would leave Chelsea six months to make do with what they have while also being able to strengthen midseason if some players prove they are not up to snuff.
That makes sense given some of the moves Chelsea has made already. David Luiz’s extension and Willian’s rumored extension both point towards the Blues looking to weather the storm. Players like Mason Mount getting travel visas to go to Japan with the club this summer also hints at the club preparing to take the ban on this summer.
And it makes sense too, even if the ultimate plan is to only survive the next half season without transfers. The Blues hierarchy has been hungry for the academy’s success to translate into first team success. So far, that bridge has yet to be fully made. But a new manager with no transfer reinforcement, assuming it is a manager willing to play youth, could lay the ground work. Then if any pieces look lacking, the Blues can adapt in January provided that part of the ban is removed.
But still, the ban has a lot of moving parts that few people in the world fully grasp. Even the most reliable journalists have been tripping up on the various intricacies of all the ins and outs. Until something official happens, it seems everyone will be two steps behind as they try to understand exactly what is going on.
Cesc Fabregas mentioned that the club needs to be more open with fans and in this scenario he is right. The ban has been rife for misinformation and misinterpretation and it would help for the club to step out and give a brief explanation of what is going on.
But that is unlikely and the club is not required to do that. Worded wrongly, it could even hurt Chelsea’s case. For now, expect no signings in this summer and just hold on until something clear is confirmed.