Wesley Fofana [33]

Chelsea’s abysmal 2023 has extended over the last few months and their overall market has dropped by €16.2million in the latest Transfermarkt update. Only Manchester United’s squad valuation has dropped more than Chelsea but, remarkably, their squad remains the third most valuable in the English Premier League at €982.8m, behind just Manchester City and Arsenal. Their ranking is predominantly down to their squad and their massive investment in the transfer market across recent windows. Chelsea spent €467.8m in the summer, more than €200m more than any other club, although they recouped €269.4m in player sales. Chelsea also spent €611.49 during the 2022/23 season and their total expenditure of €742.03m across the last three windows is more than double second biggest spenders Manchester United.

The money changing hands for the world's top talents continues to get crazier with each passing season. Following the astronomical €222 million world record transfer fee PSG paid Barcelona for Brazilian star Neymar in 2017, the €100m mark has been broken a further 13 times. The Premier League certainly hasn't held back when it comes to spending money in recent years, blowing most other leagues out of the water in terms of money spent on transfers. It also dominates the most valuable leagues in world football, with a total market value of €11.09 billion, leaving the division way out in front of second placed La Liga with a market value of €5b.

Since the arrival of Todd Boehly as Chelsea's new chairman in 2022, the Blues have been spending unprecedented amounts. In fact even under old owner Roman Abramovich the club became renowned for being big spenders in the transfer market. But since the American Boehly came to West London just two years ago, Chelsea have spent over €1 billion, and more than any other club in world football in that same timeframe.

The transfer window is heating up as clubs ramp up their business after the end of Euro 2024 and Copa América. It was a slow start this summer with so many players away with their national teams but several big transfers have been completed this week with Leny Yoro’s move to Manchester United the headline deal. 

It could be argued that the role of defenders has evolved more than any other position over the past decade. Full-backs are often being inverted into midfield and sometimes even employed as No 10's, whilst the role of the centre-half at the top level has also been somewhat revolutionised. Pace has become a paramount factor, with teams frequently operating with a very high line. More recently, top clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal are even playing orthodox centre-backs at full-back to solidify their defence and provide balance. Whilst the starlight and most expensive transfer fees still often go to forward players, clubs have begun to invest heavily in their back line as well as attackers.

Dean Huijsen has been one of the best signings in the Premier League season with the centre-back instrumental to Bournemouth’s incredible form. Juventus will be majorly regretting their decision to allow Huijsen to join the Cherries for just €15.2 million in the summer as he will earn the south coast club a substantial profit. The 19-year-old has played every single minute of Bournemouth’s last 15...

Premier League clubs have never had to be smarter in the transfer market. On top of identifying the right players to sign and improve their squads in the short-term, many of the top clubs in England must also now keep an eye on the long-term potential of their signings with the prospect of selling them for big profits. Whether it be through UEFA’s financial fair play rules or the Premier League’s ...

In a market where potential is sometimes priced as highly as pedigree, some clubs are willing to bet big - even on players yet to represent their country at senior level. Whether drawn in by raw talent, scouting data, or breakout domestic performances, top teams have, at times, sanctioned multi-million Euro deals for footballers with no international first-team experience on their CVs. No caps? No...