I don't know about anyone else, but im very frustrated at our summer transfer activity or lack of it. Of Course I don't believe all the rumours of who we are supposedly interested in, and about who is leaving, but I find the whole Transfer policy at the club very frustrating.

We seem to take an eternity to tie up any deals we are involved in, I know we possibly get held over a barrell and get asked to pay inflated prices just because we are Chelsea, but even so I find our business excruciatingly painful.

Why have we got so many players out on loan? We must be subsidising the wages of these players, many of whom will never get anywhere near our Squad, but players that we seem scared to sever our ties with through fear of them coming back to haunt us.

I appreciate that the manager has come in relatively late and needs to assess the squad, and talk to players rumoured to be leaving that are still on holiday after the WC, but we are only a week away from the Charity shield, and I cant help but feel that we are unprepared and will find ourselves 6 or 8 games in and trailing our rivals before Sarri Knows his side.

Or am I just Paranoid?

City and United haven’t really recruited anyone yet either. It’s only Liverpool who have been particularly aggressive in the market so far and Arsenal’s recruitment has focused on a quality level below where we’re looking.

Sarri said he wants to talk to those players involved in the later stages of the World Cup face to face before decisions are made about their futures. So Willian, Hazard, Courtois, Cahill, RLC etc wont have their futures decided until they report back for training (presumably).

I think the final week and last couple of days of the window will be quite frantic for a lot of clubs. 

6 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

City and United haven’t really recruited anyone yet either. It’s only Liverpool who have been particularly aggressive in the market so far and Arsenal’s recruitment has focused on a quality level below where we’re looking.

Sarri said he wants to talk to those players involved in the later stages of the World Cup face to face before decisions are made about their futures. So Willian, Hazard, Courtois, Cahill, RLC etc wont have their futures decided until they report back for training (presumably).

I think the final week and last couple of days of the window will be quite frantic for a lot of clubs. 

I appreciate what you're saying, but time is running out for him to speak to those players and especially for some of them to make important decisions. We could find ourselves playing catch up after a few games if we're not careful especially if players do decide to leave, their replacements will need time to settle etc. 

Surely the club knew that Conte would be going, so why did it take so long to get Sarri in? They seem to take an age to do anything, that's what frustrates me.

The World Cup and the manager situation definitely has pushed back the transfer timeline this summer.  At this point last year, we had signed Caballero, Rüdiger, Morata, and Bakayoko, and I seem to recall the general sentiment of the fans was that we had moved slowly in the market.  I’m sure we will partake in some more transfer activity, and for sure it will be frantic to some degree.

Honestly I feel quite happy with things. If we can get top players like Jorginho, Pulisic, martial etc. then great. But if not I’d rather fill the places with our own over more bakayokos and drinkwaters.

Having Ampadu, CHO and RLC in the squad is as exciting as signings for me.

This should be our policy. Just get clear improvements if possible, if not, look in house.

1 minute ago, Adamrb said:

Honestly I feel quite happy with things. If we can get top players like Jorginho, Pulisic, martial etc. then great. But if not I’d rather fill the places with our own over more bakayokos and drinkwaters.

Having Ampadu, CHO and RLC in the squad is as exciting as signings for me.

This should be our policy. Just get clear improvements if possible, if not, look in house.

I agree Adam, I would love to see the youngsters given an opportunity and if possible a run in the side. Keeping Hazard is imperative for me and if possible adding someone of similar quality on the other side in place of Willian to take some of the responsibility off of him. Bale would be nice but I cant see it, but that's where our bar needs to be set as we've fallen behind some of the others in terms of Depth of quality.

This transfer window change is just sh*t...there's f**k all time for big players who have been at the world Cup to be bought or sold before the season begins...just inflating the market prices...

56 minutes ago, Osgoodwasgood said:

I appreciate what you're saying, but time is running out for him to speak to those players and especially for some of them to make important decisions. We could find ourselves playing catch up after a few games if we're not careful especially if players do decide to leave, their replacements will need time to settle etc. 

Surely the club knew that Conte would be going, so why did it take so long to get Sarri in? They seem to take an age to do anything, that's what frustrates me.

I think we just have to accept that for better or for worse our board likes to complete the majority of our deals close to the final day of the window.

It keeps happening most summers now, I don’t personally like it but that’s the model we’re working to.

How we’re targeting players, drawing up short lists etc. without a director of football I don’t know. We anecdotally know the manager isn’t doing it, Conte and Sarri have said as much.

I think we will see a signing and sale next week and then a couple more in the final week too.

We won’t see a fully settled side until late September.

12 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

I think we just have to accept that for better or for worse our board likes to complete the majority of our deals close to the final day of the window.

It keeps happening most summers now, I don’t personally like it but that’s the model we’re working to.

How we’re targeting players, drawing up short lists etc. without a director of football I don’t know. We anecdotally know the manager isn’t doing it, Conte and Sarri have said as much.

