The transfer window has now slammed shut and with Chelsea being one of the busiest clubs, it only seems right to grade their incoming transactions.
Although deadline day hasn’t been as exciting as in year’s past for Chelsea fans, the window itself—in its entirety—was a thrill ride. The Blues were one of the busiest clubs in the world, making seven additions to their first team and even adding Xavier Mbuyamba to the developmental side. Frank Lampard’s new look squad offloaded some veterans and replaced them with young superstars. Still, the Blues have been slow off the blocks.
Regardless, big things lie ahead. Not all seven additions have featured yet and even then, they need time to adjust to a new league and team. Chelsea is looking to conquer Europe over the next few years and some of these additions are undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Without further adieu, here is the grade for each Blues addition, high school report card style:
1. Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech is the only expected first team player not to debut for the Blues yet this season (Malang Sarr has always anticipated a loan move). Even though the Moroccan is receiving the least attention of the bunch, he could be the most impactful when things are said and done. While many view he and Christian Pulisic as the duo to pick up where Eden Hazard left off, a player like the Moroccan Magician has been missing for quite some time around Stamford Bridge. Arjen Robben was the last elite left-footed winger to put on the Chelsea blue, Ziyech hopes to join that conversation going forward.
As the English top flight develops as a league, teams like Burnley have made a habit of sitting back and absorbing pressure with defensive discipline in order to get results. This has worked for a number of clubs—even earning Burnley, Sheffield United and others top half finishes over the years—and has become quite commonplace. Due to this trend, each big six team needs to have a player or players capable of breaking down compact defenses. The lack of an individual with this skillset in the SW6 has seen Chelsea struggle since the Antonio Conte era with the Premier League’s worst—most notably Bournemouth, West Ham and Watford. However, Ziyech puts an end to that drought.
Ziyech isn’t called The Magician for nothing. He’s one of the most creative players in all of Europe and he brings with him an incredible passing ability, unmatched vision and a silky smooth touch. Further, at 27, the new signing is at the height of his career and adds much needed experience to the young squad. Despite being rather under-appreciated by the fanbase, this acquisition may turn out to be the Blues’ best.
Grade: A+
2. Timo Werner
Diego Costa’s row with Conte back in 2017 proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of any potential dynasty following the miraculous title win. Ever since the former manager sent that infamous message to the striker, the Blues have been without a lethal finisher. Michy Batshuayi tried and failed. Alvaro Morata tried and failed. Tammy Abraham tried and didn’t fall flat on his face, but he’s still got a lot more maturing to do on the pitch. The now 23-year-old went on a massive scoring drought to end last season. Alas, he remained the Blues’ top scorer in his first season wearing the No. 9 shirt. Regardless, Chelsea’s history with striker failure runs deep; enter Werner.
Werner was subject of some intense flirtation from Liverpool and other top clubs across Europe after a breathtaking season with RB Leipzig. In the end, the Coronavirus’ economic impact on the footballing world priced other interested suitors, so Chelsea happily swooped in and paid his release clause.
Although he’s been tossed around and played all across the front line thus far this season, his goal against Spurs showed just what he can do. Once the team gets fully healthy and in the swing of things, he’ll prove his worth within a matter of matches. Werner has built a reputation of being one of Europe’s most prolific young goalscorers. The 24-year-old will lead the Blues’ line with authority, making lethal runs in behind any Premier League defense. In addition, he brings with him plenty of experience on the grandest of stages.
When taking a step back to look at things, Chelsea got one of the world’s best—and most versatile—forwards for a fraction of his true value. £47 million for the German is the embodiment of highway robbery, especially for an individual as talented of his caliber. The Blues have their man and are finally looking to break their striker curse once and for all.
Grade: A-
3. Malang Sarr
This move reeks of those free agent moves one makes in FIFA’s Career Mode to solely add squad depth because all of your money is being spent elsewhere. That’s not an indictment of Sarr, per say, but it’s not exactly an enthralling move. Sarr’s best chance of playing with the first team this season was the fact it took Chelsea so long to find him a suitable loan move. From the moment the 21-year-old was signed, it was announced he’d spend this season in other colors, furthering his development.
