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Chelsea’s defensive performances have undoubtedly been concerning, and I am not here to defend them. However, when you listen to some football pundits discussing Chelsea’s defending, you would think we have conceded ten more goals than every other team in the league.
I decided to look at the numbers so far this season:
* **Chelsea:** Played 2, Won 2, Scored 7, Conceded 5.
* **Manchester City:** Played 2, Won 2, Scored 6, Conceded 2.
* **Liverpool:** Played 2, Won 0, Drew 2, Scored 4, Conceded 4.
* **Manchester United:** Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, Scored 5, Conceded 4.
* **Tottenham:** Played 2, Won 0, Lost 2, Scored 0, Conceded 5.At this stage, only Arsenal and, to some extent, Manchester City can genuinely claim to have shown defensive solidity. The rest are also conceding goals.
Chelsea’s defensive issues are real, but the narrative surrounding them has become somewhat exaggerated. The major difference is that, unlike last season, Chelsea now have an attack capable of compensating for some of those defensive weaknesses.
## The Difference Between This Season and Last Season
Last season, we played Fulham and Brighton and lost both fixtures. Across those two matches, we scored only two goals and conceded five.
This season, we have played the same opponents and won both games. We have scored seven goals and conceded five—the exact same number of goals we conceded against them last season.
The defensive record is therefore similar, but the attacking output has changed dramatically. That is the difference.
Having Cole Palmer back and fully refreshed has clearly made an enormous difference. You can see the benefit of him having a proper summer break. For that, we probably have to thank Tuchel—Chelsea legend!
The same can be said about João Pedro. He also had a proper summer break and arrived fresh and ready. Once again, we may have to thank another Chelsea legend, Ancelotti!
And, funnily enough, if João Pedro were still at Brighton, Chelsea would probably have been quoted £100 million or more in today’s inflated market. At around £60 million, he looks like a very good signing.
Rodgers, meanwhile, is still adapting to the system and adjusting to his new surroundings. This season may largely be about him building chemistry, understanding his teammates and becoming more familiar with the demands of the team.
## The Uncomfortable Question: Does Colwill Suit Alonso’s System?
I think we need to start asking an uncomfortable question: **Does Levi Colwill really suit Alonso’s system of playing with a back three?**
I am beginning to have doubts.
Personally, I think Hato may be better suited to playing as the left-sided centre-back in this system. Colwill’s performances are becoming a concern, and I believe he has been part of the reason why our defensive structure has looked so chaotic at times.
If Chelsea want to improve defensively and start keeping clean sheets, there are a few possible solutions.
One option would be to move Colwill into the central centre-back role, although that would likely displace Lacuix. Another option would be for Alonso to drop him temporarily and play Hato as the left centre-back, with Chavaria operating as the left wing-back.
On the right side, I would currently prefer Acheampong to Fofana. If that option does not work, there could even be an argument for moving Neto into the left wing-back position, depending on the tactical requirements of the match.
The main issue, however, may not be the defence alone.
## The Midfield Problem
Our midfield is extremely concerning.
Part of the reason our defence has been under so much pressure is that the midfield has often been almost non-existent. When the midfield fails to control possession, protect the central areas and stop transitions, the defenders are inevitably exposed.
This is why I do not believe the defensive problems are entirely down to the back three or individual defenders. The lack of midfield control has been a major contributing factor.
The injury to Caicedo raises even more questions.
I asked this in my previous post: **Could this be the beginning of workload-related injuries?**
Chelsea desperately need midfield reinforcements—at least two midfielders, in my opinion. The current situation does not provide enough depth, especially if injuries begin to affect key players.
At the moment, I can only see Enzo leaving. The relationship between him and the club appears to have broken down beyond repair.
Overall, Chelsea have obvious defensive problems, and nobody should pretend otherwise. But the situation is not as unique as some pundits are making it out to be. Several major teams are conceding goals, and Chelsea’s ability to score seven goals in two matches has given the team something we lacked badly last season: **an attack capable of winning games even when the defensive performance is not perfect.**
The challenge now is to find balance.
Chelsea cannot rely on outscoring opponents every week. The attack is clearly improving, but the midfield needs greater control and the defensive structure needs to become more stable. If Alonso can solve those problems while maintaining this attacking threat, Chelsea could become a very dangerous team this season.
