The summer 2024 transfer window proved to be yet another busy one for Chelsea who did not lose their addiction to signing new players. The Blues brought in 13 new names costing £219m, a larger spend than any other Premier League side. They did, however, raise a decent sum in player sales, with their net spent totalling £72m – the sixth highest figure in the division.
With so much activity though, what impact will this have on the pitch for Chelsea during the 2024/25 season? That is exactly the question we will be answering here as we assess what improvements, if any, Chelea’s summer transfer business will provide the club with.
Chelsea’s Incoming Transfer Deals
Here is a list of the 13 players Chelsea signed during the summer transfer window. Note that the below fees include the maximum value of the transfers (inclusive of add-ons). The transfer for Estevao is confirmed but will take place next summer after he turns 18.
| Player | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Neto | Wolves | £54m |
| Estevao Willian | Palmeiras | £51m |
| Joao Felix | Atletico Madrid | £46.3m |
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Leicester City | £30m |
| Filip Jørgensen | Villarreal | £20.7m |
| Omari Kellyman | Aston Villa | £19m |
| Mike Penders | Genk | £17m |
| Aaron Anselmino | Boca Juniors | £17m |
| Renato Veiga | FC Basel | £12m |
| Caleb Wiley | Atlanta United | £8.5m |
| Marc Guiu | Barcelona | £5m |
| Tosin Adarabioyo | Fulham | Free transfer |
| Jadon Sancho | Manchester United | Loan (with obligation to buy) |
Chelsea’s Major Outgoing Transfer Deals
The list below includes all notable names that departed Chelsea in the summer transfer window, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
| Player | New Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Maatsen | Aston Villa | £37.5m |
| Conor Gallagher | Atletico Madrid | £36m |
| Lewis Hall | Newcastle United | £28 |
| Romelu Lukaku | Napoli | £25m |
| Omari Hutchinson | Ipswich Town | £20m |
| Michael Golding | Leicester City | £5m |
| Maland Sarr | RC Lens | Free |
| Thiago Silva | Fluminense | Free |
| Djordje Petrovic | Strasbourg | Loan |
| Raheem Sterling | Arsenal | Loan |
| Lesley Ugochukwu | Southampton | Loan |
| Armando Broja | Everton | Loan |
| Kepa Arrizabalaga | Bournemouth | Loan |
| Trevor Chalobah | Crystal Palace | Loan |
Few Major Losses
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To assess whether a transfer window will help or hinder a club, you cannot just look at incoming deals but you must weigh them against outgoings. In the latter area, Chelsea have fared quite well as they have gotten rid of very few players who were a valuable asset last season. Maatsen, Hall, Lukaku and Hutchinson, who all commanded substantial fees, did not play for the Blues last term.
The only names that did play a major part last season were Gallagher (50 appearances), Sterling (43 appearances), Thiago Silva (38 appearances) and Petrovic (31 appearances). All other players that have departed, either permanently or on loan, made fewer than 20 appearances for the club last year across all competitions. When looking at these four names, the only absence we think might be truly noticed is Gallagher.
The Englishman was the Chelsea player with the most duels won, tackles won, interceptions and possession won among the squad in the Premier League last season. He also ranked second for assists and chances created. Admittedly, he played more minutes than any of his teammates, by a decent margin, but it still shows what a major role he had. The 24-year-old is not the most technically gifted player but his tireless work rate, ball-winning talents and ability to stay fit will surely be missed to some extent by the London club.
Outside of this though and Chelsea should not really notice any other absences of players that were very active last season. Thiago Silva enjoyed a wonderful stint at the club, bringing much composure and organisation to the backline, but he was becoming increasingly off the pace towards the end. Had he stuck around another season, it is unlikely he would have featured much as Chelsea have stronger options available.
The same can also be said for Petrovic, who was statistically among the worst keepers in the Premier League last season and Sterling, who was regularly lacking in end product. The Blues have really bolstered their wide attacking options leaving little need for Sterling’s services. As for the goalkeeper situation, Roberto Sanchez has returned to the number one birth, with the highly-rated Jorgensen (and others) offering competition for the spot.
Which Signings Will Impress?
We have established Chelsea will not feel their departures too much but what positives will the new recruits bring? Out of the 13 players signed, it is hard to see many enjoying regular minutes for a variety of reasons as the table below indicates. Several have been immediately loaned back out whereas others have simply been brought in as cover and/or as an investment the club hope to generate income on.
| Player | Role This Season |
|---|---|
| Pedro Neto | Involved but not a guaranteed starter |
| Joao Felix | Involved but not a guaranteed starter |
| Jadon Sancho | Hard to predict |
| Tosin Adarabioyo | Back up defender |
| Renato Veiga | Back up defender/defensive midfielder |
| Filip Jørgensen | Back up goalkeeper |
| Marc Guiu | Back up striker |
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Back-up central midfield option |
| Estevao Willian | Joins in 2025 |
| Mike Penders | Joins in 2025 |
| Aaron Anselmino | Loaned to Boca Juniors |
| Caleb Wiley | Loaned to Strasbourg |
| Omari Kellyman | Playing for U21s |
Based on this list, the player looking most likely to help Chelsea this season is Pedro Neto. He showed some exceptional ability for Wolves last term and was a constant threat out wide with his dribbling prowess. His injury record is a definite concern though as he has spent over 550 days injured over the last three seasons, missing over 100 matches in the process. The other issue is that his preferred position is right wing, but that is also Noni Madueke’s best position and the Englishman has made a bright start to the campaign.
With Cole Palmer having locked down the spot in behind the striker, the only vacant position among the Chelsea attacking ranks is left wing. This is where Jadon Sancho tends to be at his best but the big question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League. He did show glimmers of his former self during his Dortmund loan stint last season but he was a major disappointment for Manchester United. When also factoring in reports he is not the best figure to have in the dressing room, this is hardly a move that looks guaranteed to work out.
Joao Felix is also a contender for the left-wing spot having played there for Barcelona last season. He is not a ‘hug the touchline’ sort of winger, and will frequently drift inside but this may not be a problem for Enzo Maresca. Felix would perhaps prefer to play as a 10 but there is no hope of him dislodging Palmer from that role. Additionally, the Portuguese international hardly set the world alight when previously at the club and it is hard to say he has shown any real progression since.
Success Up to Maresca’s Tactical Changes
Despite Chelsea having an extremely active transfer window, their summer activity does not look like having a major impact on the field this season. They have only lost one key player in Conor Gallagher, while the only position they may end up improving is left wing, but this is far from a guarantee. If Chelsea do end up better this season, it will be largely thanks to Maresca and his tactical changes.