Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy: Offloading Players to Balance the Books
Chelsea Football Club has been making waves in the transfer market under the ownership of Todd Boehly. Despite the Premier League transfer window closing, the club is still looking to offload five more players across Europe in order to achieve a zero net spend by the end of the summer.
Trimming the Squad
Chelsea has been actively trimming their squad to balance their books. Most recently, they confirmed the sale of Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel to Saudi side Al-Nassr for £19 million, securing a £6 million profit. This deal brings Chelsea’s outgoing transfer business to £189 million, while they have spent £208 million on new arrivals this summer.
Continuing the Clearout
The Blues are not done yet. They hope to offload five more players, including Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Harvey Vale, Alex Matos, and Deivid Washington. The Evening Standard reports that negotiations are ongoing for these players to find new clubs.
Chilwell’s Situation
Ben Chilwell, the former Leicester City left-back, has been frozen out of the first-team by Enzo Maresca. While Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah managed to secure loan moves to Arsenal and Crystal Palace respectively, Chilwell is still training away from the first-team. Chelsea would prefer to sell him, but a loan move seems more likely, with a potential deal with a Turkish club in the works.
Fofana and Washington’s Future
David Datro Fofana, who joined Chelsea from Molde in January 2023, has only made three appearances for the club. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley and could also be on the move. Brazilian forward Deivid Washington, who has been with Chelsea for just a year, may also find a new club.
Vale’s Failed Transfer
Harvey Vale was close to signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in August, but the deal fell through. Unfortunately, the Saudi transfer window has now closed, leaving Vale’s future uncertain.
Balancing the Books
Chelsea’s biggest sales this summer include Conor Gallagher (£35.6 million) and Ian Maatsen (£38 million) to Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa respectively. Romelu Lukaku also left the club, joining Napoli for £28 million. These sales have helped Chelsea offset their spending on new arrivals.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s transfer strategy under Todd Boehly has been focused on offloading players to balance the books. Despite the Premier League transfer window closing, the club is still actively looking to sell five more players. Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Harvey Vale, Alex Matos, and Deivid Washington are all potential departures. By achieving a zero net spend, Chelsea aims to maintain financial stability while continuing to strengthen their squad.