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Last night against Fulham, it did not take long for Sánchez to confirm some of my biggest concerns. At this point, it is difficult to understand how anyone can still view him as a goalkeeper capable of starting for an ambitious Chelsea side that wants to return to the top of English and European football.
It feels as though everyone can see the weaknesses in his game—except, apparently, the Chelsea ownership and sporting management. His decision-making, reliability and consistency continue to raise serious questions, and I genuinely hope the club addresses the position before the transfer window closes.
We simply cannot afford to go into the season with Sánchez as our undisputed No. 1. If the club’s objective is to compete for Champions League football and eventually challenge for major honours again, the goalkeeper position cannot be treated as an area where we simply hope for improvement. We need a goalkeeper who can provide consistency, confidence and high-level performances from the beginning of the season.
Caicedo’s absence from the squad last night also caught my attention. I do not know whether you are thinking what I am thinking, but my immediate concern was the possibility of a more significant injury.
To be fair, Alonso has already played down any suggestion that the injury is serious, which is reassuring. However, I cannot ignore the broader context. Caicedo has played an enormous amount of football over the past three seasons, including the Club World Cup and then the World Cup this summer. That is a tremendous workload for any player, particularly one who plays in such a physically demanding position.
That raises an uncomfortable question: **could this be the beginning of a workload-related problem similar to what we saw with Palmer last season?**
I sincerely hope not.
This is precisely why I believe Chelsea need to manage Caicedo’s workload extremely carefully. His importance to this team cannot be overstated. He is arguably the most important player in our midfield, and his ability to cover ground, win duels, protect the defence and maintain the intensity of Alonso’s system makes him extremely difficult to replace.
We have already seen the benefits of giving Palmer a full summer of rest. He looks physically fresher, sharper and more capable of sustaining his performances. Chelsea should take the same approach with Caicedo wherever possible.
There is no point pushing one of our most important players through unnecessary minutes early in the season only to pay the price later. We have a long campaign ahead of us, and if we genuinely want to compete for the Champions League places, **Caicedo needs to be managed as a long-term asset rather than simply maximised in every individual match.**
For me, Sánchez remains the immediate squad concern, but Caicedo’s workload is something I will be watching very closely. One issue is about the quality of the starting XI; the other is about ensuring that one of our most important players is still at his best when the decisive part of the season arrives.
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Chelsea: Season Expectations, Squad Depth and Key Areas for Improvement
I honestly do not know what to expect from our first match. While many people are bullish about our chances, with some predicting a comfortable Chelsea victory, we should not underestimate Fulham. This is a derby, and derby matches have a different intensity and unpredictability. Fulham will turn up for this game, and the last thing we need is complacency or the assumption that the result is already guaranteed.
Overall, I think our transfer business has been good—arguably better than in previous seasons. However, I still believe there are several areas of the squad that require further strengthening if we are serious about competing for a Champions League position.
1. We Still Need a Proven Goalscorer
My biggest concern remains the lack of a striker who can consistently guarantee 20–30 Premier League goals per season. We have attacking players capable of contributing goals, particularly Palmer and our other attacking midfielders, while Enzo—if he stays and remains fully committed—can also contribute a reasonable number of goals from midfield.
However, I do not think we should rely solely on goals being shared across the team. At the highest level, you need a reliable, high-output striker who can consistently convert chances and deliver goals when the team is struggling to break opponents down.
João Pedro appears to be doing an excellent job so far, but my concern is what happens if he gets injured. Can we genuinely trust Welbeck, Delap, Jackson—if they remain—and Emegha to maintain the same level of output? That is a major question for me.
Rodgers looks like a very good signing, although, personally, I would have prioritised a striker over another attacking midfielder. That said, I would still take Rodgers. He offers creativity, technical quality and the ability to score spectacular goals from outside the box—something we do not currently have enough of, particularly in terms of players who can consistently threaten from distance.
2. Another World-Class Centre-Back Is Needed
I also believe we need another top-level centre-back.
With Alonso’s preference for a back three, squad depth in central defence becomes even more important. Colwill and Fofana are both excellent defenders, but availability is a concern. Fofana has struggled with injuries, while Colwill, although not generally considered injury-prone, has already suffered a serious ACL injury. It is reasonable to question how that experience might affect his physical condition and confidence over time.
