Chelsea is reportedly contemplating offloading two key players in the upcoming summer transfer window to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Since being acquired by the Todd Boehly-led Clearlake Capital consortium in 2022, the club has splurged a staggering Β£1 billion on player acquisitions, securing talents like Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Raheem Sterling for hefty sums.
Despite the hefty investment, Chelsea’s on-field performances have been dismal, currently languishing in 11th place in the Premier League after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Burnley at Stamford Bridge. This puts them at risk of breaching the Premier Leagueβs Profitability and Sustainability Rules, with Everton and Nottingham Forest already facing penalties for similar infractions this season.
To mitigate these financial risks, Chelsea is contemplating selling captain Reece James and midfielder Conor Gallagher, potentially fetching up to Β£100 million in additional revenue. While James has been a pivotal figure for Chelsea, injuries have limited his playing time this season, culminating in surgery in December and only recently returning to training.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment after the draw against Burnley, highlighting defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion within the team. He emphasized the need for stronger collective performance and intensity, particularly without the ball.
Chelsea’s next challenge comes on Thursday night as they face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, aiming to regain momentum in the Premier League.
