The Board

[Mário César 1,441]

It’s unbelievable how bad this transfer window actually was when you really think about it. Signing Estêvão — a young winger with talent — fine, that makes sense. But then what did the board do? They went and signed three young wingers with “potential” for the future — Gittens, Estêvão and Garnacho. There isn’t a single proven, top-level player in there.

It was obvious we needed a centre-back. Maresca himself asked for one, and they ignored it. We needed at least one established, top-quality centre-back, and we got nothing. It’s honestly shocking.

We moved on from Jackson and brought in Delap — another young player. The goalkeeper situation still hasn’t been sorted out. And for Cucurella, instead of proper competition, they signed another youngster with potential, while Gusto is being played there out of position to cover. It’s ridiculous.

And everyone knew we’d need proper depth because there was no pre-season.

Liverpool won the game and now it’s only a matter of time before we drop out of the top five. Arsenal and Villa are next — I honestly think this is going to be a tragic end to the season.

Edited Sunday at 16:33 by Mário César

[Mário César 1,441]

6 minutes ago, Mário César said:

It’s unbelievable how bad this transfer window actually was when you really think about it. Signing Estêvão — a young winger with talent — fine, that makes sense. But then what did the board do? They went and signed three young wingers with “potential” for the future — Gittens, Estêvão and Garnacho. There isn’t a single proven, top-level player in there.

It was obvious we needed a centre-back. Maresca himself asked for one, and they ignored it. We needed at least one established, top-quality centre-back, and we got nothing. It’s honestly shocking.

We moved on from Jackson and brought in Delap — another young player. The goalkeeper situation still hasn’t been sorted out. And for Cucurella, instead of proper competition, they signed another youngster with potential, while Gusto is being played there out of position to cover. It’s ridiculous.

And everyone knew we’d need proper depth because there was no pre-season.

Liverpool won the game and now it’s only a matter of time before we drop out of the top five. Arsenal and Villa are next — I honestly think this is going to be a tragic end to the season.

And there aren’t even any financial excuses. We secured Champions League qualification, won the Club World Cup, and it was the perfect moment to bring in proper, top-level reinforcements. What’s happened is unbelievable.

[Blue Armour 4,660]

Arsenal are apparently going to appoint  highly regarded Jim Fraser as head of recruitment. The same Jim Fraser who spent 20 years at Chelsea as academy manager bringing in players like Reece James and Levi Colwill. 

While we get stuck with Winstanley & co. Yippee. 

[Vesper 30,814]

FAN VIEW: 'Ultimately, Clearlake is the problem. To spend well over 1 billion to regress is shocking'

'You can learn a lot from experienced teammates'

https://siphillipstalkschelsea.substack.com/p/fan-view-ultimately-clearlake-is

An important ‘fan view’ to draw in on today, with a bunch of quotes from fans, as well as myself, and a former Chelsea player to have a look at further below.

As I’ve said earlier this week, strangely enough, I still think we will get Champions League football this season and I am perhaps not as fearful as most have been after the Burnley game. However, we have a SUPER tough run of fixtures coming up and you cannot deny that it looks like a real uphill task now to get UCL football. Which is really quite absurd right? When you consider the amount of money that has been spent on building this squad and the amount we spent in the summer yet again?

Community member Matt Kirk, posted the below after the Burnley game, and this comment deserves this elevation.

“Bitterly disappointing result again. It’s worrying to see the drop-off in standards, especially after a break. The lack of discipline is pathetic too. This points to the lack of leaders and experience in the squad. Which we’ve all known for a while.

“It’s all well and good signing all these talented young players. But they need someone to guide them in these moments. It helps to develop them as players and know the levels you need to be at. You can learn a lot from experienced teammates. I’m sure Terry did from Desailly. Thiago Silva was crucial too.