If we are going to rely consistently on a three-man defensive structure, we cannot afford to enter the season with insufficient depth at centre-back. We need another genuinely high-quality option who can compete for a starting position rather than simply provide numbers.
3. Midfield Needs More Depth
I also think we need another midfielder regardless of what happens with Enzo.
Personally, I would prefer Enzo to leave, particularly if the club can reinvest the money effectively. But whether he stays or goes, the midfield needs greater depth and athleticism.
Caicedo has one of the midfield positions effectively locked down. I believe Lavia could be an excellent partner for him if he can finally establish his fitness. His injury record has been frustrating, but playing once a week could potentially give him the opportunity to build consistency and complete 90 minutes regularly.
If Lavia can stay fit, I think he has the profile to complement Caicedo very well. Reece James could also get an opportunity in midfield, particularly if Enzo leaves. His ability to play centrally could give Alonso another tactical option.
4. Wing-Back Positions
On the right, Palestra looks set to occupy the RWB position, with Gusto providing cover. I think that is a sensible arrangement.
I am less convinced that Reece James is ideally suited to playing as a traditional wing-back, particularly one expected to constantly bomb forward and recover defensively. Given his physical history, I would rather see him deployed as the right-sided centre-back in a back three or potentially in midfield alongside Caicedo.
On the left, Chavaria appears to have that position locked down. However, against weaker opposition, I would seriously consider using Neto as the left wing-back. His attacking ability could give us an additional offensive dimension and potentially increase our goal threat.
Quenda also provides another option in that position, which gives Alonso useful tactical flexibility.
5. Managing Estêvão’s Development
I would keep Estêvão as Palmer’s primary alternative and give him meaningful minutes throughout the season.
He has enormous potential, but the priority should be developing him gradually rather than putting excessive pressure on him to become a primary attacking outlet immediately. Regular involvement, particularly in matches where Chelsea are in control, should allow him to develop confidence and adapt to the demands of English football.
6. The Goalkeeper Situation Is My Biggest Concern
My biggest concern every season remains the goalkeeper position.
I simply do not think we can afford to go into next season with Sánchez as our undisputed No. 1. After three seasons, I have not seen enough improvement to convince me that he is the long-term solution. If there has been limited progression over that period, why should we expect a dramatic improvement now?
I understand that Penders is reportedly being groomed to eventually take over as the first-choice goalkeeper, but I do not think Chelsea can afford to gamble an entire season on potential. We need a goalkeeper who can perform at a Champions League level now, not one who might reach that level in the future.
Failing to address the goalkeeper position could mean shooting ourselves in the foot. Missing out on Champions League football for a second consecutive season at Stamford Bridge would be a major setback for the club, both competitively and financially.
Last season, two of the areas that significantly let us down were defensive consistency and goalkeeping. We appear to have taken steps to address the defensive side of the squad, so I expect the same level of ambition to be applied to the goalkeeper position.
Alonso Is Potentially the Biggest Signing of the Summer
Ultimately, however, I think Xabi Alonso could be our biggest signing of the summer.
A manager capable of organising the team, improving our defensive structure, establishing a clear tactical identity and, most importantly, unlocking Palmer again could make a huge difference.
If Alonso can get the best out of Palmer while simultaneously improving the team’s defensive stability and tactical discipline, Chelsea have a very good chance of reclaiming a Champions League position in the top four or five.
The squad is certainly stronger than it has been in previous seasons, but there are still important questions to answer. A proven goalscorer, another elite centre-back, additional midfield depth and, above all, a reliable goalkeeper could be the difference between another frustrating season and a genuine return to the Champions League.
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There are ongoing issues at the club that refuse to go away, particularly the need for seasoned players with composure. In his post-match press conference on Saturday, Maresca addressed this concern. The club has implemented a strategy focused on acquiring young and upcoming talent, often at lower wages, with performance-based contracts. While this approach is beneficial for rebuilding a team for the future, we must not overlook the present. Building for tomorrow requires a solid foundation today.
One glaring issue that has been widely discussed is our lack of a proper striker—an ongoing problem since the departure of Costa in 2017. Coincidentally, that was the last time we truly challenged for the league title. Results speak for themselves. We can choose to ignore this reality, but it remains undeniable: a good and capable striker is essential for any team aspiring to compete for the league title. Look at Manchester City and what Haaland is achieving. Arsenal has recently signed Gyökeres, who, although he hasn’t hit the ground running yet, will prove valuable. Meanwhile, Liverpool, despite their challenges, are level on points with us, thanks to their attack—particularly Ekitike.
