This summer, as always, Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market. For the coming season, eight new faces have been added to the first team, as well as two that joined and immediately departed on loan to BlueCo’s sister club Strasbourg.
Some of them have already made an impact on the first-team and become nailed-on starters. Others are yet to convince that they are the right fit.
While every player will hopefully get their share of chances before the Blues faithful come to their conclusions, it would not be a successful transfer window news cycle without rankings. Ignoring the loan players, for now, here are the worst-to-best rankings for Chelsea’s newest additions.
Ranking all Chelsea transfers of the 2025 window from worst to best
8. Facundo Buonanotte: CAM (£2 million loan):
By all accounts, the 20-year-old Argentinian midfielder has plenty of talent to produce for a top club. However, without a buy clause, the move appears to be a depth option for the short-term as opposed to a potential starter.
His game reflects a similar brand of football to Cole Palmer, as he is a left-footed attacking midfielder who enjoys dropping into the pockets, often from the right, to push the ball forward and make incisive passes.
While his numbers are not as flashy as Palmer's, just 13 G/A in 71 Premier League matches, he does provide valuable cover for Palmer. At a small fee and the potential to be impactful, there is a use for Buonanotte, but for a player struggling for consistent game time at Brighton, the Blues are unlikely to be the location for his development.
Ranking him as the worst transfer is harsh but he may find it difficult to create valuable game time or impact in the squad this season.
7. Alejandro Garnacho: LW (£40 million fee)
Alejandro Garnacho is a polarising figure. There always seems to be some kind of drama surrounding the Argentine.
Yet, there is no doubt that he is a hyper-talented player who is far from reaching his “peak” age bracket. At just 21 years of age, he has much room to grow and mature from the player we watched last season.
In 144 matches for Manchester United, he contributed to 26 goals and 22 goals all before turning 21, a stat line that would have other clubs doing anything in their power to retain the player. However, Garnacho had to be training alone while he searched for his next club. The question remains, can he be a productive player for Chelsea while avoiding the drama that pushed his Old Trafford exit?
The uncertainty alone is a massive reason why he falls to #7 for the best Chelsea signings of the year. He comes into a fan base who are less inclined to overlook his actions, as any disruption to a very stable locker room could do more damage than his on-field play could contribute.
Additionally, Chelsea already invested heavily in signing Jamie Gittens, who presents a similar raw profile in the same area of the pitch. But his potential is massive and undeniable. If Garnacho hits the ground running, he could become a star and prove to be a bargain at £40 million.
6. Dario Essugo: CDM (£19.5 million fee)
Essugo was a relatively unknown prospect amongst English fans when his transfer was announced in the midst of the 24/25 season but Chelsea supporters quickly warmed to the idea of his profile after watching the conclusion of his season at Las Palmas, on loan from Sporting CP. His physical stature is extremely rare as he combines an elite level of strength and speed that makes him an elite ball winner.
He still has plenty of room to develop on the ball before he can be a key contributor in the DM position, but he was signed to provide cover for Moises Caicedo. The similarity in their playing styles is almost scary.
Overall, he may see limited minutes in the Premier League, but he is much-needed depth with a potential that the club is very excited about. The early injury will not help him though.
5. Jamie Gittens: LW (£50 million fee)
English youngster Jamie Gittens made his return to England from Borussia Dortmund. While he fell out of favour after the appointment of Niko Kovac, the Englishman had attracted the attention of many top clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
Gittens is known for his dribbling and directness at goal, boasting one of the highest dribbles per match statistics in the world. That being said, we are yet to see it translate in the Premier League.
While still a raw profile, his experience, despite only being 21, and his growth potential represent one of the most promising profiles in the squad. Hopefully, he will find his feet with time.
4. Liam Delap: CF (£30 million fee)
Delap signed from relegated Ipswich Town for £30 million after Chelsea activated his release clause. His fee, when compared to similar Premier League striker incomings, represents exceptional value and, for that reason, was the first target of the summer.
If not for his injury or the incoming of Joao Pedro, who has taken the league by storm, he could be even higher on the list. Delap has an exceptional physical profile with the strength and speed to hold off and burst past defenders, but possibly his most impressive qualities are his ability to link play and contribute to building up.
His unfortunate injury puts a damper on his season, but early reports suggest he could return in December. Either way, Chelsea have a striker for the future.
3. Jorrel Hato: LB/CB (£40 million fee)
Hato was signed primarily to start his Chelsea career as cover for Marc Cucurella, but while only 19 years old, he may have the most impressive resume of any of the new incomings. Ajax, one of the premier developers of talent in the world, gave him the opportunity to captain their side in the 24/25 season. Making him one of the youngest captains in their history.
He is a unique blend of physical traits, leadership, and footballing IQ that makes his ceiling limitless. Hato made his professional debut in the 22/23 season and amassed 111 appearances before making his move to Stamford Bridge.
While one for the future, he may end up with the most impressive career of any on this list. Of course, do not be surprised if he needs some time to adjust to the English game though.
2. Estevao: RW/CAM (£30 million fee)
Estevao has the potential to be world-class, a term that is not to be used lightly. He left Brazil at just 18 years old with the most impressive start to a career since Neymar. Being selected as the young player of the year as well as forward of the year in just his 17-year-old season.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, many have limited their expectations, predicting him to ease into life in a more difficult league, but with the unexpected Palmer injury, he thrust himself into the spotlight and has not looked back. Chelsea actually missed him in the draw against Brentford.
The sky is the limit for Estevao. If things go according to expectations, Chelsea may have the next global superstar on their hands.
1. Joao Pedro : ST/AM (£55 million fee)
Pedro might not just be Chelsea’s best signing of the summer, he may very well be the best signing in the world this window. Since his debut in the Club World Cup, he has 5 goals and 3 assists in just 7 matches.
He seemingly has everything you want in a footballer. High IQ, technical ability, pace, finishing, and the mentality that all top players possess. His output is undeniable, but he is also a joy to watch, continuously getting fans off their feet with dazzling skills, tricky movements, and chip shots that make even the tallest keepers look small.
Chelsea have a superstar on their hands and if they are to win more massive trophies this season, Pedro will undoubtedly be at the heart of it. Hopefully, he will continue performing at this level.