Overall, Sarr is a very intriguing prospect. The Frenchman signed a five-year deal with the Blues this summer after spending 15 years at Nice, his local club. Sarr made his senior debut in 2016 and has already made over 100 appearances in Ligue 1. He’s been touted as the next up and coming centerback out of France and has earned praise from all across Europe. All of this makes one wonder why Nice let his contract run out. That is for the French club to know, but for Blues fans to celebrate.
In terms of the deal itself, the biggest positive is the fact it was a free transfer. The Blues didn’t have to pay a dime, and won’t for at least another year. In fact, they profited as Porto will cover his wages in their entirety and pay Chelsea a €2 million loan fee. The downside is Sarr won’t strengthen Lampard’s side at all this season. He’s everything the west London club needed in a centerback—left-footed, technical, smart and experienced—the youngster just doesn’t look ready for the bright lights of the Premier League quite yet.
As far as deals this summer go, this is “the worst” of the bunch. However, you know it’s been a fantastic window when a promising young centerback on a free transfer is your “worst” move. Sarr may be a star in the future for Chelsea and if not, he’ll likely turn a decent profit. Either way, a great piece of business by the board, just not necessarily what the doctor ordered at this moment in time.
Grade: C+
4. Ben Chilwell
Left back was Chelsea’s biggest area of concern and has been for quite some time. Conte knew it, Maurizio Sarri knew it and Lampard did too. The Blues tried for Juventus’ Alex Sandro on multiple occasions, instead ending up with Emerson to pair with Marcos Alonso. Whenever the club strayed away from a wing-back heavy formation, these players merely turned into stop gaps. The defensive flaws of the two Conte signings have already been exposed on numerous occasions this season and the second-year Blues manager was even forced to play club captain Cesar Azpilicueta on the left last year, as well. The Spaniard was decent, returning to his old position, but he ultimately didn’t cut it as the ideal left back choice.
Chelsea had its options this summer, being linked to Chilwell, Alex Telles, Nicolas Tagliafico, Sergio Reguilon and others. Ultimately though, Lampard’s No. 1 choice was always the Englishman; and it’s easy to see why after just a few games in a Blues kit. Given Alonso’s abysmal performance—and off-field antics—at The Hawthorns and Emerson’s costly error vs. Spurs, supporters have been given a breath of fresh air with Chilwell. The 23-year-old has racked up a few assists across all competitions and even scored in his full Premier League debut. Things are only up from here as Chilwell regains his fitness.
However, as far as transfers go, this deal has Marina Granovskaia written all over it. Leicester City was originally asking for something in the ballpark of Harry Maguire’s £80 million fee. In the end, the Blues played the waiting game and secured the services of the left back for nearly half of that (£50 million). Chilwell’s acquisition will go a long way in solidifying the back line and his years of Premier League experience cannot be overlooked either. Overall, business cannot get much better for the Blues.
Grade: A+
5. Thiago Silva
It’s no secret Chelsea had defensive problems last season. As supporters debated whether the matter in question was the lack of a competent left back, flustered centerbacks or a keeper lacking confidence, the Blues were working behind the scenes to solve the issues. Chilwell addressed one of the problem areas and as the club found itself knee deep in costly negotiations with Leverkusen for Kai Havertz, it had to act quickly and secure the signature of a centerback.
It turns out, one club’s trash is truly another club’s treasure. Paris Saint-Germain acknowledged it would not re-sign club captain Thiago Silva as his contract neared an end, so it was a no brainer as Chelsea swooped in. Silva doesn’t represent a long-term answer—and there are some questions regarding how well he fits into the defensive style of Lampard’s side—but he still has a lot to offer a youthful squad. One of Lampard’s biggest issues last season was finding a suitable partner for Kurt Zouma. He had three other talented centerbacks at his disposal in Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori, but for whatever reason, nothing seemed to work. Silva alleviates that headache this season.
The former AC Milan, Brazil and PSG captain also brings with him leadership qualities that Chelsea lacks in certain areas. This was put on full display after his mistake against West Brom, which Lampard praised his response to. Silva’s seen and experienced just about everything one professional can—most recently a Champions League final—so bringing him in is certainly justified.
