Chelsea endured another challenging season last time out in the Premier League. After their sixth consecutive loss in a final to Liverpool in the EFL Cup, the Blues would have to settle for a sixth-place league finish – outcomes that ultimately surprised Premier League betting and cost Mauricio Pochettino his job.
The Blues have been without silverware since 2022, and while the Todd Boehly era has represented nothing but frustration at Stamford Bridge, the American businessman has appointed former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca to turn things around for the 2024/25 campaign.
A former assistant to Pep Guardiola, Maresca instilled a ruthless nature in the Foxes as they won the Championship last season, and the Italian has wasted little time in splashing the cash ahead of the new season.
In this article, we look at Chelsea’s summer transfer business so far and assess some of their best signings throughout the window.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
The highlight of Chelsea’s transfer window so far has been Maresca reuniting with one of the key components of his Leicester side, as the Blues sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for £35 million.
The midfielder was part of the Championship’s Team of the Season, with his goals and assists invaluable in the Foxes returning to the top flight at the first time of asking.
The 25-year-old impressed during loan spells at Blackpool and Luton Town, but also demonstrated he can compete in the Premier League. He recorded 59 appearances before the Foxes’ relegation and added energy and versatility to a Chelsea midfield lacking tenacity.
Omari Kellyman
Chelsea’s approach to adding more homegrown talent to their side has been demonstrated by the number of English players signed this summer, with Aston Villa’s Omari Kellyman swapping the west Midlands for west London.
Kellyman has represented England at various youth levels, joining the Blues for a reported £19 million, plus potential instalments.
“I feel like I will be able to take my opportunity as and when it comes,” he said. “Hopefully, I can become one of the faces on the side of the stadium. I want to become a big player for this club.”
Renato Veiga
Basel has often been a place for unhidden talent in the transfer market. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Granit Xhaka and Ivan Rakitić have all plied their trade at the Swiss club, and Chelsea swooped in to sign defender Renato Veiga from the RotBlau this summer.
The defensive midfield arrives at Stamford Bridge for £14 million, capable of deputising at centre-back and left-back, having played for a number of European sides.
With Chelsea playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, players like Veiga will be integral for rotation and covering multiple positions throughout the season.
Marc Guiu
Another player signed for their massive potential is Marc Guiu, arriving from Barcelona as the Blues capitalise on the Catalonian’s financial struggles. Hansi Flick has shifted a plethora of La Masia talent on, allowing Chelsea to get a steal for Guiu, who can play as a striker or winger.
The Spaniard recorded an assist in his first preseason game, and with Romelu Lukaku set to join Napoli on a permanent deal and Armando Broja expected to leave the club, there could be plenty of first-team opportunities for Guiu.
Tosin Adarabioyo
Tosin Adarabioyo makes the short move across west London after his contract expired at Chelsea’s rival club Fulham.
The centre-back came through the ranks at Manchester City before finding a permanent home at Craven Cottage, where he helped establish them as Premier League regulars following their promotion in 2021/22.
Adarabioyo felt things had become stagnant less than two miles down the Fulham Road. The 28-year-old is looking to be a replacement for Thiago Silva, with his leadership invaluable in a side that lacks a lot of maturity and experience.
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Chelsea are expected to remain active throughout the window, with the likes of Dani Olmo and Victor Osimhen also linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.