Chelsea chiefs confirm HUGE transfer offer

Cameron Smith

• 15 Oct 2024 16:30 BST
• 4 min read

Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart have confirmed they turned down a “significant offer” for a homegrown star during the 2024 summer transfer window.

The Blues have undergone a major transformation since Roman Abramovich’s exit in 2022, with the club’s academy accused of being mistreated by those in charge.

Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ian Maatsen have all been sold since the change of ownership at Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea were also eager to offload Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah this summer.

READ MORE: Chelsea 'back away' from wonderkid deal despite agreement

Chelsea have spent over €1.2 billion across the past five transfer windows and the club’s owners have been widely criticised for signing a plethora of youngsters rather than promoting players developed at Cobham.

However, Winstanley and Stewart have denied accusations that Chelsea no longer care about their world-famous academy set-up.

During an interview with The Telegraph’s Matt Law, Winstanley revealed that the club turned down a considerable bid for one of their homegrown superstars.

READ MORE: Cole Palmer: 'I was warned against joining Chelsea'

What has been said?

“We had a significant offer for one of our academy products this summer that we absolutely chose not to take,” Winstanley admitted.

“There’s a lot of misconception out there. We’ve had two debuts this year. There’s three or four more players in behind who we think we can push through this year as well that we’re keen to do.

“The manager’s on board with that, he’s aware of the players coming through. We give them opportunities when we can to make sure they’ve got that pathway.

“It’s not just about PSR, it’s contractual statuses, it’s circumstances. The two players you referenced [Mount and Gallagher], there were contractual problems that we walked into. It’s really important for us to bring through players.”

When asked if Chelsea’s homegrown talents are seen as an opportunity for profit, Stewart replied: “No, we’re seeing a player that’s going to play in the first team and play for Chelsea.

“The reality is that if it was that, there are other players and more players who we could have sold as well. Like Paul said, there’s been interest in other players that we’ve turned down.

“Every decision has been a performance-based decision, which people have opinions on because that’s football. And, absolutely, with homegrown players it’s always more emotional.

“There’s nothing fans like more than players who are one of our own and they can sing those songs about those players and we certainly appreciate that.

“That’s why we continue to invest in the academy and try to make sure the first team and the academy are aligned, so the players have the best opportunity to make that step.”