Chelsea’s attempt at circumventing FFP rules by amortizing the value of contracts over eight years has inherent risks to player performance, yet there are clear benefits.
The FFP books show Chelsea spending a lot less money due to these more extended contract
Todd Boehly’s rejuvenation of Chelsea’s playing squad has been entertaining for fans of the club to watch. However, an inevitable sale is coming in the summer to help balance the books. Chelsea’s attempt at circumventing FFP rules by amortizing the value of contracts over eight years has inherent risks to player performance, yet there are clear benefits. The FFP books show Chelsea spending a lot less money due to these more extended contracts, and the additional selling of players will help those books look even better. Hakim Ziyech was set to leave Stamford Bridge on deadline day as part of a loan deal to Paris Saint-Germain, but the contracts fell through. The Moroccan is now set to leave on a permanent deal in the summer, with the club having too big a squad to move forward.
Chelsea hope to sell Lukaku, and he could command a significant fee
Christian Pulisic has found game-time hard to come by and is likely to look for an exit route as he plans to be the figurehead of the United States’ 2026 World Cup campaign. Kalidou Koulibaly only arrived in the summer, but the Senegalese defender still needs to reproduce his Napoli form. Mateo Kovacic is an excellent midfielder, but he is one of the more sellable assets left at the club. Enzo Fernandez’s arrival has left the midfield bloated, and the Croatian would command a lot of interest. Furthermore, there is the small matter of Romelu Lukaku’s imminent return. Inter have yet to be convinced by his form in his second spell in Milan and are likely to send him back to London. Despite their need for a striker, Chelsea hope to sell the Belgian international, and he could command a significant fee.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s development has stalled completely, and all parties likely regret not allowing him to move to Bayern Munich. He will be sold, whilst Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is already in talks with LAFC after being left out of the club’s Champions League squad.