“Ultimately, Clearlake is the problem. They can brief what they want, but to spend well over 1 billion to regress is shocking. We’ve had an exodus of highly valued staff from the men’s and women’s teams, who I’m sure will point to the same problem. The FOS situation is embarrassing. The turnover in staff too.

“We qualified for the CL and won the CWC and still failed to capitalise. What changes if we even manage to get CL football again? Will we take advantage of that or continue to make the same mistakes?”

I fully agree with absolutely everything he has said here, especially the comments I’ve highlighted in the title and subtitle of this article. Honestly, SAY IT LOUDER Matt! I really do not know how anyone could argue with this - of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Another top guy, community member Jay Shayshutt also commented.

“I'm tired of the "experience" argument, yes we definitely need some more leaders, but there is actually plenty of experience in that side. Fofana is hardly an inexperienced player, same goes for Trev, Sanchez, Caicedo, Cucurella. Signing leaders is definitely more of a priority than just experience - unless it's consistent CL level experience.”

Jay has made some decent points here, sure. But this was my response to him…

“I think the word 'experienced' can mean many different things. What this squad needs is more leaders as you say, but elite level players who will come in and instantly improve us whilst also having big experience such as regular European and international appearances for club and country, as well as perhaps plenty of Premier League experience. We need more big game players with strong mentalities and influence on the rest of those on the pitch with them. That's what we truly lack and have done the whole time.”

But he’s right, some of our players are now veering towards the more ‘experienced’ mark. But as I say, I think there are different versions of ‘experienced’ and we certainly still lack that in this squad and have lacked it for the last three years. It’s simply all about balance for me.

The Chelsea players have even said it!

Former Chelsea player Carlton Cole said earlier this week, after speaking with Axel Disasi:

“When I spoke to Axel Disasi, he was talking about who he enjoyed it cause he was obviously at Chelsea. He’s at West Ham now on loan. Doing great by the way.

“And I got talking to him. He basically said that Thiago Silva, when he was there, was the voice of reason, like the big brother, the uncle. And then when he left that, all kind of went cause there was no experience to lean on. So they’re all leaning on each other, and they’re not experienced enough to lean on each other.

“So they have to look at each other as we’re all in this together.”

Disasi was one of the ‘older players’ in that team, but he certainly wasn’t what I’d call an elite big game player who had been there and done it, and seen it all. That’s what we lack. But for Disasi to notice that when you lose a senior leader like Silva, it can have a real effect. Also, we would need at least three of these types of players if you ask me.

I think this is also pretty accurate from another community member, Michael M:

“Man United squad was always decent, they’re now performing at their level imo. Two real difference makers in Mbuemo and Fernandes, Casemiro and Maguire both very solid older heads who have the personality and authority to organise others. Their depth isn’t great but without midweek football they’re right in the mix for CL, no doubt.

“We have experience but for a lot of players, it’s been accumulated in the worst period in our recent history, or at teams where winning is not a necessity. Their squad doesn’t have as much of that “negative” experience any more.”

There’s various ways of looking at these things, but for me, this is our biggest issues right now.

[Vytis33 1,357]

Record breaking.  Congrats Blueco

 

 

[Vytis33 1,357]

 

[Pizy 19,189]

People need to get used to the idea that this summer is going to be brutal in terms of transfers. We already weren’t shopping in the top bracket of players under this ownership but it’ll be even more so now. 

We will probably have to be purely sell to buy for the foreseeable future and also will be forced to sell some key players we will probably be very angry about.

[Mário César 1,441]

33 minutes ago, Pizy said:

People need to get used to the idea that this summer is going to be brutal in terms of transfers. We already weren’t shopping in the top bracket of players under this ownership but it’ll be even more so now. 

We will probably have to be purely sell to buy for the foreseeable future and also will be forced to sell some key players we will probably be very angry about.

we will buy some kids and thats it 

Slowly we will become more and more and more irrelevant 

[Strike 7,735]

44 minutes ago, Pizy said:

People need to get used to the idea that this summer is going to be brutal in terms of transfers. We already weren’t shopping in the top bracket of players under this ownership but it’ll be even more so now. 

