Exclusive: Chelsea now in ‘super high risk’ transfer predicament – finance expert
Chelsea will undoubtedly have to sell several players this summer amidst a “super high risk” transfer strategy.
That is the view of football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Blues’ spending was unlikely to stop any time soon.
Enzo Maresca‘s side have already spent over £210million [transfermarkt] in the transfer market and are showing no signs of slowing down.
Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are the two highest profile players to join Chelsea, whilst there is plenty of excitement surrounding Brazilian youngster Estevao.
However, the Blues received a record-breaking fine from UEFA and should they fail to comply with the European governing body’s financial rules, more sanctions will follow.
But in spite of the punishments dished out, Chelsea continue to be linked with players such as Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, who Plumley told Football Insider previously would cost at least £50million.
Chelsea likely require sales to continue spending
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, finance expert Plumley continues to be baffled by the West London club’s spending.
The senior lecturer from Sheffield Hallam University explained that the earnings from the Club World Cup would boost the team’s coffers, but sales were going to be necessary to maintain their seemingly unfettered spending.
He said: “We’ve asked this question of Chelsea for a couple of years now, haven’t we?
“We keep saying we don’t expect them to be active in the market and then here we go again. I guess in the immediate moment, we should look at the Club World Cup as well.
“They’re banked around £80m for that competition. There’ll be another £7m-plus if they manage to win the final on Sunday.
“It’s not a straight in and out, of course, but if you look at the money they’ve spent in the last few weeks, they’ve earned that from the Club World Cup as well, so there’s a bit of a trade-off there that we need to consider.
“And of course, going into the Champions League next season, will boost revenue, but I just can’t see them not having to sell players as well.
“You look at that squad now and where it’s at and with more players coming in and the UEFA fine and the punishment and what’s likely coming down the track as well with their numbers, they’ve already said they’re going to breach next year as well so they know exactly where they’re at with UEFA.
“I just can’t see any other way than a few players needing to be moved on this summer, especially given that they’ve bought in.
“I keep asking the same question, when are they going to stop spending?
“But at the minute, you know, it still seems like they’re going to carry on with this strategy.
“It’s really super high risk, but I think it’s likely that some players are going to have to go this summer I just can’t see it going any other way.”
Chelsea look to cash in on Djordje Petrovic
With a need to sell this summer, one of the first players seemingly heading for a Chelsea exit is Djordje Petrovic.
Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that Bournemouth are accelerating a move for the Serbian goalkeeper, following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s departure this summer.
Petrovic enjoyed a stellar season in France with Strasbourg last season, but was left out of the Blues’ Club World Cup squad.
Maresca has instead kept faith in Robert Sanchez, despite the Spaniard making a series of high-profile errors last year and failing to impress during the tournament in the USA this summer.