Ranking the greatest Chelsea transfer windows after Kai Havertz signs
Chelsea have been making mega movements in the transfer window, but where does this current crop rank against the Blues’ best in Premier League history?
It has been a Hollywood blockbuster of a transfer window for Chelsea, as A-listers insist on working with the hottest project in town.
The Blues have previous of enticing the global superstars to the Stamford Bridge directors studio. Below is the club’s best award-winning ensemble of signings and how the most recent market fairs with those of the fabled past.
5. 2012/2013
This makes the list for two main reasons: Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta.
2012/13 was not quiet in the slightest for Chelsea. Finishing third in the league, reaching two semi-finals in the domestic cups and becoming Europa League champions, all under the umbrella of two different managers.
In comparison, their transfers were not entirely reflective of the craziness that was about to ensue. Demba Ba from Newcastle sounded promising, especially after the forward had netted 29 goals in 58 appearances on Tyneside. Unfortunately, he only scored 14 goals in nearly as many games, his most famous perhaps at the expensive of the Steven Gerrard slip.
Wigan Athletic’s Victor Moses may have fallen under the radar, and the fact he was sent out on loan three times made the signing even more underwhelming. However, his impact for Antonio Conte in 2016/17 was terrific as he adapted to the wingback role, therefore in hindsight, it was a shrewd bit of business.
Additionally, Oscar’s offering came further down the line in two Premier League triumphs. His eventual move to China may have come as a shock to fans of the Brazilian, as his potential was perhaps only just peaking.
Nothing quite compares to contributions of Hazard and Azpilicueta however. Over the following years, the Belgian would dazzle and delight, whilst the Spaniard would slowly grow into the Chelsea’s most dependable player. Hazard’s individual awards and stats speak for themselves and Azpilicueta is nothing short of the true professional. The Blues owe a great deal to the pair that cost them just short of £40 million.