We will probably have to be purely sell to buy for the foreseeable future and also will be forced to sell some key players we will probably be very angry about.

Like United showed last summer, it is possible to have a smart window even without European football 

[Mário César 1,441]

7 minutes ago, Strike said:

Like United showed last summer, it is possible to have a smart window even without European football 

both Mbeumo and Cunha are 26 years old

both too old for our sick board 

[Vesper 30,814]

“I’m struggling to believe what I’m told” – Matt Law makes concerning Chelsea statement

https://Chelsea.news/2026/02/im-struggling-to-believe-what-im-told-matt-law-makes-concerning-Chelsea-statement/

The Telegraph journalist Matt Law has this week made a concerning statement on Chelsea’s front of shirt sponsorship issues.

Last week, we finally saw Chelsea play a game with a sponsors on the front of their shirt. But IFS.ai will not be the permanent front of shirt sponsor for The Blues going forward and it looks like they are only here to see them through until the end of the season, even if the partnership will continue beyond that.

So Chelsea will once again be in the same situation that they have been in for the last few seasons – on the hunt for yet another front of shirt sponsors.

It’s all rather embarrassing for the club, who have continued to play without a sponsor. Obviously in terms of looks on the shirt, it’s great. But in terms of revenue and reputation, it really isn’t a good look at all.

Law is not impressed

 Chelsea announce IFS as their front of shirt sponsor.

Law, who speaks and reports on Chelsea a lot, was speaking on the issue earlier this week.

“I’ve got very, very cynical (about) all this now,” Law told the London is Blue podcast when speaking about Chelsea’s front-of-shirt sponsorship situation.

“I was told at the start of the season that they would be signing a long-term sponsor.

“Well, that’s not been the case.

“Now, I’m struggling to believe what I’m told on the sponsorship issue, if I’m honest.

“It feels like they’re in a sort of revolving cycle of not getting a sponsor, holding out for too much money, and then getting a sticking plaster for the end of the season or offering a little incentive to a company to just pay a bit more for a ‘normal’ sponsorship and put the name on the shirt.”

More competition incoming

Law also highlighted how Chelsea will now have even more competition for front-of-shirt sponsorship for the upcoming season.

“It’s going to get ever harder now,” he explained.

“It’s going to become more crowded because I think I’m right that this is the last year of betting sponsors.

“So you have an influx of clubs, including (Aston) Villa, Newcastle (United), Everton, who’ve all got betting sponsors, and now they come into the market to find non-betting sponsors for the front of shirts.

“And the market shrinks because there are only so many non-betting companies that can afford to or are interested.”

Law was referring to the agreement between Premier League clubs to end all front-of-shirt sponsorship from gambling companies from the end of this season.

In other news…

It’s vital for Chelsea that Moises Caicedo stays under control in the games in the next few weeks, for a very good reason connected to what you see above.

A year ago today there was major trouble brewing at Stamford Bridge as fans rejected Enzo Maresca’s playing out from the back philosophy.

[TheHulk 2,622]

53 minutes ago, Vesper said:

“I’m struggling to believe what I’m told” – Matt Law makes concerning Chelsea statement

https://Chelsea.news/2026/02/im-struggling-to-believe-what-im-told-matt-law-makes-concerning-Chelsea-statement/

The Telegraph journalist Matt Law has this week made a concerning statement on Chelsea’s front of shirt sponsorship issues.

Last week, we finally saw Chelsea play a game with a sponsors on the front of their shirt. But IFS.ai will not be the permanent front of shirt sponsor for The Blues going forward and it looks like they are only here to see them through until the end of the season, even if the partnership will continue beyond that.

So Chelsea will once again be in the same situation that they have been in for the last few seasons – on the hunt for yet another front of shirt sponsors.