The Chelsea team desperately needs a definitive figurehead in attack, a vital asset that most of our competitors possess. It was short-sighted to turn down £75 million for a thriving striker like Ekitike last summer, only to spend £60 million on João Pedro, who scored a mere seven league goals the previous season. One doesn’t need a Ph.D. in business to see that this was a misguided decision by the club. Now, the management is scapegoating Maresca instead of addressing the real issues.
We have signed Gittens for £55 million, yet he does not surpass George, who is already part of the team. Why wasn’t that money redirected towards securing a competent striker? While I can understand the signing of Garnacho as a worthwhile opportunity, I remain skeptical of its immediate value.
Maresca also stated that, despite our spending, we have no replacement for Enzo. Are we serious? What is Santos doing in this context?
Many of our problems could be alleviated by acquiring a capable striker who can consistently score between 15 to 25 league goals each season. Otherwise, I struggle to see how we can finish in the top four.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow Blues a happy and prosperous holiday season. May your celebrations be filled with blessings.
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Why I Should Side with Enzo Maresca in This Fight
Since BlueCo took over Chelsea Football Club, the club has struggled to reclaim its past glory. Our lowest point came during the 2022/23 season, when we finished 13th in the league and were, at times, uncomfortably close to a relegation battle. That season symbolised a club in chaos—poor recruitment optics, injured leaders, and players who looked completely disconnected from their roles.
In the 2023/24 season, a new head coach was appointed, and although there was some improvement in results, the overall picture remained unconvincing, especially considering the level of spending. At that time, players who are now central to the team—such as Moisés Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Enzo Fernández—looked broken and out of sorts. Cucurella was even offered to Manchester United on loan with a buy option, an offer they rejected, highlighting just how far our stock had fallen as a club.
The media narrative was equally damaging. Chelsea were ridiculed for spending over £220 million on Caicedo and Fernández, both of whom were quickly branded as flops. Meanwhile, our club captain, Reece James, spent most of the season in the treatment room, Wesley Fofana was similarly unavailable, and Roméo Lavia failed to play a single competitive match. Robert Sánchez lost his place after a series of poor performances. The only real positives from that season were the emergence of Cole Palmer and the consistency of Malo Gusto.
Fast forward to the 2024/25 season, and the club made yet another bold decision by appointing Enzo Maresca as head coach. This appointment was met with widespread scepticism. Many fans and pundits questioned the wisdom of hiring a coach with only one season of Championship experience, and the media once again mocked Chelsea for what they perceived as another gamble.
However, Maresca has since proven those critics wrong and repaid the club’s faith. He has successfully translated his coaching philosophy onto the pitch, implementing a clear and coherent system that plays to the strengths of the squad. Most importantly, the players have responded.
Under Maresca, Marc Cucurella—once labelled a flop—has enjoyed the best season of his professional career. Moisés Caicedo was voted Chelsea’s Player of the Season, a remarkable turnaround from the criticism he previously faced. Enzo Fernández has rediscovered his attacking influence, contributing goals and assists while dictating games from midfield. Reece James has been carefully managed, staying largely injury-free for a full season and performing at a high level in multiple roles. Wesley Fofana is steadily returning to his best form, finally justifying the £70 million investment. Levi Colwill was performing at an elite level before his unfortunate injury, and Robert Sánchez has shown significant improvement, looking far more composed and reliable than before Maresca’s arrival.
Beyond individual performances, Maresca has made important structural decisions. He has moved on players who did not suit his tactical approach, reducing squad bloat and removing deadwood. The results speak for themselves: Chelsea have reclaimed a Champions League spot and won two trophies in the process. Additionally, players have become more tactically versatile—Malo Gusto is a prime example, now capable of performing effectively in multiple positions. Trevoh Chalobah has also impressed, particularly in partnership with Fofana.
Given all this progress, reports of a power struggle at the club are deeply concerning. The suggestion that the ownership is reluctant to fully back Maresca, or worse, that they are considering replacing him with Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior, reflects deeply flawed thinking. Chelsea already gambled on Maresca—and that gamble is clearly paying off. Why gamble again?
We have seen this movie before. The Graham Potter era cost the club valuable time, stability, and resources. Repeating that mistake now would be reckless. Stability, continuity, and trust in a manager who has demonstrably improved the team are essential if Chelsea are to build sustained success.
