It has been a lavish winter at Stamford Bridge so far, with Todd Boehly and Co. splashing the cash at Chelsea like never before. At least never before in the January transfer window. The first chance to add new talent in 2023 saw the Blues spend more than $370 million in the market, more than all the other four big leagues in Europe combined!
My Kolkata breaks down Chelsea’s extravagant shopping list through the eyes of a lifelong Chelsea fan to understand whether an unprecedented injection of talent will help Chelsea mount a resurgence this season. Here is a look at Chelsea’s latest signings one by one:
Joao Felix (on loan from Atletico Madrid for $11 million)
Felix got his Chelsea career off to the worst possible start by seeing a red card in his first game for the club Premier League
Portugal’s boy wonder has been on the shopping list of many of Europe’s biggest clubs ever since murmurs of discontent began to rise at Atletico Madrid, where the 23-year-old became the club’s most expensive player in 2019. Felix certainly made an impact on his Chelsea debut after being whisked off on loan, showing some cutting edge upfront before getting sent off for good measure. On his return from suspension, Felix opened his account for his new club against West Ham. For manager Graham Potter, Felix offers dynamism and the scope to play anywhere across the front line. But the Portuguese also has a history of injuries, which could see him add more concerns than goals to the rest of Chelsea’s campaign.
Mykhailo Mudryk (transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk for $109 million)
Mudryk has been touted as the successor to Eden Hazard at Chelsea Chelsea FC
Arsenal were favourites to sign the Ukrainian speedster but Chelsea managed to hijack a deal at the death, roping in the 22-year-old who has been touted by many as the heir to Eden Hazard in West London. It has taken Mudryk just two appearances in England to record the fastest speed registered in the Premier League this season. If he can put in the hard yards and fine tune his physique and finishing, he will be a menace down Chelsea’s left flank for years to come.
Enzo Fernandez (transfer from Benfica for $132 million)
Fernandez joins Chelsea on the back of winning the World Cup for Argentina in Qatar Chelsea FC
The Young Player of the Tournament at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is now the most expensive signing in British football history. Coming in as part of the final thrust on deadline day, the 22-year-old Argentine will add zest to Chelsea’s midfield with his line-breaking passes, relentless pressing and long-range shots. While not at his best on debut against Fulham, Fernandez has already impressed those watching him in training (and against West Ham) and should settle into his new environment quickly.
David Datro Fofana (transfer from Molde for $13.5 million)
David Datro Fofana will look to follow in countryman Didier Drogba’s footsteps at Chelsea Chelsea FC
Hailing from the Ivory Coast, Chelsea fans have their fingers crossed that Didier Drogba’s countryman can follow in the legendary forward’s footsteps at the Bridge. Signed from Erling Haaland’s childhood club in Norway, the lanky 20-year-old striker could be Chelsea’s solution to the lack of goals they have had this season. Fofana has not started yet but his substitute appearances have been full of threat and energy, hinting that the all-important first goal is just around the corner.
Benoit Badiashile (transfer from AS Monaco for $42 million)
Benoit Badiashile has already made a difference to Chelsea’s defence Premier League
Since Antonio Rudiger left for Real Madrid, Chelsea have had an aerial problem in both boxes. The 21-year-old Frenchman has already shown what Chelsea were missing in defence, taking no time to strike up an effective chemistry with veteran Thiago Silva at the back. Badiashile has the capability to be a target man from set pieces and unleash an impressive array of long passes that can be useful when playing on the break.
Noni Madueke (transfer from PSV Eindhoven for $32 million)
Noni Madueke’s ability to run past players at speed should aid Chelsea’s attacking potential Chelsea FC
A Londoner returning from abroad, the 20-year-old winger will add a nimble threat down Chelsea’s right, with the first half against Fulham providing strong evidence of how he can slither past two or three players in quick succession. With Reece James behind him, Madueke will have a floating role to get into spaces and create chances in the final third.
Gabriel Slonina (transfer from Chicago Fire for $10 million)
Gabriel Slonina holds the record for being the youngest keeper to keep a clean sheet in the MLS Chelsea FC
Signed from Major League Soccer (MLS), Slonina has developed a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers to come out of the US in recent times. At 19, he already boasts of the record of being the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in the MLS and will finally be available to Chelsea for the second half of this season after being loaned back following his initial move to England last summer. More than saving Chelsea’s blushes this term, Slonina could be a key part of the squad’s long-term rebuild should Kepa Arrizabalaga or Edouard Mendy leave in the next transfer window.
Andrey Santos (transfer from Vasco Da Gama for $20 million)
Andrey Santos should bring goals from midfield for Chelsea Chelsea FC
Part of the next generation of Brazilian talents set to take European football by storm, the 18-year-old is a free-scoring midfielder who has been in fine fettle while leading the U-20 Brazilian side. The Blues fans will be hoping that his work permit comes through quickly so that he can start replicating his productivity in the Premier League.
