Chelsea Transfers

[NikkiCFC 8,516]

6 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

 

And why?? 

Losing the first CL group game and 6th place in the PL after less than 10 games played is definitely not an unsalvageable position to be in

 

In first season he won 38 points in half season which is 76 full season so nothing special. Last season also just 74. Lost plenty of cup finals. Football we are playing is abysmal. He was leading us nowhere as a manager. Results wise or no...

[Vesper 31,042]

12 minutes ago, NikkiCFC said:

In first season he won 38 points in half season which is 76 full season so nothing special. Last season also just 74. Lost plenty of cup finals. Football we are playing is abysmal. He was leading us nowhere as a manager. Results wise or no...

agreed

his newness, tactic-wise, helped win the CL, we were novel and unpredictable, and had many players stepped up all at once at the right time

but the league soon sussed us out, and we made a disasterclass buy (one of many over the past 7, 8 years) in Donkeykaku (and failed to buy Tchou) and then we also lost the beating soul of the team for this season when Rudiger left (I am more enraged now that more details have come out about that whole mess, it was Marina's parting gift)

[ulvhedin 526]

20 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

Fuck.

Another amateurish decision.

I mean, things were not rosy but this is some scatter gun approach..

If there was a time NOT to remove a failing manager and destroy continuity, this would be it. 

We have no DOF, and a lot of brand new unintegrated signings and now this.

And why?? 

Losing the first CL group game and 6th place in the PL after less than 10 games played is definitely not an unsalvageable position to be in.

And who are we supposed to bring in? Poch?

 

On one hand you are right, but on another - there were absolutely no indications that things will turn around, keeping him for 3 more months just for the sake of keeping makes no sense (just like Lampard case). I prefer it happened quickly so new manager has more time to turn the things around.

[Blue Armour 4,710]

2 hours ago, ulvhedin said:

On one hand you are right, but on another - there were absolutely no indications that things will turn around, keeping him for 3 more months just for the sake of keeping makes no sense (just like Lampard case). I prefer it happened quickly so new manager has more time to turn the things around.

Hmm, maybe..but with Lampards case we were in the midpoint of the season, well outside course for top 4, and it was a matter of sink or swim.

There's no way you could guarantee to me that Tuchel would have finished outside of top 4 from this point in the season. We're 5th at the moment, barely 5 games in and with a lot unintegrated signings.

To me, going from Tuchel to Potter is an even riskier decision., than just keeping him. Especially at this stage. 

Nonetheless, hopefully the extra time he is getting with the squad will help, like you said.

Edited September 8, 2022 by Blue Armour

[robsblubot 3,595]

2 hours ago, Blue Armour said:

o me, going from Tuchel to Potter is an even riskier decision., than just keeping him. Especially at this stage. 

That's the crux of the matter right there and a downgrade any way you look at it.

[NikkiCFC 8,516]

3 hours ago, robsblubot said:

That's the crux of the matter right there and a downgrade any way you look at it.

I don't know. TT never outplayed Potter in 3 games and never won against Brighton. 

[Vesper 31,042]

Fuck the press, and especially Drunky Merson and Robbie Sheep Shagger Savage

trying to sack shame us on Tuchel

whilst big-upping fucking Manure showing 'patience' with ten Hag, and how Man U is now a steamroller and a (this is INSANE) a much better run club than Chels!!

lol

cunts lost for the first time at home in the Europa League since over 10 years ago

and for the first time ever to Real Sociedad

Mikel Merino is a monster CMF

[robsblubot 3,595]

2 hours ago, NikkiCFC said:

I don't know. TT never outplayed Potter in 3 games and never won against Brighton. 

the sampling size here is a bit small to say the least?

are we going to sign every manager who wins a game against us? 2 games? 3 does the trick then

That sounds like a fantastic incentive to all aspiring managers!

Win 3 matches against Chelsea and you will become a new millionaire Chelsea manager! 😃

[Milan 17,997]

 

[Blues Forever 1,232]

2 hours ago, Milan said:

 

We might have other targets with Tuchel gone. No idea if we are still pursuing the likes of Gvardiol, Nkunku, Leao, and Alvarez.