It’s all rather embarrassing for the club, who have continued to play without a sponsor. Obviously in terms of looks on the shirt, it’s great. But in terms of revenue and reputation, it really isn’t a good look at all.

Law is not impressed

 Chelsea announce IFS as their front of shirt sponsor.

Law, who speaks and reports on Chelsea a lot, was speaking on the issue earlier this week.

“I’ve got very, very cynical (about) all this now,” Law told the London is Blue podcast when speaking about Chelsea’s front-of-shirt sponsorship situation.

“I was told at the start of the season that they would be signing a long-term sponsor.

“Well, that’s not been the case.

“Now, I’m struggling to believe what I’m told on the sponsorship issue, if I’m honest.

“It feels like they’re in a sort of revolving cycle of not getting a sponsor, holding out for too much money, and then getting a sticking plaster for the end of the season or offering a little incentive to a company to just pay a bit more for a ‘normal’ sponsorship and put the name on the shirt.”

More competition incoming

Law also highlighted how Chelsea will now have even more competition for front-of-shirt sponsorship for the upcoming season.

“It’s going to get ever harder now,” he explained.

“It’s going to become more crowded because I think I’m right that this is the last year of betting sponsors.

“So you have an influx of clubs, including (Aston) Villa, Newcastle (United), Everton, who’ve all got betting sponsors, and now they come into the market to find non-betting sponsors for the front of shirts.

“And the market shrinks because there are only so many non-betting companies that can afford to or are interested.”

Law was referring to the agreement between Premier League clubs to end all front-of-shirt sponsorship from gambling companies from the end of this season.

In other news…

It’s vital for Chelsea that Moises Caicedo stays under control in the games in the next few weeks, for a very good reason connected to what you see above.

A year ago today there was major trouble brewing at Stamford Bridge as fans rejected Enzo Maresca’s playing out from the back philosophy.

Beghdad Eghbali in 2021: “We thought Chelsea [was] frankly an asset, a business that was not terribly well managed on the football side, sporting side or promotional side”

[Fulham Broadway 17,620]

3 minutes ago, TheHulk said:

Beghdad Eghbali in 2021: “We thought Chelsea [was] frankly an asset, a business that was not terribly well managed on the football side, sporting side or promotional side”

What he means was they sniffed a profit on the back of previous success...

[Mário César 1,441]

they are destroying the club

[Blue Armour 4,660]

9 hours ago, Strike said:

Like United showed last summer, it is possible to have a smart window even without European football 

We might still have to sell players to break even as per the UEFA stipulations.

If the club doesn't make CL positions, the Palmer sale goes from being a probability to a necessity.

[Blue Armour 4,660]

4 hours ago, TheHulk said:

Beghdad Eghbali in 2021: “We thought Chelsea [was] frankly an asset, a business that was not terribly well managed on the football side, sporting side or promotional side”

They need to make a banner of this and parade it around the grounds. Arrogant human being.

[Blue Armour 4,660]

10 hours ago, Vytis33 said:

 

Looks like this figure is worsened because UEFA doesn't recognize the owners sale of the club hotel and women's team to themselves.

They tried to use a loophole only for it to come and bite them in the back.

[Fernando 6,697]

Yup I guess a whole sale is coming this summer. 

Now we see why they did not want to buy a defender. 

But the problem is that they sold this summer and the buys where not good. Well except for Pedro. But the rest, garnacho, hato, gittens have been an expensive waste. 

[Mário César 1,441]

7 minutes ago, Fernando said:

Yup I guess a whole sale is coming this summer. 

Now we see why they did not want to buy a defender. 

But the problem is that they sold this summer and the buys where not good. Well except for Pedro. But the rest, garnacho, hato, gittens have been an expensive waste. 

