Chelsea could be forced into transfer U-turn amid fan mutiny
Chelsea’s owners have taken many people by surprise with their approach to transfers over the past few years.
Chelsea have spent around £1.3billion since BlueCo, which is spearheaded by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, took over at Stamford Bridge in May 2022.
The London giants’ success has been relatively limited during that time despite their heavy spending.
Chelsea won the Conference League last season under Enzo Maresca, marking the first trophy of the BlueCo era.
That was followed up just weeks later with their success at the Club World Cup after beating PSG in the final.
Chelsea smashed transfer record after £290m reveal
Chelsea spent heavily again in the latest summer transfer window as the club’s hierarchy looked to back Maresca.
Stamford Bridge chiefs balanced out their spending after Chelsea smashed the record for player sales in a single window, having brought in more than £290million following a series of departures.
Joao Pedro was the biggest of the Blues’ 10 signings after arriving from Brighton in a £60m deal.
However, the Brazil international has struggled for consistency in the opening months of this season, much like the majority of Chelsea’s summer additions.
The forward has registered six goals in 22 appearances, leading to questions over whether he is the long-term answer for the Blues.
Meanwhile, another big-money signing Jamie Gittens has contributed just two assists in 12 Premier League appearances since arriving from Borussia Dortmund for £52m.
Todd Boehly to come under fire after new Chelsea blow
Stamford Bridge chiefs were hoping to build on the progress they made in 2024-25 in the current campaign.
Maresca led Chelsea to a fourth-place finish last season, securing a return to the Champions League.
However, their performances this season, particularly over the past few weeks, have led to suggestions the Blues are going backwards.
Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday (27 December), leaving them in fifth place and 10 points behind Unai Emery’s side, who sit third in the Premier League table.
Chelsea fans have long questioned Boehly and the ownership group’s methods, but the criticism is likely to ramp up soon if the results don’t quickly improve.
While their fluid player-trading model delivered some success last season, it has largely failed over the past three-and-a-half years.
The Blues find themselves 13 points off table-topping Arsenal after 18 games despite spending big in the transfer market.
Perhaps a change in approach to transfers could be the best way forward for Boehly if he wants to deliver long-term success at Stamford Bridge.
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