21 May 2026 15:35:14
Have to say that I became extremely burned out as this season progressed, reaching the point of telling my wife on multiple occasions, as well as posting that I wouldn’t watch anymore this season (rarely happened).
It’s sad that three of our most consistent performers in Joao, Cucu and Enzo are looking for the exit, but for the first time in quite some time I am genuinely excited for the future.
While we played some decent football under Maresca, I was never a huge fan. I certainly didn’t feel that he had the makings of someone who could transform our club. The feeling with Xabi is different. The expectation of a culture shift amongst a playing group that has been disrespectfully lethargic at times is huge. Even if we sold all three, I have the belief that Xabi will quickly find solutions.
Hato has already shown himself to be a gem of a player. I love Andrey and think he will add a lot to his play next season, and while Joao has been our best player, he has also gone missing in many games. My preference would be to keep all three.
Obviously we all want to win and rediscover the glory years, but as someone that wakes up at silly hours often, just having them put in shifts for the badge is fulfilling enough at times for me. Nothing worse than having to rock up to work after 2 hours sleep on the back of another poor showing.
Hopefully BlueCo has actually shifted their policies and Xabi is afforded the support and time he may need. If so, I think the future may just eclipse some of the best of the past.
21 May 2026 17:48:53
Melbourne, I agree with the sentiments your post. As for Maresca, I never believed he could take us to the next level. It is now clear he was just using us as a stepping stone for the City job: good riddance. As for Cucurella, Enzo and Pedro, if they are determined to leave, they should go.
It might be a blessing in disguise if they are replaced by players who suit Alonso's style and want to play and fight for Chelsea. I am more hopeful for the future, and a good transfer window will make me even happier (including getting rid of deadwood ).
21 May 2026 20:20:44
Joao Pedro is not looking to leave, but I don't know about Enzo and Cucu, Melbourne. If those 2 do depart, that will be nearly £250 million (a quarter of a billion) in the bank for replacements.
Like both of you, I think the capture of Alonso is absolutely seismic and on a par with Jose coming in all those years ago, particularly now Blue.co have elevated him to manager with a far bigger say than our previous head coaches.
21 May 2026 22:04:56
Greenaway, I don't know if Pedro, Cucu and Enzo want to go, but there is plenty of noise surrounding them. As for Pedro, he hasn't put himself in a good light with his media campaign sulking about not being in the Brazil squad.
My point is, if players want to be at another club, I don't want them here.
I don't know how you think selling Cucu and Enzo would give us £250 million to spend.
21 May 2026 22:12:02
Ok Jimbo, we shall see.
22 May 2026 07:13:34
Transfer fee wise, think we would get £100m for Enzo, £35 M for Cucu and £70m for J Pedro.
I still think the basic squad is pretty good. Need a world class centre half and a top goalkeeper. Penders, that guy I haven't seen enough to judge. Agree with Hato, he looks a special player. Less sure on Santos. If only we could keep Lavia fit.
22 May 2026 07:50:19
We all obviously have no idea what the club value players at, and how determined, or otherwise, they would be to keep them, particularly as they all have long contracts, but as a guess, I would imagine any bidding on Enzo would start at £125 million, Cucu at £65 million, and Pedro at £115 million.
22 May 2026 08:00:39
If that is the case, Rpd, apart from Cucurella, the remaining two won't be sold as the Spanish clubs can't afford them.
22 May 2026 08:10:28
But, Bill, Man City and Arsenal can. I could see that happening as well. Man City need replacements in midfield, and Arsenal buy players off of us each season.
22 May 2026 08:29:34
Cucurella has only 2 years left on his contract, which is usually the point where you stick or twist.
Greenaway, just because you receive £250 million doesn't mean you can spend it on replacements: often fees are paid in instalments and you have to have regard to PSR, amortisation etc.
22 May 2026 09:00:14
Thank you, Jimbo, for pointing out how it all works.
22 May 2026 13:18:00
We may all have views on who should stay, who should go, and the players' value.
I think both Cucurella and Enzo will go, but only for substantial fees. I also think both are angling for new contracts. Over to you, boss!!
22 May 2026 17:57:41
Tom, if players have their minds set to leave, it usually happens. Cucu is in the strongest position with 2 years left on his contract. Nothing will happen before Alonso gets the whole squad together. I would like them all to stay, but if their heart isn't in the club, better they go.
22 May 2026 21:08:48
Jimbo, that is true, but an improvement in their current contracts would probably be enough to make them stay.
I'm always of the opinion that a club should never keep an unhappy player.
23 May 2026 10:28:27
Or coach Tom.
23 May 2026 13:21:28
Bill, of course.