At 36 years old, Silva doesn’t represent the long-term solution to the Blues’ defensive struggles, but he gives Lampard and his staff something money cannot buy: time. Chelsea has let more than a handful of talented players slip through the cracks in recent years, it was not about to release a good, young centerback unless the coaches were absolutely certain they wouldn’t live up to their potential. Signing Silva—especially for free—gives all parties another season to evaluate the options. The concerns of age and stamina are legitimate, but for all intents and purposes, this is a solid deal for the west Londoners.
Grade: B-
6. Kai Havertz
Havertz is one of the most talented young players in the world. On the surface, there are some questionable factors surrounding this deal though. Havertz now represents Chelsea’s most expensive incoming deal in history. The months it took the club to negotiate for his transfer from Leverkusen perhaps resulted in them missing out on players like Declan Rice, as well. Lastly, Havertz was brought in to play a position the Blues didn’t necessarily need to strengthen.
Mason Mount is one of England’s most promising prospects in attacking midfield and with N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, the trio causes nightmares in the middle of the park. Havertz’s transfer means one of the Blues’ attacking talents will often be relegated to the bench in big matches. Those are the “negatives” of this acquisition. However, this is a deal to look at through rose-tinted glasses.
Any time a club is given the opportunity to sign one of the world’s best 21-year-old’s, it should pay first and ask questions later. Thankfully, that’s what Granovskaia and the board did. A great deal of effort was put into bringing the German to Stamford Bridge from the upper echelons of the club down to players like Antonio Rudiger and Werner. After seeing his capabilities, listening to scouts rave and watching him put on a blue shirt, it’s easy to see why.
Sure, the Blues may have not needed an upgrade in attacking midfield in order to succeed this season, but it certainly helps. Havertz’s versatility has already paid dividends this season as he’s gotten play time all over the pitch—most notably as a No. 10, on the right wing and even as a second striker. His eye for goal, relationship with Werner and sumptuous skills will help usher Lampard’s team into a new era. Despite the insane transfer fee, Havertz will more than pay off in the long run.
Grade: A
7. Edouard Mendy
While every Chelsea fan had a preference at who the club signed at goalkeeper, we all had one thing in common: whichever shot-stopper that was brought in would become everyone’s godsend. After a successful season under Sarri, Kepa Arrizabalaga emerged as one of the Premier League’s up and coming stars and the next long-term solution between the sticks at Stamford Bridge. Nobody could have imagined how poorly things would go for the Spaniard in his sophomore campaign, however.
Arrizabalaga broke the kind of records nobody wants their name on. The 26-year-old conceded a whopping 8 percent of Chelsea’s Premier League goals since the league’s inaugural season (1992) in two short years. Supporters called for his head and despite getting chance after chance, he made catastrophic error after catastrophic error. Perhaps it was the expectations that come with being the world’s most expensive keeper or the stress of having two managers in two years who played two different styles. Perhaps Arrizabalaga isn’t as good as once advertised, either. Whatever the case many be, it was evident the Blues needed a change.
The rumors were tossed around regarding Jan Oblak and Gianluigi Donnarumma, but Petr Cech and Lampard honed in on a Senegalese goalkeeper hanging around Cech’s old stomping ground. Rennes’ Mendy became Chelsea’s last signing of the summer to the relief of all involved parties, except for Arrizabalaga—but that goes without saying. Before diving into the transfer itself, Arrizabalaga’s continued professionalism throughout the situation must be noted. For an individual under intense scrutiny, he’s been everything you could ask of a player (in terms of character) and then some.
Despite being two years older than Arrizabalaga, the future of Chelsea rests in Mendy’s massive hands. The Senegal international made the move from Ligue 1 to England’s top flight for £22 million. While the fee isn’t hefty, the expectations aren’t either. Mendy represents a rather inexpensive solution; a low risk, high reward move for the Blues. He’s started his Chelsea career off with a bang by being one little Emerson mistake away from consecutive clean sheets. If he continues down this path, he’ll be one of the most important individuals for Lampard this year.
Grade: B+
What grades would you give each signing? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!