Chelsea’s ongoing transfer activity has been a major talking point this summer, with the club’s manager, Enzo Maresca, stepping up to address concerns about squad management and recent movements. Despite Chelsea’s substantial transfer dealings, Maresca insists that the situation at Stamford Bridge is far from chaotic.
In recent developments, Chelsea has secured the signing of João Félix on a seven-year contract. The Portuguese forward’s return to Stamford Bridge follows an underwhelming loan spell during the 2022/23 season, where he struggled to make a significant impact. His transfer from Atlético Madrid, reported to cost around £40 million, comes as part of a broader reshuffling aimed at refining the squad.
João Félix’s return coincides with Conor Gallagher’s permanent move to Atlético Madrid. Gallagher, who was initially set to join the Spanish club on a £33 million transfer, found his move delayed by complications in Chelsea’s negotiations for Atlético’s Samu Omorodion. Gallagher, who made 95 appearances and scored 10 goals for Chelsea, will now continue his career in Spain after a stint of training alone following the breakdown of the transfer deal.
Maresca, who began his tenure with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League, addressed the media ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League play-off against Servette. He responded to criticisms surrounding the club’s transfer strategy, which many have described as creating an overcrowded squad. The Italian manager clarified that while the club has a large roster, he is currently working with a more manageable group of 21 players in first-team training.
“The criticism of our transfer policy has been somewhat unfair,” Maresca stated. “I am not working with 42 players; I am focusing on 21 players in training. It’s not the mess it appears to be from the outside. The other players, regardless of their contract length, are not my primary concern.”
Maresca’s comments come amid speculation about the futures of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, who are reportedly not in his immediate plans. Both players have been training separately from the main squad. Maresca noted, “If they are looking for more playing time and are not happy with their current situation, it might be better for them to seek opportunities elsewhere. If they remain, they are still Chelsea players, and their contracts are honored.”
Despite the squad’s size and the ongoing player movements, Maresca remains positive about the additions to the team, especially João Félix. He praised Félix’s versatility, noting, “He is a talented player who can adapt to various positions—inside, as a forward, or on the wing. The club is familiar with him from his previous stint, and he brings a lot of potential to our squad.”
João Félix himself expressed enthusiasm about his return to the Premier League, saying, “I loved my time here before and always hoped to return to the Premier League. Doing so with Chelsea feels fantastic, and I am excited to be back.”
As Chelsea navigates this busy transfer window, Maresca’s focus remains on optimizing the squad for the season ahead. Despite the complexities and ongoing changes, he emphasizes a clear vision for the team and its future. The club’s continued investment in high-profile players like João Félix indicates a strategic approach to building a competitive squad, even amid the challenges of managing a large roster.
