Chelsea used to be known for buying players at the peak of their powers for big money and keeping them around until they were ready to retire or more on to lesser leagues. Nowadays under new ownership the club has chosen to focus on young players, usually under 21, and signing them to long term deals to help them develop into world class players.
They have made some small exceptions to this rule with the signings of players over 25 like Robert Sanchez for around £20 million and Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer. These moves were the exception to the rule and likely had wages that were easy for the club to absorb.
Now the Blues have been presented with an opportunity to add some real steel to the club in the form of experienced Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich who will be available on a free transfer. Kimmich has not been able to agree to a new deal with the Bavarian club and could be on the move with Chelsea reportedly being interested.
Kimmich would be an incredible addition but he does not fit the club’s current philosophy whatsoever considering he is 30 years old and in the midst of his prime. He is also reportedly looking for wages in the £350k per week range which would be £100k more than Chelsea’s top earner, captain Reece James.
If the Blues were to make this move it would be the antithesis of everything they have preached but it may be worth the risk. Kimmich is a world class defensive midfielder and a pivot of him and Moises Caicedo would be among the best in world football.
The German international would help solve some of the defensive issues Chelsea has been facing under Enzo Maresca and he could add real steel to the midfield. In addition to his direct on field impact, he could act as a leader on and off the field due to his wealth of experience and could help the young players around him mature and develop. He has won nearly every trophy available in club football and could use that experience to lead and inspire the others around him.
Many have called for the Blues to look at bringing in more experienced players to complement the youngsters and they have an opportunity to do that here without a massive transfer fee. His wages may be exorbitant but that cost would be minimal compared to his £60 million value or what they would pay for an equally talented and accomplished player.
This transfer is unlikely in our opinion but it could change the course of Chelsea’s current trajectory and help them reach new heights in 2025-26. If they choose to move forward with it then there would be some "I told you so's" thrown their way but it may be well worth it in the end.