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Ranking the greatest Chelsea transfer windows after Kai Havertz signs

By Nathaniel Kay

TALLINN, ESTONIA - OCTOBER 13: Kai Havertz of Germany in action during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Estonia and Germany on October 13, 2019 in Tallinn, Estonia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/MB Media/Getty Images)
TALLINN, ESTONIA - OCTOBER 13: Kai Havertz of Germany in action during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Estonia and Germany on October 13, 2019 in Tallinn, Estonia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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MONACO – APRIL 20: Fernando Morientes of Monaco is tackled by Claude Makelele of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between AS Monaco and Chelsea at Louis II Stadium on April 20, 2004 in Monaco. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MONACO – APRIL 20: Fernando Morientes of Monaco is tackled by Claude Makelele of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between AS Monaco and Chelsea at Louis II Stadium on April 20, 2004 in Monaco. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

4. 2003/2004

Although the riches and rewards would tumble in after the next installment of Chelsea’s conquest across the decade, their journey began in 2003 thanks to the arrival and investment of Roman Abramovich. This Russian billionaire brought his riches to South West London in the hope he could transform the landscape of the land.

And so, he embarked on his mission, using Claudio Ranieri as his puppet to attract players. Hernan Crespo was easily the most lucrative in terms of cost and status, but never truly settled at the Bridge despite winning the league in 2005/06.

Juan Veron was another who had built a reputation in Italy, yet failed to deliver in England and, like Crespo, was eventually sold to Inter Milan after failing to deliver his potential. Fullback pairing Glen Johnson and Wayne Bridge joined from West Ham and Southampton respectively and their roles mainly as understudies over the coming seasons cannot be overlooked. Damien Duff also left a Premier League rival (Blackburn) to become a Blue. His partnership with Arjen Robben was one of the standout features under Jose Mourinho, ensuring the Irishman’s legacy as a Chelsea fan favorite.

Perhaps the two most significant signings were Joe Cole and Claude Makelele. Cole made the short trip across the capital from West Ham, whereas Makelele swapped from the sun of Spain and Real Madrid. The latter would become that essential, he had a whole position named after him. Cole meanwhile would become one of England’s most mercurial talents, victim to his own success as he rarely received the recognition he deserved.

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