[Photo courtesy of Gaspafotos/MB media /Getty images]
Despite spending a whooping £570 million on transfers in the space of two windows, Chelsea’s fortunes don’t seem to be turning around. The London side endured a horrid season after finishing 12th in the Premier league.
The Blues had multiple managerial changes with Todd Boehly sacking Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter after poor performances. Lampard became the fourth manager, after Bruno Saltor took charge of one match following the dismissal of Potter.
Now with former Spurs manager, Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the blues faithful might have something to hang on to. Yet the exodus witnessed at the club during the transfer window, does little to inspire faith and optimism.
Chelsea have lost nearly half of their starting XI from last season with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy joining Saudi pro league side Al-Ahli. Senegalese center back, Kalidou Koulibaly likewise, has joined Saudi pro league side Al-Hilal, while club veteran Cesar Azpilicueta, has joined Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
The transfers of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz have raised a few eyebrows. With the England international and the Croatian joining both Manchester sides, United and City respectively and the German international joining London rivals Arsenal, Chelsea seems to be strengthening direct rivals.
Arsenal pushed City all the way last season. Adding Havertz to their ranks will only further their title ambitions. Manchester United as well will be looking to build on their success last season with a third-place finish, a Carabao cup to their name and now Mason Mount in their ranks. Manchester City having lost Gundogan will do with a much-needed reinforcement in midfield and Kovacic provides just that.
Other noticeable departures include French international, Ngolo Kante who joins Saudi side Al-Ittihad while Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic both join Italian side AC Milan, following in the footsteps of former blues player, Olivier Giroud. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence will also be felt as he joins French side Marseille.
Blues supporters will be hoping these transfers don’t come to haunt them if any of their former players lead their rivals to glory.