Several players who departed Chelsea, like Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, found success elsewhere, exemplifying poor transfer decisions. However, by prioritizing their academy talents instead of seeking external reinforcements, the Blues might have recently saved a significant £222 million.
The Cobham academy has nurtured numerous top-tier players, yet lately, these products have been sold off for financial gain rather than nurtured for the first team. This pattern continues, with Todd Boehly reportedly considering the sale of Conor Gallagher.
To comply with Financial Fair Play rules, Chelsea needs to be cautious in choosing which academy graduates to sell next, learning from past mistakes. Since Boehly’s arrival, while the club spent significantly, they might have saved £222 million by placing trust in their existing players.
Over the last 18 months, Dominic Solanke, released by Chelsea in 2017, highlighted the club’s missteps. He chose Liverpool due to limited playing prospects under Antonio Conte. Despite a lukewarm period at Anfield, Solanke, now at Bournemouth, is considered among the Premier League’s most in-form players after a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest. His progress contrasts Chelsea’s £32 million summer signing Nicolas Jackson, hinting at the Blues’ potential oversight.
Moises Caicedo left Brighton in a £115 million move, showcasing promise, while Billy Gilmour, his replacement, has excelled too. Gilmour’s midfield performances at the Amex Stadium may escalate his value. Leaving Chelsea in 2022 for a reported £9 million, his potential appears undervalued, given his prior standing before Thomas Tuchel’s exclusion.
One significant mistake was letting Marc Guehi leave, despite being a priority target. Since joining Crystal Palace, the 23-year-old has shone and earned a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England plans.
With Chelsea experiencing defensive concerns, they might miss Guehi’s caliber. However, the “first refusal” clause in Fofana’s contract could offer a remedy to this situation.
