In the immortal words of Frodo Baggins, “it is done.”
And breathe.
The summer transfer window, for most of us at least, is finally over. Yes, we know, clubs in Saudi Arabia can still buy players—I’m looking at you, Raheem “Ambition” Sterling—but in effect, we can stop making threads, comps, assumptions, and conclusions about why/why not Player X. At least until January.
Coming to the actual analysis of the transfer business at Chelsea FC, or should we say BlueCo, because that has a direct effect on things, a lot of the fanbase feels hard done like those poor chaps in edging compilations.
Fantasy vs Reality.
“Xavi Simons was supposed to be the crowning glory to a glorious window. Instead, we got Fuc—sorry, Facundo Buonanotte.”
“Nico Jackson was staying. Nico Jackson was going. Nico Jackson was staying again. Nico Jackson was gone.”
“Why did we not get Donnarumma? Pep thinks he’s good enough for City, only Chelsea fans think he isn’t good enough for them.”
None of the above are actual quotes but one look at X and you can find any or all of them even from the same account. But was it as bad as it sounds?
The facts.
If one walked around with a mic asking Chelsea fans at City Ground on May 25th what their wishlist was for the incoming summer window, the top three answers, I imagine, would look like this.
“Get clinical finishers.”
In Liam Delap we have an old-school pure 9—who in classic Chelsea fashion, has injured his hamstring in GW2. But, nonetheless, while Drogba he ain’t (yet), he has far more potential than mere eye-test suggest. At least a 12-goal return on 9.3 XG is still better than what Nico Jackson offered.
Joao Pedro, meanwhile, has surprised everyone (including myself) as to how seamlessly he’s fit in, created, and finished chances. So instead of offering charts, I’ll just remind of his chipped finishers, long range bangers, and set-piece headers in the past two months.
Job done.
“Clear out deadwood.”
With UEFA punishments and whatnot, one of the biggest tasks this summer was outgoings. We absolutely smashed that. Most, if not all, of the so-called bomb-squad is gone. If I were a lawyer standing up to a panel at the Court of Arbitration, this is the argument I’d make to show I’m living up to my promise.
The net spend table is IN for the summer transfer window 📊💰 pic.twitter.com/ujysHcp1UR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 2, 2025
“Left wing.”
Mudryk’s gone at least for a year, if not forever. Sancho’s returned after his loan spell. Yet, our options now are good, arguably stronger, compared to last year. In Gittens and Garnacho we have CL and PL proven players who are, as tacticos like to say, “floor-raisers.” Yes, you are welcome to have reservations, but perhaps hold judgement till the season is over? Need I remind you about a certain Cole Palmer two years ago? Or Marc Cucurella last year?
“Genuine backups to key players.”
This is where arguments start to muddle. What is “genuine?” Someone backed by stats? Someone that is a “marquee” signing? A CL-proven player? Hato, is a CL-proven backup to Cucu. A good Veiga mold in that he can play multiple positions. Is Badiashile the player we signed? Is he unreliable in terms of minutes and value on the pitch? Can he step in for Colwill? Jury’s out. And now Delap’s done his hammy. Does Guiu make a reliable backup. Depends on who you ask. This graphic by Squawka illustrates what our depth looks like, what kind of short and long-term value it holds.
🟡 short term injury
— InsensibleCFC (@Chels1an) September 3, 2025
🟠 medium term injury
🔴 long term injury
🔵 minutes managed/re-injury risk
🟣 considerable dropoff in quality https://t.co/Lu0lPA9T9v pic.twitter.com/ArR5NAc9vy
This is a fair perspective from where to evaluate the current shortcomings in our squad. While no one can predict impact injuries, this probably vivifies a Chelsea fan’s fears going into the first international break. Across the spine, we have three down, and one of those for the foreseeable future.
Best/Worst Case Scenarios
This article will be as objective as possible. In lieu of that, positive. Worst case scenarios can be, well, the worst. More injuries. New players. Loss of form. Instead of top 4, we battle mid-table. CL mid-week games are more pressure than UECL. No split squads. Much of this is probable.
That’s why we have the best-case scenario. Badiashile steps up for Colwill and rediscovers his 2022 form. Garnacho and Gittens seamlessly add G/A. Delap and Palmer recover well in time for a CL run. Estevao steps up when Palmer is out. Andrey Santos slowly becomes part of the first XI. And finally, Enzo Maresca proves to himself to be one of the most tactically astute managers in the world.
Was it a 10/10 window? For outgoings, yes. For incomings, definitely not.
So, while it has not been perfect by anyone’s estimation. I don’t think January is the time to change that.
I’d rather we solve things on the pitch for now.
