Chelsea Banter 4

24 Jul 2026 20:47:25
When I read that Chelsea have appointed a new set piece coach, I was hoping it was Big Daddy to counter Arsenal’s tactics. However, we have appointed Aston Villa’s set piece coach. Villa scored 29 goals from set pieces last season. Every little helps!

25 Jul 2026 09:13:03
Hopefully, that will help with our set pieces, plus he is used to working with Rogers.

I have to say, I'm happy so far with our incomings.

There is still so much uncertainty. Will Jackson stay or go? Same for Delap and Neto.

Who will be our new No.1 GK.

25 Jul 2026 09:53:52
Bill, if Enzo leaves, I think we sign a plug and play midfielder. I'm not sure we will now sign an lb. I want Jackson to stay, but think he will be sold if the right price. I now think we will keep Delap.
I would love us to sign Costa, but I can't see that happening. I think Sanchez will "start" as our No.1 keeper.

25 Jul 2026 10:37:32
Cheers, Tom.

Not sure where Jackson would go. I have heard Villa can't sign him due to the 45 day issue.

Edoo1, can you assist please.

{Ed001's Note - that could be an issue for Villa yes. }

25 Jul 2026 11:11:16
I was also told that Newcastle have had a long standing interest in Jackson. I just think Alonso will keep him.

25 Jul 2026 14:24:10
Thank you ED001, Tom i hope we keep him as well.

25 Jul 2026 15:18:31
If we are not bringing in another striker, I think we have to, Tom. Emegha already has a hamstring injury and was sidelined for ages last season.

25 Jul 2026 15:47:24
JBS, I'm probably wrong, but I just think Jackson will stay and the injury to Emegha may well make it more likely. It's only me guessing.

25 Jul 2026 17:25:20
Personally, I would keep Delap as backup and sell Jackson; neither would be starters, and we can make a decent profit on Jackson.

25 Jul 2026 21:46:57
Apparently, Emegha will be fit to start the PL season.

26 Jul 2026 10:11:14
Let's hope Emegha will be fit to start the season. But his injury record last season at Strasbourg is very worrying. He was out for almost all of it. 2 separate hamstring injuries, plus a muscle tear, plus something just listed as a 'dead leg' that alone kept him out for 60 days.



Lavia had a similarly dire injury record just before he came to us.

At the very least, we cannot rely on him to be fit sufficiently as sole backup striker. Plus, Delap scored only one goal last season.

26 Jul 2026 20:09:22
JBS, Quenda also spent a lot of last season out injured, worrying that a minor knee knock takes him out of a pre-season tour. We're going to need a bigger treatment room.

26 Jul 2026 22:58:42
Looks as though we might, Jimbo!

24 Jul 2026 17:14:57
Looks like the Lacroix deal is done. We wanted a CB, we wanted experience; we wanted PL proven. All boxes ticked: well done to the hierarchy. Also with our 3 signings we have added height to the first team. Lacroix 6'4"; Palestra 6'1" and MR 6'2".

24 Jul 2026 21:53:35
Still need a keeper.

24 Jul 2026 22:08:13
I agree with you, Jimbo. It looks to me like Alonso has identified our weaknesses and is calling the shots. He is turning us into a very strong and physical team.

25 Jul 2026 04:33:28
I like Lacroix, and I think he'll do well, but I think there might be an adjustment from a very defensive team to one where he'll be largely left high up the pitch defending balls over the top. He does have good pace, so it should be fine. Barring the meaningless 3rd place playoff game against England, he was very reassured for a similar-style France team.

25 Jul 2026 08:20:28
Lrdit, Sanchez certainly doesn't suit Alonso's style of play. Perhaps, Penders will impress on tour: otherwise, still plenty of time.

25 Jul 2026 08:51:11
I may well be wrong, but I can't see us signing a keeper, and I might also be wrong on two further fronts. Sanchez will start as our No1 keeper. If Alonso didn't think Sanchez could do a job for him, he would be sold or be out on loan.

25 Jul 2026 10:49:57
Tom, Alonso hasn't really had a chance to have a look at players. We now have a number of more competitive games. Unlike you, I don't think Sanchez will start, as I hope Penders will show what he's got.

25 Jul 2026 11:15:24
Perfectly reasonable for you to have a different view about who will start as the Chelsea No1.

I have been racking my brains trying to remember who the keeper was when Alonso won the German league. I will have to do some research and see what sort of keeper he had. I assume it was Courtois in Madrid.