For these reasons, siding with Enzo Maresca is not an emotional choice—it is a rational one grounded in evidence, progress, and hard-earned lessons from the recent past.
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Never in my time watching Chelsea have I seen a coach lose control of a match as I did today. Maresca completely lost control from the first whistle to the last. The substitutions he made were bizarre and comical. How can you play Gusto in the No. 10 position when we have Estavao and Bounanotte available?
I don’t understand why Santos wasn’t brought on instead of Gusto—such a decision is questionable! Another concerning issue is how Gittens managed to complete 90 minutes. I can only wonder what Maresca was thinking. How did we end up with seven defenders on the pitch? Even Mourinho, who was notoriously defensive, never had that many defenders on the field at the same time.
If Maresca continues down this path of a defensive mentality, I can foresee him coming under immense pressure, and the conversation about his position will undoubtedly start. It was foolish of him to make such comical substitutions.
Unless Maresca comes to his senses and plays players in their proper positions, I anticipate more losses and, inevitably, the worst outcome. I hope I’m wrong and that today was just a one-off match.
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You cannot rebuild without spending cash. Not sure what is your point here.
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Pep Guardiola has transformed Manchester City since his arrival, effectively rebuilding the team. When he took over, the squad he inherited had only a few players, notably Kevin De Bruyne and, to some extent, Sergio Agüero, who have remained. Now, Guardiola is in the midst of another rebuilding phase, which is progressing positively. However, the team recently suffered a loss to Newcastle, a setback that can occur during periods of rebuilding when consistency may be lacking.
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I have been watching Chelsea’s season unfold from afar — the good moments, the bad, the disappointment, and the occasional excitement. Yet, despite the highs of winning the Club World Cup and the Conference League, those successes merely papered over deep-rooted cracks. For the last two to three years, our defensive issues have been ignored, and now we are reaping the consequences.
It is simply unacceptable that a club with ambitions to win the Premier League has Tosin Adarabioyo as its most senior centre-back. Let’s be honest — Tosin would not make the starting lineup at Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, or even Tottenham. How then can he be our most experienced central defender? Unfortunately, Tosin is not good enough even to be our backup, let alone our first choice.
What’s worse is that, apart from Levi Colwill, none of our current centre-backs are good enough to start for a club of Chelsea’s stature. One or two might be worth keeping as backup options, but our overall defensive quality is far below what’s expected. When Colwill got injured, we had the perfect opportunity to address this issue by signing a commanding centre-back and a left winger. Instead, we spent a combined £95 million on two wingers, a decision that has proven wasteful. That money should have been used primarily on a top-class defender.
We also have Wesley Fofana, who, despite being here for three years, has rarely been fit for even a quarter of a season. It makes no sense to rely on such an injury-prone player. Benoît Badiashile is no better — his fitness record rivals Fofana’s. Trevoh Chalobah is reliable and rarely injured, but at best he is a solid backup, not a starter for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions. Meanwhile, Josh Acheampong shows great potential and could become one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs in the future, but he needs a commanding, experienced leader beside him to learn from.
Our failure to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan for just £25 million may turn out to be one of our biggest mistakes in recent years. It’s a decision that could cost us a Champions League place next season. Instead, we spent £95 million on two average left wingers, while relying on Robert Sánchez and Tosin — arguably the worst combination we could have chosen. Maignan, a French international with tons of experience, would have been a perfect fit. At 28 or 29 years old, he would have been an absolute steal at that price.
Discipline has also become one of our biggest challenges this season, and that stems from a lack of leadership. While Enzo Fernández and Reece James are good leaders in their own right, neither has the commanding presence required to guide a young squad. This raises an important question: Do we need one or two experienced players to blend with our youthful team? The answer is undoubtedly yes — especially in defence. Our defenders look lost without guidance, and it’s clear that strong leadership and experience at the back are desperately missing.
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This thread has become too political for my liking. Can we return to discussions about football?
It’s quite disappointing that no club seems interested in Ben Chilwell due to his high wages. Interestingly, Raheem Sterling, who earns even more, has clubs inquiring about him.
On another note, Mike Penders has already joined Strasbourg, and K. Paez is set to follow him there. The deal for Hato is in its final stages, and an agreement is imminent. Likewise, the negotiations for Simons are progressing smoothly, with an agreement close at hand.
