Chelsea must sell before they can sign. This is the case, even after the fruitful cash injection from winning the FIFA Club World Cup.
This summer, Chelsea has already had a pretty good summer transfer window. They've brought in the following players:
Player | Signed from |
|---|---|
Jamie Gittens | Borussia Dortmund |
Joao Pedro | Brighton and Hove Albion |
Liam Delap | Ipswich Town |
Estevao | Palmeiras |
Dario Essugo | Sporting CP |
Mamadou Sarr | Strasbourg |
Kendry Paez | Independiente |
This, partnered with the huge list of players returning from loan, leaves Enzo Maresca with a big task on his hand to prioritise which players he wants in which position.
Nevertheless, this won't stop Chelsea. They will still be actively linked to players, even if they could realistically stop signing right now and be content.
Well, those eager Chelsea fans who are waiting for the next big signing may need to pause. For now, at least.
Chelsea must sell before they can buy
According to a report from Simon Johnson of The Athletic, Chelsea's next transfer requirement after winning the Club World Cup is to sell players.
Sure, the cash injection after winning the Club World Cup will be welcomed at Chelsea, but what fans must remember is that the prize money will be taxed. Chelsea is in a good financial position right now, but any future additions may be postponed until player sales occur.
Right now, Chelsea has an inflated squad. There's no tangible way that Enzo Maresca can give every current player adequate playing time, so outgoings must be made before incomings. We've seen this film before.
So, who will Chelsea sell?
Well, the options are pretty endless, if we're being honest.
Of the players to return from loan spells - Joao Felix, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Lesley Ugochukwu, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja and Alfie Gilchrist - Chelsea would like permanent sales, rather than further loan spells.
Again, Chelsea would prefer a straight sale for Carney Chukwuemeka, wanted by Borussia Dortmund, rather than a loan.
Raheem Sterling is surplus to requirements, so he will be on the chopping board alongside Christopher Nkunku, who could be a big-money sale due to Bayern Munich interest.
Lastly, Chelsea could sell Ishe Samuels-Smith to Strasbourg, whereas the Ligue 1 side also eye loan deals for Kendry Paez, Aaron Anselmino, and Mike Penders.
Phew. There's a lot going on at Chelsea right now, isn't there? It's almost hard to keep up.
The main takeaway is that until Chelsea ships some players out, fans shouldn't expect many more deals to happen. The priority right now is outgoings.