Chelsea's transfer madness: Boehly's superstition and Palmer contract truth

Tom Weber

Updated: 4 Sept 2024 19:42 BST
4 min read

A fresh report has laid bare the inner workings of Chelsea's crazy transfer business.

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The Blues have become something of a laughing stock since the Todd Boehly takeover in 2022. Chelsea have splurged north of €1.2 billion on new signings and tangible success has eluded them so far.

Now on their fourth permanent manager and with a 'Bomb Squad' of unwanted players numbering as many as 15 during the summer transfer window, Chelsea's business has come under intense scrutiny, even attracting allegations of foul play.

But there is a method to the madness - at least to a degree. A new report from ESPN has laid bare the inner workings of Chelsea's transfer business since 2022 and there are some very interesting revelations.

Chelsea confident about their business

Despite the massive number of arrivals in just over two years - Jadon Sancho became No.40 on Deadline Day - Chelsea are fully confident that their approach to the market is the correct one.

Chelsea have massively reduced their wage bill in recent years, with their incentive-based new approach meaning that they now pay below the Premier League average.

Contrary to reports, the above-mentioned outlet insists that Cole Palmer's recent new contract was actually the result of his outstanding performances triggering an automatic extension rather than the Blues sitting down with him and negotiating fresh terms.

This is the idea behind Chelsea handing out eight or nine-year contracts. Players start on a low wage but if they perform well, they can easily earn more money, while the length of the deal protects their value and gives them security.

This approach, of course, also has major risks. If players fail to perform up to par - such as Mykhailo Mudryk or Enzo Fernandez - the Blues are essentially stuck with them.

The cited report states that Chelsea have massively increased investment in their data department since the Boehly takeover, but many in the industry believe that they are overdoing it. Much like their playing personnel, the sheer number of Chelsea's recruitment staff is viewed as bloated and inefficient.

Then, of course, there is the issue of having Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali on board. Chelsea deny that there has been a rift between the two, but it is true that Boehly has taken a step back from his previous hands-on role in recruitment. He still, however, signs off on every deal.

One source allegedly told the outlet that during Boehly's stint as sporting director, he offered an agent £14 million for a player after being quoted a £12m price due to his belief that the number 13 - the logical middle point in the negotiations - was unlucky.

Ultimately, Chelsea's transfers under Boehly are viewed with suspicion in the business. "I've still to find a colleague in the football industry that believes the Chelsea model is best practise," one source is quoted as saying.