24 Jul 2026 13:25:31.
Chelsea FC squad is as follows for Australia and SE Asia tour is as follows.

Sanchez, Jorgensen, Sharman-Lowe, Curd, Palestra, Acheampong, Fofana, Sarr, Tosin, Subuloye, Anselmino, Colwill, Hato, Emenalo, Lavia, Essugo, Walsh, Kellyman, Watson, Palmer, Gittens, Estevao, Kavuma-McQueen, Satpaev, Nicoll-Jazuli, Joao Pedro, Delap.



Some interesting omissions like Badiashile, Disasi and Guiu who must surely be on the move?

World Cup players will join up later after their holidays.

24 Jul 2026 16:30:00
Also missing: Quenda and Emegla: both injured.

24 Jul 2026 17:04:46
That didn't take long!

24 Jul 2026 17:08:03
Well it's been arduous: 2 weeks pre-season and 2 practice games.

24 Jul 2026 17:24:06
Well, I hope it's been as arduous as being reported.

24 Jul 2026 17:36:25
Quenda is just a minor ankle knock and Chelsea FC don't want to take any chances.

24 Jul 2026 17:46:10
Tom, so do I. Our running stats last season were the worst in the PL: an improvement in that could make a difference.

24 Jul 2026 17:47:43
RPD, but Emegla is a hamstring injury.

24 Jul 2026 22:11:04
Yes, Jimbo, I saw that. A real shame, as I think he has talent, but it gives young Satpayev a chance, and I saw an article where a few ex-players described him as being the real deal. We will, of course, see.

25 Jul 2026 15:25:12
Can only hope so, but he, of course, has no EPL experience. A big ask. Surely last season demonstrated that Pedro needed backup from the bench, who could have an impact. Delap wasn't that. Guiu not trusted. Satpaev so young. Emegha constantly injured. It has to be either Jackson or another experienced striker signed. Alvarez hijacked from Barcelona deal would do nicely. Lol.

24 Jul 2026 07:39:12
{Ed's Note - Shappy has posted a new article entitled, United's Squad Balance and the Left-Side Dilemma

23 Jul 2026 18:05:02
Paul Scholes on the race for the Premier League.

Scholes believes Arsenal won't be a serious title challengers next season:

"I don't see Arsenal finishing in the top two next season. They've been very consistent under Mikel Arteta and they've done a lot of things well, but I just don't think they're at the level where they will dominate the Premier League.

When I look at the teams around them, Liverpool are always going to be there because they know what it takes to win the title, and Chelsea are the side that really catches my eye.

They've recruited very well, they've got exciting young players mixed with quality, and under Xabi Alonso I think they'll take another big step forward. Everything seems to be moving in the right direction for them.

For me, Liverpool and Chelsea are more likely to be the two teams fighting for the Premier League next season. Arsenal will still be competitive, but I think they'll fall short because the teams around them have improved more and look better equipped to go all the way."

23 Jul 2026 20:37:55
I would think that at least on paper both City and United are favoured to be in the top 3 with Arsenal. Liverpool and CFC are for the top 5. But I will not myself make a prediction at this stage in the transfer window.

23 Jul 2026 21:40:24
JBS, you're right, until the window closes and early results in the PL are hard to gauge. However, Carrick is my tip for the first manager to get sacked from a big club.

23 Jul 2026 23:01:41
I agree with Jimbo. Man U and Carrick will not be near the top 4, and City will get a points reduction. Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will be the big 3.

23 Jul 2026 23:25:43
I don't get the Utd thing. Carrick did well, but the majority of their squad are average, imo. They'll also be playing a lot more games this year compared to last year, and outside their starting 11 it's pretty poor. Lammens, Yoro, Heaven, Bruno, Cunha, that's about it, imo. Don't really rate any of their other players.

24 Jul 2026 08:22:18
They also got lucky in many games under Carrick last season.

25 Jul 2026 15:27:15
Can but hope you are all right about United! And, of course, they do have European football to worry about this season.

23 Jul 2026 17:39:38.
Chelsea beat Bromley 3-0 today in a behind closed doors friendly. Joao Pedro, Gittens and Emegha scored. Emenalo started and further youth like Walsh, Watson and Nichol-Jazuli came on.
That is now back to back goals for Gittens and Emegha in our 2 friendlies, and word has it that Alonso is very impressed with them both and in particular, Gittens.