I think we will see a signing and sale next week and then a couple more in the final week too.

We won’t see a fully settled side until late September.

Which is exactly my concern, we could be playing catch up by then

It's concerning but not surprising since this is how we have done things for the last 3 seasons. 

The optimist in me is saying, we are letting sarri fully assess the squad before going into the market. 

The pessimist in me is saying, we are struggling to get deals over the line, spending too long chasing the wrong targets, and we will end up with expensive errors in the last week of window. 

The squad at the moment is stacked in every position, 3 goalkeepers, 4 full backs, 5 centre backs, 7 centre midfielders, 4 wingers, and 3 strikers. That's without counting players under 21. So the squad needs trimming first aswell.

I would be pretty happy with just another attacking option brought in. 

It's going to be a busy 10 days.

What is a little worrying is the Spanish transfer window closes about 2 weeks after ours. So we could lose our first choice keeper and hazard and not be allowed to replace them. Now I know we don’t have to accept any offers but what if Hazard downs tools because he doesn’t get his dream move to Madrid?

26 minutes ago, Uno said:

What is a little worrying is the Spanish transfer window closes about 2 weeks after ours. So we could lose our first choice keeper and hazard and not be allowed to replace them. Now I know we don’t have to accept any offers but what if Hazard downs tools because he doesn’t get his dream move to Madrid?

What do you mean by downs tools? Plays badly? refuses to play? 

He's under contract for 2 more years, everything he has said so far, has indicated he would be happy to stay, if we didn't want to sell, and he is a down to earth regular guy, who actually seems to have integrity. 

We aren't going to let our best players go when we can't replace them anyway. 

I’m not saying he is going to do that. It was more of a what if statement. I don’t get why our transfer window closes 2 weeks earlier. Surely it makes sense for every transfer window to close on the same day

Where does this guy play anyway?

9 hours ago, Uno said:

I’m not saying he is going to do that. It was more of a what if statement. I don’t get why our transfer window closes 2 weeks earlier. Surely it makes sense for every transfer window to close on the same day

If hazard and courtois downs tools, they will not get to sign for Madrid when their contracts finish. They won't get any serious marketing deals. They will lose millions.

The premier league window finishes when it does so that teams aren't signing players after the league starts. The Spanish league just hasn't followed suit.

Hazard and courtois will know that we aren't going to sell them without a replacement.

12 hours ago, ForeverCarefree said:

I think we just have to accept that for better or for worse our board likes to complete the majority of our deals close to the final day of the window.

It keeps happening most summers now, I don’t personally like it but that’s the model we’re working to.

How we’re targeting players, drawing up short lists etc. without a director of football I don’t know. We anecdotally know the manager isn’t doing it, Conte and Sarri have said as much.

I think we will see a signing and sale next week and then a couple more in the final week too.

We won’t see a fully settled side until late September.

I doubt it's what they like to do, rather they're forced to prolong some of the negotiations, sometimes to the last day of the window in hope of driving down fees the clubs are asking for their players. Obviously, it's frustrating for the fans, but given the recent inflation in the transfer market, it's understandable.

I just hope that the club will do their best to bring some genuine quality this time around, even if we have to overpay. I'm afraid we won't survive another influx of Bakayokos and Zappacostas.

9 minutes ago, abramovich said:

I doubt it's what they like to do, rather they're forced to prolong some of the negotiations, sometimes to the last day of the window in hope of driving down fees the clubs are asking for their players. Obviously, it's frustrating for the fans, but given the recent inflation in the transfer market, it's understandable.

I just hope that the club will do their best to bring some genuine quality this time around, even if we have to overpay. I'm afraid we won't survive another influx of Bakayokos and Zappacostas.

I think they definitely leave things late as a negotiating tactic. 

They've shown they're capable of getting deals wrapped up quickly (Costa, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Jorginho) but a lot of recent transfers (Alonso, Emerson, Giroud, Zappacosta, Luiz) have been left until the final day(s) of the window. 

When you look at how quickly other clubs complete their transfer business, not just in England but throughout Europe, I can't help but think it's a conscious decision by the club for it to be such a regular occurrence. 

Most of the better players available are already gone by the time the window is close to ending, plus the fact clubs are far less likely to sell unless they have a replacement which given the time frame it's hardly ideal.

If it is a strategy of the club then it's a very poor one and it's evident when we are getting guys like Emerson, Giroud and Zappacosta...

Early deals ensure you get time with the players to gel and get used to the tactics, teammates and such. Scampering about on the final day just looks desperation which is not the way a huge club like Chelsea should be doing IMO of course

29 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

I think they definitely leave things late as a negotiating tactic. 

They've shown they're capable of getting deals wrapped up quickly (Costa, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Jorginho) but a lot of recent transfers (Alonso, Emerson, Giroud, Zappacosta, Luiz) have been left until the final day(s) of the window. 