The problem didn’t start this summer. It started in the very first season when they went out and signed a bunch of players and kept choosing “potential” over proven quality. Instead of bringing in established, ready-made players, they kept betting on young prospects who might be good one day. That’s how you end up finishing 6th, then 12th — and let’s be honest, that season was total chaos — and now we’re probably going to miss the top 5 again.

If that happens, it means missing the Champions League three times in four years. There are no miracles in football. You can’t keep gambling on development projects and expect elite-level consistency. Squad building at this level requires balance — experience, leadership, players who already know how to win — not just resale value potential.

And the spending hasn’t been small either. Garnacho and Gittens alone were around 100 million combined, and right now neither looks like a player you can build around. When you pay that kind of money, you need immediate impact, not long-term hope. Pedro has worked out, fine. But one hit doesn’t fix a flawed strategy.

A lot of people warned about this approach from the start. No one wanted to hear it. Now the consequences are pretty clear.

[Vesper 30,814]

'Chelsea have already breached UEFA's financial rules and must sell players'

Report from finance expert Adam Williams - Also response from Chelsea club sources in this 👀

https://siphillipstalkschelsea.substack.com/p/Chelsea-have-already-breached-uefas

As I always say, this side of the game is absolutely not my remit. I try not to speak too much on football finances. Mostly because I know little about it and I’m not great with numbers. But also, this whole side of football just infuriates me and takes the magic away from the game. Football is a game, not politics. But these days, there is far too much politics, and far too much money, in our beautiful game.

So anyway, I’ll report something from an ‘expert’ today instead. Said expert claims Chelsea have already breached UEFA’s financial rules, even if they have passed another round of Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Chelsea have successfully navigated the Premier League’s financial hurdle with the help of doing things such as selling the Women's football team and selling hotels etc, finding various loopholes. But apparently those little tricks are not allowed on UEFA's side of things.

Speaking exclusively to The Chelsea Chronicle, finance expert Adam Williams has given an insight into Chelsea’s standings with UEFA, despite positive PSR news.

“The real problem is UEFA’s rules, which don’t recognise the artificial profit from the women’s team sale. Chelsea have already breached those rules and are under the terms of settlement, which, broadly speaking, means they have to break even financially over the next three years.

“Given that they have posted annual operating losses – that’s the loss before profit on player sales – of £200m since the takeover, that’s going to require a major recalibration to their strategy.

“If they breach the terms of that settlement, they can get hit with a further cash fine and be kicked out of the Champions League.

“The solution is players’ sales – we’re going to see a lot more sales. And I’d predict that it’s not just going to be peripheral squad players; there will be some superstars leaving too.“

Williams continued, sharing how Chelsea successfully navigated the Profit and Sustainability Rules for the 2024-25 Premier League season.

“PSR works in a rolling three-year cycle, over which you’re allowed to lose up to £105m, with allowances for spending on the academy, community, infrastructure and so on.

“Chelsea sold their women’s team to themselves in 2023-24, so it was slap bang in the middle of the PSR assessment window that the Premier League has now confirmed that they have complied with. They generated an artificial profit of £198m, leading to an overall profit for the business of £138m, so we always knew that there was zero chance of them failing here. Effectively, they broke PSR with that deal.

“Without that accounting trick, they’d have posted a loss of £60m in 2023-24, added on to their £79m loss in 2022-23. They’d have been at negative £139m for the three-year period going into 2024-25.

“We don’t have the figures for 2024-25 yet, but they’ll have made a loss there too. So the women’s team sale has saved them from not one but two PSR breaches. In my view, that’s against the spirit of the rules, but you can’t blame Chelsea for taking advantage of the Premier League’s naivety when they were writing them.“

Just to add to this by the way, with something I’ve been told by the club this week, as Williams mentions Chelsea selling their top players.

Club sources ensure me that their model is to buy potential and grow experience. They therefore sell only those players who eventually don’t turn out to be top top players. Through iterations of this they aim to end with a top top team. They claim that they don’t sell just to extract value.