Chelsea were one of the busiest clubs in Europe throughout the summer, and there is no reason to believe that Mauricio Pochettino’s side will stop conducting business despite the Premier League transfer window being shut. The Blues still have fringe players who could be offloaded to raise funds, and the fact that the Saudi Arabian market is still active could prove very lucrative.
Pochettino has orchestrated a major rebuild at Stamford Bridge this summer, with many experienced players departing – including Cesar Azpilicueta, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic. Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu have arrived as part of the midfield shake-up, with Christopher Nkunku also acquired following his impressive campaign with RB Leipzig.
Goalkeeper duo Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic were also signed to freshen up the choices between the sticks, with Axel Disasi and Nicolas Jackson adding quality at the two opposite ends of the pitch.
Chelsea finalised the transfer window with the addition of Cole Palmer on a deal worth at least £40million, though it may not be their last piece of business this summer. Express Sport takes a look at what business Chelsea can still do despite the window closing…
Given that Chelsea’s recruitment has centred around bringing in young players on long-term contracts so that they can develop under Pochettino, there is room for an experienced head or two behind the scenes. Thiago Silva is the most experienced player in the dressing room, but another one who has competed at the top level is not to be sniffed at.
With Ian Maatsen returning to Burnley, Ryan Bertrand is a free agent after being released by Leicester City and his previous four-year spell at Chelsea could allow him to reinforce some important principles at the club.
Otherwise, provided he doesn’t hang up his boots, Eden Hazard could be an influential player for the team and provide a different sort of spark in the squad. Lavia shared that the Blues legend was influential in providing him with the motivation to join Chelsea rather than Liverpool.
It is no secret that Saudi Pro League sides have cash to splash, and their transfer window does not close until September 7. Clubs in the Middle East are looking to bring in proven players that are capable of raising the standard of the league, and they could be tempted into a bid for Marc Cucurella if they deem him a suitable target.
The Spaniard was almost offloaded on loan to Manchester United and with no guarantees of breaking into Pochettino’s side further down the line, the ex-Brighton star could be persuaded to depart for the Saudi Pro League.
Two-week Super Lig window
The transfer window in Turkey does not close for another fortnight, presenting Pochettino with the opportunity to loan out players who are surplus to requirements once he sees his squad in full.
Armando Broja is close to returning to full fitness and he will need regular minutes if he is to fulfil his potential, and a move to a good quality league could be an exciting opportunity if interest emerges.
Similarly, a lack of suitors for Malang Sarr could see his value rise with a successful stint away from England.