When you look at how quickly other clubs complete their transfer business, not just in England but throughout Europe, I can't help but think it's a conscious decision by the club for it to be such a regular occurrence. 

Every deal is different. When they see a good value in getting it done quickly and all is in place (selling club's happy with the offer and so is the player in question), they're probably able to wrap it up relatively fast. But there are many factors involved in every potential transfer, you have to deal with a player, his agents, his club and a competition from other suitors. It's easy to say, let's get it done quickly, but if the player is in high demand and doesn't necessarily view CFC as a preferred destination, then you find yourself in the midst of an auction that may take time and energy away from other possible targets and there are no guarantees you'll win it in the end and how much it'll ultimately cost you, if you do.

As for other top clubs, both Manc clubs only had one major signing each so far (Mahrez, Fred), right?

Edited July 30, 20187 yr by abramovich

And Bakayoko wasn’t wrapped up quickly, the deal wasn’t announced until a good few weeks after he had a medical I seem to remember.

26 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

I think they definitely leave things late as a negotiating tactic. 

They've shown they're capable of getting deals wrapped up quickly (Costa, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Jorginho) but a lot of recent transfers (Alonso, Emerson, Giroud, Zappacosta, Luiz) have been left until the final day(s) of the window. 

When you look at how quickly other clubs complete their transfer business, not just in England but throughout Europe, I can't help but think it's a conscious decision by the club for it to be such a regular occurrence. 

Tottenham do the same with transfer deals, we are not alone. 

Whilst we fans probably don't care much about the difference between a 30m transfer and a 35m one, it is quite significant for a club. 

On the last day the buying club can really put more pressure on the price. Because the selling club will be walking away from a lot of money if it doesnt go through.

32 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

I think they definitely leave things late as a negotiating tactic. 

I don't think it is purposely done, it's a bit like buying a house in a chain, nobody wants to sell until a replacement has been found.

33 minutes ago, abramovich said:

Every deal is different. When they see a good value in getting it done quickly and all is in place (selling club's happy with the offer and so is the player in question), they're probably able to wrap it up relatively fast. But there are many factors involved in every potential transfer, you have to deal with a player, his agents, his club and a competition from other suitors. It's easy to say, let's get it done quickly, but if the player is in high demand and doesn't necessarily view CFC as a preferred destination, then you find yourself in the midst of an auction that may take time and energy away from other possible targets and there are no guarantees you'll win it in the end and how much it'll ultimately cost you, if you do.

As for other top clubs, both Manc clubs only had one major signing each so far (Mahrez, Fred), right?

Of course every deal is different but we've definitely seen a trend at Chelsea with leaving it late to sign players. It's become a regular theme of our transfer windows now, probably more so than any other top 6 club. 

Mourinho this week is bemoaning the lack of transfer activity at United, they've signed Fred and the young fullback Dalot but he seems to want another centre back and maybe an attacker to replace Martial. I saw an article from The Times' Oliver Kay suggesting that the lack of a Director of Football at United has lead to a poor long term vision from the club. 

City would have had Mahrez and Jorginho if we hadn't snatched the latter at the last minute, which would have been some really impressive business on their part. They don't really need much recruitment, I would expect a midfielder and maybe a fullback but they'll probably stick with the team from last season. 

18 minutes ago, benjsross said:

Tottenham do the same with transfer deals, we are not alone. 

Spurs leave it super late for their transfers and their fans are frustrated by it. I think their bubble might burst soon, they've relied heavily on one or two players coming up with the goods for a couple of seasons now without bringing in any real quality to try and improve the overall squad, just seems like they keep signing squad players. 

10 minutes ago, coco said:

I don't think it is purposely done, it's a bit like buying a house in a chain, nobody wants to sell until a replacement has been found.

I think there's reluctance to pay the sort of money that pushes through the big transfers quickly. 

If the right sort of money is there even the biggest clubs will sell without necessarily having an immediate replacement lined up. 

But then whilst those around us have been paying £40/50/60m regularly we've tended to be a lot more restrained, not really going above £30m for the most part. Morata and Bakayoko were recent exceptions so maybe the club had a point! 

2 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

But then whilst those around us have been paying £40/50/60m regularly we've tended to be a lot more restrained, not really going above £30m for the most part. Morata and Bakayoko were recent exceptions so maybe the club had a point! 

If the rumours are true about a second bid for the club, then it would become clear why we have put the brakes on the spending in this window.

16 minutes ago, coco said:

If the r?umours are true about a second bid for the club, then it would become clear why we have put the brakes on the spending in this window.

If there was genuine interest from Roman to sell the club, sacking Conte and hiring Sarri just seems strange to me. 

Why go through all that hassle and deal with compensation pay outs when you're only going to hand over the club to someone else? 

I've not seen anyone credible speculate about a possible sale of the club, last one I saw was from The Secret Footballer (Dave Kitson) who isn't creditable at all. 

I can't see it myself right now.