Under the Todd Boehly reign spanning 15 months, Chelsea FC has expended a staggering $1.04 billion+ to secure the services of 24 players. Astonishingly, this expenditure surpasses the cumulative spending of the entire Spanish league on player acquisitions.
The outcomes of these transfers have varied widely for the Blues – while a few signings exhibit remarkable potential, some have failed to meet expectations significantly. Furthermore, a couple of acquisitions are yet to make their official debut for CFC. Below is a ranking of all these signings:
Ranking all Chelsea signings under Todd Boehly’s ownership
24. Angelo Gabriel ($16.4 million)
Despite not yet having made an appearance for the London club, the young Brazilian player has showcased flashes of genuine talent during his stint at Santos. He has been loaned to Ligue 1 club Strasbourg for the season. His displays with Strasbourg and Chelsea’s roster needs in the upcoming season will determine his immediate future with the West London club.
23. Gabriel Slonina ($10 million)
Recruited from MLS outfit Chicago Fire, Slonina unquestionably represents a prospect for CFC’s future endeavors. Following his transition to England, the USA international has been actively participating in Chelsea’s Under-21 team, competing in Premier League 2 matches. While he’s yet to make his inaugural appearance for the senior squad, reports suggest that the ownership has been genuinely impressed by his strong work ethic. They harbor the belief that this 19-year-old goalkeeper possesses the potential to ascend to the coveted role of the club’s premier goalkeeper in the years ahead.
22. Andrey Santos ($13.7 million)
Showing immense promise at just 19 years old, the Brazilian midfielder is being touted for a significant role in Chelsea’s future. Although it’s still early in his journey, indications suggest he might be granted valuable game time and the opportunity to make an impression throughout this season.
21. Lesley Ugochukwu ($30 million)
He was granted just a brief appearance in midfield, playing a mere couple of minutes against Liverpool. With the presence of Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Enzo Fernandez contending for positions, his opportunities on the field could be restricted. As a result, the prospect of a loan move might be under consideration for him.
20. David Datro Fofana ($13.1 million)
In the January transfer window, The Blues managed to secure the services of Fofana from Molde FK, fending off competition from Brighton, in a $13.1 million deal. Notwithstanding Chelsea’s difficulties in scoring goals, the striker received only 112 minutes of playing time for the first team in the latter half of the 2022/23 season, mainly featuring for the under-21 side. However, the 20-year-old, who holds legend Didier Drogba as his role model, remains a promising talent with untapped potential. A loan move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin could offer him valuable experience and development opportunities.
19. Robert Sanchez ($25 million)
Despite being only 25 years old, there remains ample room for improvement in his career. As Kepa Arrizabalaga has moved to Real Madrid, this season will hold significant importance for the Spaniard. Considering the Blues’ improbable pursuit of another goalkeeper this transfer window, Sanchez is poised to assume the role of the West Londoners’ primary goalkeeper for the upcoming season.
18. Denis Zakaria ($3.3 million loan)
During his year-long loan spell from Juventus to Chelsea, the defensive midfielder’s contributions amounted to a mere 11 matches and a solitary goal. However, his inability to secure a permanent deal led him to subsequently join Monaco. This signing left many perplexed, as CFC already possessed a surplus of midfield options.
17. Marc Cucurella ($71.5 million)
Once hailed as a standout rising star upon his transition from Getafe to Brighton, the Spanish wing-back garnered significant acclaim. However, a series of notable blunders on the big stage coupled with a lack of substantial offensive prowess has resulted in Ben Chilwell reclaiming the left-back spot. Cucurella appears to be a mere echo of his former self during his stint at Brighton.
16. Joao Felix ($12 million loan)
Struggling to solidify his position at Atletico Madrid, Felix opted for a loan move to SW6, where he displayed remarkable skill but a certain lack of finesse when it came to finishing. Accumulating four goals across 20 matches, his contributions fell short of persuading the Blues to secure a permanent transfer. Despite the Portuguese player expressing his fondness for his stint at Chelsea.
15. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ($13.1 million)
Chelsea signing Arsenal legend Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang, a mere year after he arrived at Barcelona, remained a subject of controversy upon its occurrence and continues to be just as perplexing today. The striker struggled in front of the goal, managing only three goals across 21 matches, leading to his subsequent transfer to Olympique Marseille.
14. Kalidou Koulibaly ($41.6 million)
CFC secured the services of Serie A’s premier center-back, Kalidou Koulibaly, from Napoli. Despite donning the iconic number 26 jersey once worn by the legendary John Terry, Koulibaly struggled to string together a consistent series of strong performances during his time at Stamford Bridge. Ultimately, after a single year, Chelsea opted to part ways with him as part of their efforts to trim down an overpopulated squad.
13. Romeo Lavia ($67.4 million)
The midfield reconstruction at SW6 has reached its culmination with the acquisition of Romeo Lavia. Chelsea FC has once again managed to entice a midfielder away from Liverpool FC. With Fernandez (22), Caicedo (21), and Lavia (19) in their ranks, Chelsea boasts a youthful midfield trifecta, all under the age of 23.
The potential for a sustained midfield dynamic lies in the cohesion of this trio, contingent upon their collective performance and sustained fitness. In his short stint at Southampton spanning only a year, the Belgian midfielder garnered significant attention due to his impressive displays.
12. Mykhailo Mudryk ($76.6 million)
Following the tumultuous uncertainty of a prospective transfer to Arsenal, Mudryk ultimately opted for Chelsea. The Ukrainian winger showed glimpses of his speed and talent in the USA tour, and with the number 10 on his back, he has massive expectations to fulfill. So far, he has only two assists to his name, and will hope to add more goals and assists to his game.
