Mauricio Pochettino‘s ambitions of bolstering his team in January are likely to be contingent on Chelsea creating room for new arrivals through another clearout.
Pochettino, who has only five victories in 16 Premier League games, believes Chelsea may need to re-enter the transfer market following their 2-0 loss to Everton on Sunday.
The club has spent almost £1 billion since being purchased by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in the summer of 2022, however, they are currently 12th following a dismal start.
Chelsea signed 14 players last summer, but 15 first-team players left permanently or on loan. However, they have continued to struggle for goals and will look to sign a quality striker, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen top of their wishlist.
Chelsea is also interested in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres.
Much depends on Chelsea not repeating their mistake of last January when they left Graham Potter with a bloated team after purchasing six players and selling one.
Financial fair play will also be taken into account since they are in danger of missing out on European qualification for the second season in a row. Sales could be used to raise funds.
Pochettino questioned Everton’s lack of bite and aggression. He stated that this was “something to discuss” with the hierarchy as well as the co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
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Stewart and Winstanley have overseen an ambitious initiative that has focused on signing young, often unproven athletes to long-term contracts.
Behdad Eghbali, the club’s co-owner, has also been important, though Pochettino has hinted that he will have more input over transfers.
Pochettino’s remarks, it is understood, have not sparked uproar within the club. There is no hint that the former Tottenham manager is in danger of losing his job.
What went wrong with Pochettino’s Chelsea?
Several sources have voiced their happiness with Pochettino’s early impact and feel he commands the dressing room’s respect.
The Argentine has had to deal with a long list of injuries. New additions Christopher Nkunku and Roméo Lavia have yet to play a competitive minute, while Robert Sánchez, Marc Cucurella, and Reece James were injured against Everton. James, the captain, will get a scan after suffering another hamstring injury.
Although there is a general consensus at Stamford Bridge that the results have been worse than most performances, recent performances have left Pochettino fuming.
He has stated that his team lacks height and that they need to fight more. Chelsea has also struggled with goals, relying heavily on the untested Nicolas Jackson to lead the line.
Chelsea have long been interested in Toney, who will return from his ban for violating the Football Association’s betting regulations next month.
However, Brentford may expect at least £100 million for Toney, who is also a target for Arsenal, and there is no guarantee he will be able to hit the ground running after such a lengthy absence.
The England international may also demand high salaries, forcing Chelsea to abandon their practice of offering incentivized deals to elite prospects.
Napoli valued Osimhen at more than £100 million last summer. If Nkunku makes an early impact after returning from a long-term knee injury, Chelsea may opt to hold off on signing a striker. During preseason, France’s forward impressed.
The prospective entrance of a striker could have an impact on Armando Broja’s future. The 22-year-old, who aspires to play regularly, recently recovered from a significant knee injury and took Jackson’s place in the starting lineup against Everton. Broja’s long-term deal may allow Chelsea to sell him for a significant sum.
Chelsea may struggle to discover clear sales next month due to the rapid turnover of players. Ian Maatsen, a left-back who was targeted by Burnley and West Ham last summer, has fallen out of favor this season.
Chelsea’s Situation Getting Worse
The centre-back Trevoh Chalobah is unlikely to leave if he does not heal from a hamstring injury. Conor Gallagher’s contract expires in 18 months, and negotiations for a new term have yet to begin, but Pochettino does not want to lose the midfielder.
Noni Madueke, the winger, has made only a few appearances this season.
Chelsea’s website lists thirty-three players in the men’s team. Although some are academic talents, Pochettino does not have a problem with depth.
He has four senior players who can play left back, six centre backs, two right backs, six central midfielders, four wingers, and two forwards. Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, two of his midfielders, each cost more than £100 million.
The conclusion may be formed that Pochettino’s problem is with the caliber of players at his disposal, rather than any specific flaws in his team.
