Chelsea transfer news: The Blues will look very different after their latest work in the market with Moises Caicedo already through the door and two more to follow
Michael Olise could join Chelsea this summer. (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Chelsea have broken the British transfer record for the second time in seven months. Moises Caicedo is their man and he is the third player to sign for more than £97.5million ($123million) since 2021, joining Enzo Fernandez and Romelu Lukaku in the list of the top five most expensive Premier League players of all-time.
The Blues have gambled their cash on a top target but got their wish. Caicedo was the man they were after from day one of the window and despite thrills and anger throughout, Mauricio Pochettino has finally added the midfield fulcrum he craved. In terms of a permanent deal, it’s the first time since 2018 that Chelsea have signed a true defensive minded senior midfielder.
After battling to an entertaining draw with Liverpool on Sunday in a game between two sides desperate to prove they needed Caicedo more, Chelsea came out on top in the transfer market and are set to make it a double whammy. Romeo Lavia is also close to arriving, swapping red and white for blue in more ways than one.
That may not be even then be that. Michael Olise has agreed personal terms ahead of a potential transfer and things really are hotting up. With the 21-year-old seemingly on his way to London over Manchester, Chelsea’s team could change dramatically in the coming weeks as the final two weeks of the summer window start here.
With all the work being done across the board to not only revamp the squad but also to complete a set of outstanding loan departures, here’s a dream Chelsea XI when all their business is said and done.
Robert Sanchez
After the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan to Real Madrid and the somewhat uncomfortable debut by Sanchez it would be understandable for Chelsea to still want another incoming goalkeeper. However, if the right option for a No.1 isn’t there, which is how the land appears to lie, then no business is better than panicking.
Sanchez is likely to improve with time, especially having been effectively out of the side on Friday morning. Working with Toni Jiminez and Ben Roberts should be enough to see him keep his place even if it’s not the long-term option.
Reece James
Chelsea’s captain will play pretty much every week he’s available and fit. There’s a question in that itself but what James showed with Raheem Sterling on the right against the more defensive of Liverpool’s full-backs is evidence of just how strong he can be. Physically James looks strong but it’s his injury record that is a worry.
He’s always in the best version of any XI though.
Thiago Silva
Silva in a back four has proven to be a risk for quite some time. He will be 39 (thirty-nine) next month and does need defensive cover. Against Liverpool that came from the younger, more athletic players around him but then again the lack of shield in midfield did leave him exposed.
Silva’s reading of the game is still unmatched and with two new additions to come in front, he should be able to play a key role for another season. Axel Disasi looks an able deputy for now either way.
Levi Colwill
He probably didn’t see his full debut being spent at left-back but Colwill played an important part in a shifted tactical system against Liverpool. In the air going forward and on the ground at the back, he’s the present and future of the defence and club.
Ben Chilwell
Chelsea’s best attacker is still Chilwell. His runs in-behind, across a backline and marauding positioning on the left are second to nine. Keep him fit and the 26-year-old is in the side every week. Vice-captain too, it seems.
Moises Caicedo
Gamechanger, signing number one in this side. With Caicedo against Liverpool, Chelsea may well have won. His addition may well take them up a notch to being true top four contenders now as well. As a lone defensive anchor, one that’s also near enough perfect in possession, or as part of a blocking duo or progressive pair, Caicedo just works.
Romeo Lavia
Depending on opposition Chelsea may well turn to Caicedo and Lavia together with Enzo Fernandez further forward. This would allow them to pack out the midfield with energy and presence as well as technical excellence. Lavia is perhaps less defensively sound than a player of his position should be but he’s also 19.
This is some coup, especially considering where things were at last week.
Michael Olise
Have a third new signing, why don’t you. Olise is a perfect player for Pochettino on the right. He’s young, bendable and works extremely hard off the ball. Cutting in on his left foot and allowing room on the outside, Olise is another that sets Chelsea up for years to come.
Enzo Fernandez
In the space behind a striker this may usually be Christopher Nkunku’s slot, something that will have to be worked out when he returns from injury, but for now Fernandez can roam free and become the true creative plug in this side.
His performance against Liverpool was immense, with more liscence to dictate up the field and assist, there are parralels to be be made with Cesc Fabregas in Jose Mourinho’s 2014/15 4-2-3-1.
Mykhailo Mudryk
On the left there is no better live-wire to ignite the controlled explosion in the rest of the team. Mudryk plays like he’s on fastforward and may well be the most exciting substitute option right now but having him involved is always a must.
When he hits form it might be hard to stop and Chelsea could do with a player with an eye for goal getting in on the act sooner rather than later.
Nicolas Jackson
This team needs goals and Jackson showed why he can be the player to provide. With flashes of 2019/20 Tammy Abraham in his performance against Liverpool, the striker made the most of his first start.
Although he may have had at least one goal to show for his work, the movement and direct nature of his play was a standout in a game that offered plenty of promise.
