Revamped Chelsea aim to draw a line under years of disappointment
LONDON: Chelsea fans are hoping a radical close-season overhaul will end four years of underachievement since the club’s takeover by American investors who are doubling down on their bid to bring the glory days back to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea fans are optimistic that a major overhaul ahead of the new season will put an end to the club's four-year streak of underachievement following the American takeover. Manager Xabi Alonso, a former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach, has been appointed along with a host of new signings, including England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million.
Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, aim to return to the top four. The squad has also acquired defenders Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, and Pep Chavarria, as well as experienced players Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck. Other additions include Valentin Barco from Racing Strasbourg and the return of Mykhailo Mudryk following the lifting of his anti-doping ban.
The club has downsized its roster by selling Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, and Andrey Santos, but the squad remains one of the largest in the Premier League. Enzo Fernandez, the club's record signing, may explore a move away, while other players are likely to be transferred. Alonso, who led Leverkusen to domestic success in 2024, is expected to have more influence than previous coaches.
However, there is uncertainty behind the scenes due to reports of a split between the consortium's main investors. Pre-season friendlies have shown a mixed result, with Chelsea far from their former glory days.
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