Nothing to get overly excited about but I thought I would share with you all.

23 Jul 2026 17:54:14
RPD, thank and very interesting, mate.

23 Jul 2026 20:39:06
What league are Bromley in, Rpd?

23 Jul 2026 20:40:58
Ok, just checked, and Bromley are League 1.

23 Jul 2026 21:10:34
Got promoted from League 2, which they won.

23 Jul 2026 22:52:12
From reading reports about the game, it sounds like we had a lot of under 18s playing at various times. I think the plan is to take 7 youngsters on our pre season tour.

23 Jul 2026 23:26:55
Any idea what formation we played in the 2 games? Not to say that’ll be the formation going forward, but it would be interesting to know.

24 Jul 2026 06:31:18
Fuser, from what I have been reading, it would seem 4-2-3-1.

24 Jul 2026 08:24:35
Thank you, Rpd, for all of your updates. Keep them coming, it's much appreciated.

24 Jul 2026 10:55:22
Thank you, Bill.

24 Jul 2026 11:52:49
Looks like Emegha pulled his hamstring in the last one so misses out on the tour.

24 Jul 2026 12:24:24
Fuser, that is a shame. I always believe pre-season sets a standard for the year.

Apparently training has been full on, and I like that. Maybe we won't be outworked by every team in the Premiership this season.

23 Jul 2026 10:23:48
Just wondering, with Barco coming in, do people think Enzo might stay to help his fellow Argentinian compatriot.

23 Jul 2026 11:08:21
Bill, do you mean at karaoke?

23 Jul 2026 12:03:23
Mire at bashing the opposition, Tom.

23 Jul 2026 14:38:10
We would be the clear, most hated club in England with both on our books.

23 Jul 2026 14:43:59
Be good to go back to the them against us attitude.

23 Jul 2026 17:12:45
I don't care about being hated if it's because we are successful. As for Enzo, I don't believe he is committed to the club and he is a blaggard ( is that okay Ed001)

{Ed001's Note - yes mate.}

23 Jul 2026 17:34:29
Ed001, I couldn't use reprobate again 😀

23 Jul 2026 07:57:45
Hi Ed, apologies if this is a stupid question, but always wondered. what currency do Premier League clubs pay their transfers in?

{Ed001's Note - depends. They use the other nations currency, if it is outside the UK, within the UK they use pounds.}

22 Jul 2026 17:44:49
It would appear Garnacho is going to Villa on an initial loan with a so called low threshold obligation to buy clause.
I except it’s up to the player to prove he is undroppable at any club, but in the back of my mind I seem to remember Villa negotiating a similar deal with Liverpool for Elliott.



The player hasn’t pulled up any trees at Chelsea and that’s a shame but as far as I know he hasn’t been unprofessional while with us.

22 Jul 2026 19:17:23
I understand it is a conditional obligation to buy: not sure what a low threshold obligation is. I would rather we found another club for a sale, otherwise, just like Jackson, he will be back next summer.

22 Jul 2026 19:24:25
Whatever happened to a straight obligation? Now it's with clauses, and I can see Ganarcho not getting a game for Villa after August, similar to what happened to Elliott, which destroyed his season.

22 Jul 2026 20:46:34
I think the difference with Elliott was that Emery never wanted him? I'm sure the club have done their due diligence and have learned from the Jackson loan, so will be fairly confident of the obligation being met.

If Football Manager is as accurate in its mechanics as real life (certainly its player ratings are top notch), then there are ways in which to encourage loan clubs to play players.

E.G. reduced contributions to wages for the weeks the player plays. Reduced loan fee for the month etc. So, for example, Villa are paying £1m/month loan fee for Garnacho. If he plays, it's £500k; if he doesn't, it's £1m. If he plays, they pay 50% of his wage; if he doesn't, it's 100%.

22 Jul 2026 21:23:12
Fuser, what a good idea. Love it, mate.

23 Jul 2026 03:30:21
Apparently the deal for Elliott not happening could be good news for the Garnacho deal.

It would appear that having to play, say, ten games, can now be shown not to be a low threshold obligation to buy deal, and therefore not qualify as a 45-day player swap. I hope that makes sense?

22 Jul 2026 23:00:21
I think I understand it. With this UEFA 45 day rule it could not be a sale this year. So a loan of £8million now plus £42.5 million next year. Harrdly any appearences or goals or assists needed so just a way of beating the greedy cheating UEFA executives.