[Jype 6,398]

1 hour ago, Blues Forever said:

We might have other targets with Tuchel gone. No idea if we are still pursuing the likes of Gvardiol, Nkunku, Leao, and Alvarez.

Today it's being reported the club are looking to have a new sporting director in place before the World Cup starts so after that we'll probably know more. 

[Superblue 6,372]

1 hour ago, Jype said:

Today it's being reported the club are looking to have a new sporting director in place before the World Cup starts so after that we'll probably know more. 

Will be interesting to see how the recruitment guy coming over with Potter fits into things.

I'm not sure what his exact role was with Brighton but I guess there's a chance he could take over from McLachlan and work alongside the new sporting director.

[MoroccanBlue 5,399]

Just now, Superblue_1986 said:

Will be interesting to see how the recruitment guy coming over with Potter fits into things.

I'm not sure what his exact role was with Brighton but I guess there's a chance he could take over from McLachlan and work alongside the new sporting director.

Potter brought over the assistant of recruitment with him. Does he now become head scout?

[Superblue 6,372]

4 minutes ago, MoroccanBlue said:

Potter brought over the assistant of recruitment with him. Does he now become head scout?

I don't know his exact role at Brighton but my understanding is he's been with Potter before Brighton and is being credited with them signing the likes of Cucurella and Caicedo.

To be honest, I'm not even sure what the position of a head scout would exactly entail when a director of football sits above them on the totem pole. We haven't had anything like that since Emenalo, so you wonder just how much power and influence was held by McLachlan at Chelsea. 

If this guy is trusted explicitly by Potter and he seems like he's going to be handed an incredible amount of influence, you have to believe his role is going to be amongst the highest of influences within the recruitment/scouting network the club plans to build.

[NikkiCFC 8,516]

3 hours ago, Blues Forever said:

We might have other targets with Tuchel gone. No idea if we are still pursuing the likes of Gvardiol, Nkunku, Leao, and Alvarez.

None of the players that come under TT were good. Saul and Lukaku disaster. This summer also plenty of scepticism about all of them but jury is still out. 

[YorkshireBlue 3,341]

9 minutes ago, Hermione said:

Tuchel didn't even want Alvarez and the board we're having discussions with Kovacic a couple days ago about Gvardiol, you'd have to believe most of the targets remain the same.

Potter has brought his scout/recruitment or what ever u wanna call it with him, if this is the project we have all been told it is, targets will 100% change maybe not all but deffo most.

[Vesper 31,042]

Chelsea eye Josko Gvardiol as Graham Potter's first signing

https://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog-transfer-talk/story/4742668/transfer-talk-Chelsea-eye-josko-gvardiol-as-graham-potters-first-signing

TOP STORY: Chelsea to try again for RB Leipzig's Joško Gvardiol

After failing to secure a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea will make another attempt for the 20-year-old in the winter transfer window, as shared by Bild's Christian Falk.

The Blues reportedly offered up to €90 million for the Croatia international, who instead signed a one-year extension to remain in Germany. However, Gvardiol is tipped to become the first signing of Graham Potter, who replaced Thomas Tuchel at the helm on Thursday.

Chelsea have already acquired the services of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in central defence this summer. Still, the west London side are set to reapproach the centre-back in January and implore him to reconsider a move to the Premier League. The young defender, who made 29 Bundesliga appearances last season, could have a long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with Thiago Silva set to turn 38 years old this month.

 

[Blue Armour 4,710]

12 hours ago, Vesper said:

Chelsea eye Josko Gvardiol as Graham Potter's first signing

https://www.espn.co.uk/football/blog-transfer-talk/story/4742668/transfer-talk-Chelsea-eye-josko-gvardiol-as-graham-potters-first-signing

TOP STORY: Chelsea to try again for RB Leipzig's Joško Gvardiol

After failing to secure a deal for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea will make another attempt for the 20-year-old in the winter transfer window, as shared by Bild's Christian Falk.

The Blues reportedly offered up to €90 million for the Croatia international, who instead signed a one-year extension to remain in Germany. However, Gvardiol is tipped to become the first signing of Graham Potter, who replaced Thomas Tuchel at the helm on Thursday.