In other news, Nicolas Jackson may leave Newcastle, with Juventus expressing interest. Chelsea is demanding £80 million, while Newcastle values him at £65 million, so they are not far apart in their valuations. Additionally, there are rumors about Viegas potentially leaving, with Atlético previously interested, though they have since cooled their interest.
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Things are finally coming together for our team. Our signings are now strategic, unlike before. The players we’ve brought in will improve the team, whether they start or come off the bench. Even the players we are linked with, like Xavi Simons, could be major additions if we secure the deal. There’s good news: Leipzig is interested in Chukwumeka, and there’s a possibility of a swap deal with some cash involved. We’re also linked with Hato from Ajax, a 19-year-old left-back with plenty of experience at both domestic and European levels. He would be a great understudy to Cucurella, who has been consistent since last summer. Hopefully, our transfer business isn’t over yet; a goalkeeper and a world-class center-back are now our priorities. If we get a new keeper, we can compete seriously.
On the departure side, we sold Madueke for £52 million, doubling our profit. We’re also negotiating with Atletico for the sale of Viega. Atletico has offered £30 million, but Chelsea wants close to £40 million. If we pull this off, it will be a healthy profit for the club. I read that Leverkusen, managed by Erik Ten Hag, wants Sterling, and Chelsea is asking for £20 million, which is a good deal considering his high wages. Felix is on his way to Benfica for around €25 million (about £20 million). Nkunku is also said to be leaving, with Chelsea wanting £43 million, and Disasi is expected to go for £35 million. Jackson might also leave, and Chelsea values him the same as Eketike, which seems high but could be fair.
The mood is quite different compared to last season. At this time last year, I was feeling down about how we handled the situation with our coach, who had restored some pride (Pochettino) before being sacked. The appointment of an inexperienced coach and our poor preseason results left me worried about the worst season in our history. But credit goes to Maresca; he eased those fears in the first few months of last season. Now, I’m looking forward to the next season with a lot of optimism, both on and off the pitch. We have a quality squad and a great coach. Our directors are making the right moves, and the sky is the limit!
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Although I arrived a bit late to the discussion due to family and work commitments, I want to express my happiness for Chelsea1967 and the vote of confidence he received. I fully support his recommendations. That said, we must respect his other commitments, and it’s important to acknowledge that we’re all adults in this conversation. Despite our differences, things remain calm on the Chelsea site.
I was delighted with our performance on Sunday! Everyone was rooting for PSG, and few gave us a chance, which played to our advantage. Credit goes to the players for executing the game plan to perfection. Standout performances came from Palmer, Pedro, Caicedo, and the entire back four. Additionally, I want to commend Maresca for his strategic approach.
I’m looking forward to the new season!
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Great result for Chelsea last night. Who knew that when a club is allowed to spend a billion pounds a year they actually put together a pretty good team? A truly remarkable Fairytale story of the underdog. this doesn’t sound a United discussion if i may remind you?
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Assuming this discussion is genuine and not intended to belittle Chelsea fans or stem from jealousy, I would argue that spending money is one thing, while achieving desired results is another. Many clubs are investing heavily these days, but only a few are making wise investments. Chelsea, in particular, is often seen as a benchmark for overspending. While there’s some truth to this view, it’s important to recognize that football has increasingly become a business; generally, the more you spend, the greater the potential rewards.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement from Manchester United, there have been more misses than hits in player acquisitions. The club has spent over a billion on players that Ferguson would likely not have considered, yet the team is far from the level expected of the biggest club in England. In contrast, I see Liverpool as an example of a well-run club; they consistently make smart investments and compete every year. Perhaps Chelsea’s ownership aims to reach that level of success.
When examining player sales over the last decade, Chelsea ranks at the top, while United is at the bottom. Chelsea has sold numerous players while spending a billion, and people often focus solely on that expenditure. However, it’s important to note that Chelsea has generated nearly 800 million from player sales since the new ownership took over. On the other hand, I can’t recall many players from United who were sold for a profit in the last decade, with Romelu Lukaku being a notable exception. Most have been offloaded at a loss.
