This summer, one of the issues that Chelsea faced was with their transfer budget. That is almost unbelievable when you consider how freely the Blues have spent since the change in ownership. That being said, all clubs have to work under some financial rules, and the Stamford Bridge outfit were fined by UEFA for breaching some of them not too long ago.
One would imagine that that is the reason why they did not end up signing Xavi Simons despite being linked with him for months. Or why they were not able to bring in a quality striker despite sanctioning the exits of both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, instead relying on bringing back Marc Guiu by cutting short his loan stint at Sunderland.
A lot of these problems might have been solved if Chelsea had had some consistent sponsors in place. That is a problem that has followed them under the new ownership.
Fortunately, there is some positive news in that regard. As reported by The Athletic, Chelsea have agreed a shirt sleeve sponsorship deal with FPT Corporation. It is going to be worth £17-18million to the club this season.
Chelsea agree £17-18m deal in major boost for the club
That will help Chelsea for sure. That is one of the best sleeve sponsorship deals in world football. But once again, it is not a long-term solution. It is only for the rest of the season.
Unfortunately, Chelsea have only been able to agree on these short-term deals under this new ownership. Whether it be with Infinite Athlete for the 23/24 campaign, the few months-long Damac deal towards the end of the previous campaign or more than one sleeve sponsorship deal.
At least it does take the club a step in the right direction though. And one can only hope that the front-of-shirt sponsorship deal is not far away from being agreed.