Chelsea’s Confusing Transfer Strategy in Summer 2025

After three years under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership, Chelsea still lacks a clear transfer strategy — despite spending €1.62 billion on player acquisitions.

This summer, The Blues have been active again in the transfer market by signing three young players: Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for €35.5 million, João Pedro from Brighton for €63.7 million, and Jamie Gittens for €64.3 million.

These three players show potential — but haven’t proven capable of elevating a team that finished fourth in last season’s Premier League. Chelsea is even reportedly ready to sell Noni Madueke to Arsenal, despite the 23-year-old winger showing promise.

The Boehly-Clearlake ownership has implemented two main innovations:

• 7-year contracts to work around financial regulations
• Making Strasbourg a satellite club in French League

However, unlike the Roman Abramovich era which focused on trophies, Chelsea’s new private equity-based owners appear more concerned with transfer values and potential profits — though this hasn’t proven effective in improving team performance on the field.