Chelsea have already acquired the services of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in central defence this summer. Still, the west London side are set to reapproach the centre-back in January and implore him to reconsider a move to the Premier League. The young defender, who made 29 Bundesliga appearances last season, could have a long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with Thiago Silva set to turn 38 years old this month.

 

Hope Turbo Timo can put in a good word.

He might have disagreed with Tuchel, but I'm sure he appreciated how the stadium going fans had his back even when he went through tough times.

[Vesper 31,042]

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has already unearthed perfect N'Golo Kante replacement

Chelsea are set to back Graham Potter with the signing of another midfield in the January transfer window...

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1667853/Chelsea-news-Graham-Potter-N-Golo-Kante-replacement-Moises-Caicedo-Brighton

Chelsea boss Graham Potter won't have to look far should he wish to find a long-term replacement for N'Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge. The destructive World Cup-winning midfielder was once considered untouchable in west London but with contract discussions yet to reach a successful conclusion, there is every chance the Blues may have to consider what life will be like without their relentless 31-year-old.

In truth, Kante has not been able to offer the full package in recent times under Thomas Tuchel due to his questionable fitness record, which appears to suggest the hard yards are finally taking their toll on his body and legs.

That said, Kante remains an integral player to Chelsea and he is one they would undoubtedly like to keep at the club. With his current deal due to expire at the end of the season, the Blues will have to act fast before he is free to sign with foreign clubs on a pre-contract agreement in January.

While unquestionably, Kante would be a devastating loss for the Blues, there is one player well known to new head coach Potter that has the quality and capability to fill any void left behind.

Moises Caicedo has taken the Premier League by storm since breaking into the Brighton first-team earlier this year and now he looks set to make the Seagulls another killing in transfer fees.

Potter may have caused himself his own problems though should Chelsea wish to push ahead with a move - either in January or further down the line.

He recently said amid reports in South America of a £42.5million bid from Liverpool: “I think you’d probably get his boots for that, maybe, knowing the chairman! It’s not for me to talk about. It is what it is.”

Brighton know how to play the game - perhaps better than anyone on English shores. They secured a £50m premium for Ben White when selling the England international to Arsenal in 2021 before encouraging Chelsea to pay £62m for Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea know that if they are to firm up their interest, Caicedo will certainly not come cheap. Particularly given this would be Potter raiding his former club.

Yet he knows better than anyone that the 20-year-old is destined for stardom. What he is currently doing - is not normal for someone of his age, who has just moved across the world away from his family to pursue his dreams.

Potter added: “It doesn’t surprise me that people are looking at him because he is playing at a fantastic level.

"As soon as you do research on him you realise he is a top kid, great person, young, playing in the Premier League, has all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level.

"But we know the position he is in and we know the position the club are in, which is why we don’t want to lose him.”

Caicedo can do it all. He's an all-action midfielder who can affect the game at both ends of the pitch. He will break up play in his own half and also has the ability to finish when required - as seen in the 5-2 win over Leicester.

Kante's role at Chelsea has very much changed in the past three or four years since Maurizio Sarri began to play him further up the field.

At Leicester and in his first few seasons at Chelsea, the France international was effectively operating as an extra layer of protection for the defence.

Now Kante has been given more of a license to get forward, although his main strength remains winning back the ball and moving it forward with simple passes for others to do the damage.

That is Caicedo's game to a tee but he is already proving there is much more to his game in an attacking sense having netted two Premier League goals in just 14 outings.

In Potter and Tuchel's 3-4-3 system, the central midfielders need to be well-rounded in order to succeed as they're fundamental cogs in the system. Chelsea are currently lacking standout performers in that department.

Jorginho flatters to deceive while Mateo Kovacic cannot seem to stay fit. Kante has also been experiencing similar problems.

Chelsea need some fresh blood in that department and they are expected to push ahead with the signing of a midfielder when the January window opens - despite signing Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus.

Before his sacking, Tuchel hinted Kante may have to lower his salary demands in order to remain at Chelsea, who have placed a competitive offer on the table.

Tuchel said: "You have to consider everything that is on the table. And on the table is his potential, on the table is his influence and his quality.

“But on the table of course is his age, his salary and his injury rate, of course. From there you build a whole picture and try to find a solution.”

Should Chelsea be unable to find a solution - Caicedo could prove to be the answer. Prising him away from the Amex will not prove easy though. It could now take silly money.

