Chelsea face transfer NIGHTMARE as Blues among six clubs hit by Premier League rules

Robin Bairner

7 Jun 2024 06:42 BST
3 min read

Todd Boehly, Chelsea, money, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are among six Premier League clubs who will have to sell before they buy to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), according to Sky Sports.

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Enzo Maresca’s side are one of half a dozen teams who are under pressure to sell in the next month to ensure they do not suffer a penalty in next season’s Premier League.

It represents a testing start to the tenure of Maresca, whose former club Leicester are also in hot water as they return to the top-flight after one year in the Championship.

Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester are the complete list of clubs who will be forced to offload key assets over the course of the next three weeks in order to ensure they have not made losses over £105 million over the last three seasons.

While it is unclear exactly how much each club needs to raise, Sky Sports points out that each club faces a “mini transfer deadline day” on 30 June – the cut-off date for accounts.

The issue threatens to play havoc with players who are at Euro 2024.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer rumours

© IMAGO - Conor Gallagher could be sold, despite being on England duty

The transfer window only opens on 14 June, which is the date Germany face Scotland in the opening match of the competition. Although deals can be arranged before then and officially executed on that day, Sky point out that “some interruption looks inevitable”.

These clubs are fighting to avoid the type of points deductions that landed Everton and Nottingham Forest in the relegation battle.

Chelsea eye academy sales

Chelsea are seeking to combat the issue by putting academy graduates up for sale. Most notably, Conor Gallagher is a player who could depart the club, while Ian Maatsen continues to be linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, where he spent the second half of the season on loan. Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja are also available.

Beyond this pairing, Romelu Lukaku will leave Chelsea in the summer, with interest from the Saudi Pro League apparently building in the Belgium striker.

Ensuring market value for these players now promises to be a test given that buying clubs are aware of the Blues' difficulties and will try to exploit this by bidding low.