Daniel Oyebamiji’s Chelsea post-transfer window predictions

We can now breathe after a pulsating summer transfer window. This was an absurd period where several high-profile players were rumoured to be either leaving their clubs or eventually did find new homes. Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe, just to name a few, were all subject to either bids or serious interest from other clubs. On the other hand, several high-profile players did ultimately leave their clubs. Cristiano Ronaldo left Juventus and joined Manchester United, Lionel Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain and Romelu Lukaku returned home to Chelsea after departing Inter Milan.

This transfer window will definitely be one that is remembered for years to come for its volatility and unpredictability. Now that it has closed though, this is a good opportunity to assess the Blues’ window and what could potentially occur this season. The west London club was involved in a lot of transfers, a majority outgoings with very specific incomings. Supporters saw Kurt Zouma join West Ham and Fikayo Tomori join AC Milan on permanent deals, just to touch on the high profile departures. There were also a number of loan deals for the likes of Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater, Billy Gilmour and Conor Gallagher.

Marina Granovskaia can be credited for her thorough approach to Chelsea’s window. In addition to the outgoings there were very specific imports brought in. Lukaku was signed by Chelsea earlier in the summer for a club record fee. Further, on the final day of the window, Saul Niguez joined the Blues from Atletico Madrid on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, which many have regarded as fantastic business.

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Taking this into consideration, the window closing presents itself as the best opportunity to assess the Chelsea squad and its ability to compete on all fronts in the 2021/22 season.

Projected Premier League finish: First (Fourth in 2020/21)

Chelsea can be viewed as serious title favourites due to the additions of Lukaku and Saul. There was a lot of disappointment amongst Blues fans following the failure to capture Jules Kounde. However, the argument can be made that he was never a priority signing. Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Andreas Christensen, Reece James, Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva make up a title contender’s centerback core and Chelsea is more than equipped at the position as things stand. In Lukaku, the Blues have appeared to address their goalscoring issue of last year and in Saul, Chelsea has addressed its depth concerns at the No. 6 position. Two major additions to a squad that just won the UEFA Super Cup last month and is the current holder of the Champions League. Tuchel has built his team that is difficult to beat. The goal now is returning to the summit of the English football, a feat last achieved by Chelsea under Antonio Conte in 2017.

Projected Champions League finish: Semifinalists (Winners in 2020/21)

Chelsea has absolutely no pressure on it to win the Champions League and that could work in its favor. Quite frankly, there are teams with massive expectations to win this tournament this year and that aids the Blues in being underdogs again, despite being the holders. Chelsea’s Champions League win last year was quite convincing. The Blues were statistically the best defensive team the tournament has seen with the number of clean sheets, as well as the number of goals conceded. This year, Paris Saint-Germain with Messi—amongst other marquee signings—has major expectations to win the competition. Manchester City will want to avenge its loss and win their maiden UCL trophy having reached the final last year. Further, after adding arguably the competition’s greatest ever player, Manchester United will have high ambitions as well. A good campaign for Chelsea is a deep run into the knockouts, which is more than possible.

Projected FA Cup finish: Fifth round (Finalists in 2020/21)

Chelsea will compete on all fronts this season and be very competitive as it has the squad to do so. However, there are roadblocks. The Africa Cup of Nations will see Edouard Mendy be away for a month. In addition, the amount of games the Blues will have to play in the Club World Cup, the progress in one competition will suffer and the FA Cup seems like the one that could see Chelsea potentially lose to one of its closest big six rivals.

Projected Carabao Cup finish: Winners (Third round in 2020/21)

The Carabao Cup is never a trophy that defines the tenure of a Chelsea manager; however, it is still a good trophy to win nonetheless. Man City has had a strong hold over that title in recent years, but Chelsea could pose a big threat to the holders. Since Tuchel’s arrival in SW6, he has faced Pep Guardiola three times and been victorious on each occasion. The Blues are very strong favourites for this trophy due to the strength of their squad. Another title for this crop of players is a confidence booster for sure. It should not come as a surprise if the German gaffer fields strong teams in each round as he sets his sights on bringing more silverware to Stamford Bridge.

What do you think of the predictions? Let us know in the comments or on Daniel’s Twitter!