Edited September 11, 2022 by Vesper

[OhForAGreavsie 6,125]

3 hours ago, Vesper said:

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has already unearthed perfect N'Golo Kante replacement

Chelsea are set to back Graham Potter with the signing of another midfield in the January transfer window...

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1667853/Chelsea-news-Graham-Potter-N-Golo-Kante-replacement-Moises-Caicedo-Brighton

Chelsea boss Graham Potter won't have to look far should he wish to find a long-term replacement for N'Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge. The destructive World Cup-winning midfielder was once considered untouchable in west London but with contract discussions yet to reach a successful conclusion, there is every chance the Blues may have to consider what life will be like without their relentless 31-year-old.

In truth, Kante has not been able to offer the full package in recent times under Thomas Tuchel due to his questionable fitness record, which appears to suggest the hard yards are finally taking their toll on his body and legs.

That said, Kante remains an integral player to Chelsea and he is one they would undoubtedly like to keep at the club. With his current deal due to expire at the end of the season, the Blues will have to act fast before he is free to sign with foreign clubs on a pre-contract agreement in January.

While unquestionably, Kante would be a devastating loss for the Blues, there is one player well known to new head coach Potter that has the quality and capability to fill any void left behind.

Moises Caicedo has taken the Premier League by storm since breaking into the Brighton first-team earlier this year and now he looks set to make the Seagulls another killing in transfer fees.

Potter may have caused himself his own problems though should Chelsea wish to push ahead with a move - either in January or further down the line.

He recently said amid reports in South America of a £42.5million bid from Liverpool: “I think you’d probably get his boots for that, maybe, knowing the chairman! It’s not for me to talk about. It is what it is.”

Brighton know how to play the game - perhaps better than anyone on English shores. They secured a £50m premium for Ben White when selling the England international to Arsenal in 2021 before encouraging Chelsea to pay £62m for Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea know that if they are to firm up their interest, Caicedo will certainly not come cheap. Particularly given this would be Potter raiding his former club.

Yet he knows better than anyone that the 20-year-old is destined for stardom. What he is currently doing - is not normal for someone of his age, who has just moved across the world away from his family to pursue his dreams.

Potter added: “It doesn’t surprise me that people are looking at him because he is playing at a fantastic level.

"As soon as you do research on him you realise he is a top kid, great person, young, playing in the Premier League, has all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level.

"But we know the position he is in and we know the position the club are in, which is why we don’t want to lose him.”

Caicedo can do it all. He's an all-action midfielder who can affect the game at both ends of the pitch. He will break up play in his own half and also has the ability to finish when required - as seen in the 5-2 win over Leicester.

Kante's role at Chelsea has very much changed in the past three or four years since Maurizio Sarri began to play him further up the field.

At Leicester and in his first few seasons at Chelsea, the France international was effectively operating as an extra layer of protection for the defence.

Now Kante has been given more of a license to get forward, although his main strength remains winning back the ball and moving it forward with simple passes for others to do the damage.

That is Caicedo's game to a tee but he is already proving there is much more to his game in an attacking sense having netted two Premier League goals in just 14 outings.

In Potter and Tuchel's 3-4-3 system, the central midfielders need to be well-rounded in order to succeed as they're fundamental cogs in the system. Chelsea are currently lacking standout performers in that department.

Jorginho flatters to deceive while Mateo Kovacic cannot seem to stay fit. Kante has also been experiencing similar problems.

Chelsea need some fresh blood in that department and they are expected to push ahead with the signing of a midfielder when the January window opens - despite signing Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus.

Before his sacking, Tuchel hinted Kante may have to lower his salary demands in order to remain at Chelsea, who have placed a competitive offer on the table.

Tuchel said: "You have to consider everything that is on the table. And on the table is his potential, on the table is his influence and his quality.

“But on the table of course is his age, his salary and his injury rate, of course. From there you build a whole picture and try to find a solution.”

Should Chelsea be unable to find a solution - Caicedo could prove to be the answer. Prising him away from the Amex will not prove easy though. It could now take silly money.

Let's at least look at Zakaria first.  As for this potential move costing silly money, when it's Chelsea the bidding starts at silly or even very silly.🙂