11. Noni Madueke ($38.3 million)
Madueke has undeniably emerged as a potent force for Chelsea following his transfer from PSV. The England under-21 standout possesses a wealth of talent, as demonstrated by his superb goal against Arsenal towards the end of the previous season. Throughout his limited game time, he has showcased his skills on the wing. He will aspire to secure substantial playing time in the upcoming season.
10. Raheem Sterling ($61.5 million)
Despite arriving at Stamford Bridge with an impressive collection of trophies earned during his time at Manchester City, Sterling’s performance has yet to match the high expectations. His role as a senior figure to lead the club hasn’t fully materialized. While his talent is undeniable, his record of nine goals and four assists in 39 games doesn’t instill a great deal of confidence. However, Sterling showcased a noteworthy display against Liverpool, offering a glimpse of what Blues fans anticipate from him moving forward.
9. Carney Chukwuemeka ($19.7 million)
The attacking midfielder has swiftly exhibited significant potential following his transition from Aston Villa, and his prospects for increased playing time seem to have grown with Christopher Nkunku sidelined for several months. Although it’s premature to make definitive judgments, the early indicators are optimistic – provided he can maintain his position within the team.
8. Wesley Fofana ($88 million)
A scathing evaluation awaits the defender who has faced a grueling period since his extravagant transfer from Leicester City. At the tender age of 22, he has battled through nearly two entire seasons marred by persistent injuries. Nonetheless, in the sporadic matches he has participated in, the performances have been promising.
7. Benoit Badiashile ($41.6 million)
Displaying promise at just 22 years old, the French center-back has left a positive mark in his brief appearances for the club. However, persistent injuries have hindered his progression into a consistent member of the starting lineup. Remarkably, Chelsea suffered only two defeats in the 11 matches where Badiashile was included from the outset. The Chelsea faithful have demonstrated their affection for the defender through a resounding chant: “Todd Boehly went to France in a Lamborghini and brought us a center back, Benoit Badiashile.”
6. Axel Disasi ($50 million)
Amidst Wesley Fofana’s extended absence, Benoit Badiashile’s battle with injuries, and Thiago Silva contending with the constraints of age, Axel Disasi is poised to find himself frequently included in the starting lineup. This proposition is underscored by Mauricio Pochettino’s initial choice to entrust him in the inaugural match against Liverpool. Disasi validated the manager’s confidence by securing an equalizing goal during his debut.
5. Malo Gusto ($32.8 million)
As the Blues prepared to bid farewell to club legend Cesar Azpilicueta, they opted to bring in Malo Gusto as his successor. The newcomer’s performances in pre-season, coupled with his appearance as a substitute against Liverpool have proven to be dependable. With Reece James reportedly sidelined due to another injury, fans can anticipate Gusto occupying the right-back position more frequently.
4. Nicolas Jackson ($40 million)
The young striker faces a substantial challenge as he steps into a role that demands shouldering the responsibility of leading the front line and delivering goals for Chelsea. Having arrived at Stamford Bridge for a notable fee of $40 million, the Nigerian forward showcased his prowess during the pre-season matches with good build-up play and finishing, aiming to seamlessly transition his pre-season performance into competitive fixtures.
3. Christopher Nkunku ($65.7 million)
RB Leipzig’s key player, Nkunku, inked a deal with the Blues in 2022, with his arrival scheduled for the conclusion of the season in June 2023. During his short tenure in the pre-season, Nkunku managed to find the net thrice in four appearances for Chelsea. Despite a knee injury that requires surgery and a projected recovery period of at least three months, the Frenchman left a positive impression during the friendly matches, validating his potential as a worthwhile investment. Upon his return from injury, Nkunku is expected to slot into the number 10 position, operating behind Jackson.
2. Moises Caicedo ($146.1 million)
Following a topsy-turvy transfer saga, the Ecuadorian midfielder ultimately realized his dream move to Chelsea FC, which marked him as the second most expensive signing in the club’s history. While he’s yet to make his debut for the West London outfit, his statistics from the previous season shed light on the reason behind the club’s substantial investment of over $100 million in the 21-year-old. His noteworthy achievements from the previous season include:
Interceptions: 2nd place with 56
Passes: 7th place with 2,209
Tackles: 2nd place with 100
With impressive numbers like these, it’s clear why he was sought after by Liverpool. He is poised to make an immediate impact upon his arrival. Chelsea fans are undoubtedly harboring high expectations for Caicedo.
1. Enzo Fernandez ($132.5 million)
During the winter transfer window of the 2022/23 season, Chelsea secured the signature of the World Cup winner. Despite interest from clubs across Europe, Fernandez opted to join the Blues and acclimatized swiftly to both the team and the league. Amidst a challenging season where positives were scarce, the Argentine emerged as a consistent performer, exhibiting a willingness to lead the team.
At just 22 years old, he commenced the season with a standout man-of-the-match display against Liverpool in the Premier League’s opening match week. In that encounter, his statistics against Liverpool were as follows:
Completed 100% of take-ons attempted (2/2)
Recorded a 90% pass accuracy (83/92)
Delivered 17 passes into the final third (most)
Executed 10 passes into the opposition box (most)
Wearing the new number 8 jersey at Stamford Bridge, Fernandez exerted control over the game in an advanced position. With the arrival of Caicedo and Lavia, he is poised to enjoy greater creative freedom in advanced roles, combining finesse with tenacity to great effect.