Chelsea finally agree to sell players who earn more than Cole Palmer & Caicedo
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea’s New Ownership: Reducing Wages and Reshaping the Squad
Since taking over in 2022, Chelsea’s new owners have prioritized lowering the club’s wage bill and implementing a more organized structure in their payroll. Their efforts have already yielded significant results.
Wage Bill Reduction: A Strategic Overhaul
Back in the 2022/23 season, Chelsea had seven players earning over £200k per week, excluding those out on loan like Romelu Lukaku, who also commanded hefty wages. At that time, the club’s gross weekly wages stood at approximately £4.3 million.
Fast forward to the 2024/25 season, and Chelsea has successfully cut this figure down to £3,297,500 per week, saving over £1 million weekly. This is despite retaining high earners like Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling, whose departures were targeted during the summer but didn’t materialize.
High Earners Under Scrutiny
While the likes of Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer now earn £150k or less weekly, the club’s leadership continues working to offload remaining high earners who are no longer key contributors. More exits could be on the horizon this month.
Potential Departures in January
- Raheem Sterling
Currently on loan at Arsenal, Sterling is unlikely to return this season. His future will be decided in the summer, but his wages make him a priority for an eventual permanent exit. - Ben Chilwell
The 28-year-old left-back has made only one appearance this season, coming on as a substitute in the EFL Cup. Despite interest from West Ham United, Chilwell’s high wages remain a potential stumbling block for a transfer. - Axel Disasi
Signed in the summer of 2023 for £38.8 million, Disasi has featured in 60 games for Chelsea, tallying five goals and two assists. While he was a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino, new manager Enzo Maresca’s system doesn’t align with Disasi’s defensive style. The switch to a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 formation emphasizes on-ball responsibility and high pressing, areas where Disasi has struggled to adapt. - Carney Chukwuemeka
The 21-year-old, signed from Aston Villa for £20 million, has only made five appearances this season. A loan move could provide the consistent playing time he needs to showcase his potential before Chelsea decides on his long-term future.
Christopher Nkunku: Time for a Fresh Start?
Links to Bayern Munich
Christopher Nkunku’s future has been a hot topic recently, with the player reportedly interested in a move to Bayern Munich for more regular playing time. The 27-year-old has faced criticism this season, including being labeled a “moaner” by pundit Jamie O’Hara.
Despite scoring 13 goals in 28 appearances this campaign, many of his contributions have come in the UEFA Conference League, leading to doubts about the sustainability of his form against tougher competition.
Tactical Mismatch
Under Maresca’s system, Nkunku has often found himself playing as a back-up striker or competing for an attacking midfield role with Cole Palmer and Joao Felix. His skill set, similar to that of Nicolas Jackson, limits tactical flexibility when Maresca needs to alter the game’s dynamics.
Smart Business Move
Selling Nkunku could pave the way for a new striker with a different profile, potentially adding variety to Chelsea’s attack. While names like Mathys Tel and Liam Delap have been floated, any move will depend on finding the right fit for the team’s needs.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s efforts to reshape their wage structure and squad have been impressive, but the work is far from done. By addressing high earners and making strategic decisions around player departures, the club aims to maintain financial health while building a squad suited to Maresca’s vision. January could be a crucial month in this ongoing transformation.