I’m not suggesting that Chelsea’s new ownership is perfect, as Roman Abramovich was for the club, but they do have a clear plan. They have introduced financial discipline, reduced the wage bill, signed young and ambitious players, and appointed a promising young coach. These actions reflect thoughtful planning rather than mere spending. If Chelsea were to breach the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability regulations or Financial Fair Play rules, they would likely face sanctions from UEFA, FIFA, or the Premier League. However, the current Chelsea owners are navigating the existing loopholes effectively, which is a savvy approach.
In contrast, Manchester United’s ownership appears to be selling shares without a clear plan for the club’s future. Ferguson’s remarkable work once masked the underlying issues, but now that he’s gone, the ownership’s shortcomings are becoming evident.
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Personally, I believe United would benefit more from signing Mbuemo, regardless of the price tag. In today’s inflated market, £60 million for Mbuemo may prove to be a bargain given the fees being discussed. Mbuemo guarantees goals and would fit well into the formation. If United can acquire both Cunha and Mbuemo in the same transfer window, they will be in a stronger position to compete.
The three-at-the-back system relies on having a ball-playing center-back, and unfortunately, United does not currently have one. They also need attacking wing-backs who can defend; while they have one at right wing-back, I’m unsure if they have a suitable option at left wing-back. Additionally, they need a midfield enforcer, someone like Caicedo. If they can address these needs, I believe they will come back stronger.
Many are mistakenly writing off United, but not me. If they secure the players mentioned, they already have some solid talents in their ranks, such as Bruno, Amad, and Mount—assuming he can stay fit.
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It depends on which season you use to evaluate him. The 2023/24 season was superb for him, as he recorded 28 goal involvemwnts. Last season, however, was affected by the instability at West Ham, leading to a decline in the entire team’s performance.
I believe Thomas Frank can get the best out of him, similar to the success he had with Mbuemo. Kudus possesses more natural ability and versatility than Mbuemo, and I think he will significantly improve Spurs’ performance.
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Kuduz for £55m? Spurs hit the jackpot there! In a market where Elanga has gone for £55M and Madueke may go for similar fee, Spurs had bargain there if they can get the best out of him like Moyes did in his first season.
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The media is currently spreading a false narrative that Delap will not play at Chelsea due to Jao Pedro being prioritized over him. This claim, largely promoted by former Manchester United professionals, is misleading. Just because Delap chose Chelsea over United does not imply that he will struggle for playing time. In fact, I believe Delap will play regularly, as he is the only natural number nine at the club capable of holding up the ball and thriving in physical battles.
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If we sell Madueke to Arsenal for around £45-55 million and replace him with Kudus for about £50-60 million, I’m all for it. Kudus is an upgrade over Madueke and will guarantee us goals from the right wing. Gittens, who was signed today, is touted to play on the left wing, but I’m not sure what he will bring to the team.
Having watched Estevao recently, he looks like the real deal. However, at just 18, he’s still a raw talent and may need a loan in the Premier League to develop. With Neto and Kudus on the right wing, we should be well-stocked there. On the left, though, we’re still short, with Gittens being our only specialist.
I feel Delap needs more time to adapt to what Maresca wants from him. It might take a season or two before he really hits the ground running. João Pedro doesn’t inspire much confidence in terms of scoring goals regularly despite his impressive cameo against Palmerias. If we add Kudus, who has the potential to score 10-15 goals, plus the 10-15 we might get from Palmer, and let’s say 15-20 from Delap and Jackson, we could have a solid offensive lineup.
Our main focus now should be on getting a new goalkeeper. Milan’s Mike Maignan fits the bill perfectly, and if we can also add Benfica’s Andre Silva at center-back, this summer could be excellent for Chelsea.
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Actually, Gusto at right back isn’t bad at all, especially if he isn’t asked to invert into midfield. He’s an orthodox right back who likes to run up and down the flank. If Maresca plays to his strengths, I think he can be very effective. With Delap up front now, Gusto’s crosses will be valuable.
Caicedo is a big loss, but this time off will do him good as he gets some much-needed rest. Fernandez and Lavia create a balanced midfield, with one sitting back and the other joining the attack.
I’m curious to see what João Pedro brings to the team. I hope we don’t sacrifice part of Palmer’s game by confining him to the wing permanently, as that would limit his impact.
Now that Badiashile is likely out, why can’t Maresca continue playing Tosin Colwill at the heart of our defense? I’d also like to see a dribbler in this match, and Madueke fits that role perfectly. I would choose him over Neto.
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