Chelsea have reportedly decided to scrap their golden transfer rule implemented under Todd Boehly’s regime following an underwhelming campaign. The Blues’ young squad have struggled to flourish under Mauricio Pochettino and face the prospect of spending another season without European football.
Chelsea expert Simon Phillips claims that only players under the age of 25 were targeted last summer as part of their £1billion-plus spending spree to kickstart a new era under Pochettino. However, with a glaring lack of experience throughout the team, that policy has been forced to change ahead of another summer of upheaval.
As many as 12 incomings, all 25 or younger, were made in Pochettino’s first transfer window at Stamford Bridge for an approximate combined £400million. However, Cole Palmer is the only signing who can boast a successful first year at the club after 20 goals and nine assists in the Premier League.
But as Chelsea stare at the possibility of a mid-table finish, experience is set to be sought-after in the summer as the rule of only signing under-25 stars had been scrapped going into the January window.
They didn’t make a single signing mid-season as Chelsea are one of several clubs wary of the league’s profit and sustainability rules, but the dramatic change marks a big step away from the club’s recruitment policy that has so far backfired.
Chelsea are unlikely to make a complete U-turn and seek out players in their thirties, similar to the successful free transfer of Thiago Silva in 2020, with the Brazilian also likely to leave at the end of the season and plenty of valuable experience will depart with him.
Instead, they plan to sign players in their peak ages who can add to the current squad but also guide them through their careers, drawing on experience from this summer’s stars who also retain some sell-on value in the future.