Well done Chelsea FC for stitching said persons right up. Look like A Villa and Chelsea FC have deal to beat said executives. Well done.

23 Jul 2026 09:34:34
Fabrizio Romano reporting on Garnacho and Aston Villa.

The obligation to buy clause is considered easy to reach, almost 100% guaranteed, and just a way to get around UEFA rules.

Chelsea count on a permanent transfer for 2027, as Garnacho has also signed a four-year deal ahead of the switch.



The second part of the medical is ongoing now.

Chelsea will make a real profit and significant book profit on the player.

23 Jul 2026 10:15:20
We will still have to pay a percentage to UTD.

23 Jul 2026 11:09:44
Bill, I don't recall any sell on clause, but as the profit is small, any payout to them, if applicable, would be small change.

23 Jul 2026 11:45:04
Interesting to see how Garnacho fares under Unai Emery, such a highly rated manager. Clearly, Maresca could not get much out of Garnacho, LR didn't try very hard to, and United had despaired as well after he had seemed such a promising young talent for them when first breaking through into their first team at such a young age.

23 Jul 2026 11:59:49
Jbs, spot on, mate. It will be interesting. At the end of last season, I had completely given up on Gusto, but a change of manager can change how a player performs.

23 Jul 2026 12:05:30
Hopefully, but we are the second club it has not worked out for him. Reminds me a bit of Rashford.

22 Jul 2026 15:51:50
Is £100 million the norm now for decent players moving to Premier League clubs? That is the question being asked by punters and pundits alike.

22 Jul 2026 16:39:08
It appears to be RPD. Look at Crystal Palace, they are quoting for their CH.

Teams like Arsenal have been caught out, and are finding their budgets are not sufficient, whereas, on the other hand, clubs like Forest and Bournemouth are striking gold.

22 Jul 2026 17:13:27
Bill, it is crazy. However, you can look at it another way. Say the highest amount a PL club would pay for a player is £75 million. If we were trying to sell Jackson, we couldn't ask for more than £35 million. However, with current prices, we are quoting £65 million.

22 Jul 2026 17:27:02
I seem to remember us getting approx £15m loan fee for Jackson from BM. That also looks cheap now!!

22 Jul 2026 21:11:18
The disparity in income between the PL and other leagues is astronomical. Last season, the PL had 9 out of the top 20 clubs in revenue, 6 in the top 10, and 6 more from 21-30. So, 15/30 of the highest earning clubs are from the PL. West Ham was 20th, Brentford and Wolves 29th and 30th. Let that sink in for a second. There are 4 German, 3 Italian and 3 Spanish clubs in the top 30.



The disparity is only growing too. With the change from FFP to SCR, I think we'll start to see higher fees, but slightly lower wages going forward from the bigger clubs in order to meet SCR.

There does also seem to be less top talents/high potential players around atm, which is forcing prices up.

23 Jul 2026 08:05:11
Maybe Blue.co saw this coming and hence the stockpiling of talent to sell at a profit? I think one poster called it player trading to beat PSR.

23 Jul 2026 08:51:56
RPD, I'm not sure how true this is, but I was told that you often get inflated transfer fee prices after a WC.
Having said that, it does look like a significant percentage of the players we invested in could be sold now for a real or book profit.

That takes the £1.5bn blown argument off the table. Whether we invested in the right positions is still a valid argument, in my opinion.

23 Jul 2026 09:09:44
Tom, "the £1.5bn blown" comment tended to be from the same 2 individuals and was never relevant.

23 Jul 2026 09:25:32
RPD, I bet they would rush back if we lost money on a string of investments. I think one popped back when we sold a player recently. It's all just good fun!!

23 Jul 2026 10:19:11
Tom, RPD

Like all deals, some we will make a profit on, some we will lose money on, it's the way it goes. For example, how much do you think we would get for Fofana?

23 Jul 2026 11:12:54
Bill, that was always the point. It was when some posters mentioned that £1.5bn had been "blown." Obviously, that couldn't be true as an amount, but, as I say, the choice of "player" could be an argument, but us fans would never agree on that point.

23 Jul 2026 17:04:31
Tom, we have blown a lot of money. End of the day, players in the starting XI will always mean more to fans than amortised book values, of which the majority on here won't have a clue about.

Garnacho a prime example. We may sell him to Villa at a similar price to what we paid for him (which is great), however we wasted a year with him as a serious starting option, which should never have been the case.

Most on here said at the time they didn't see it working out, and we have now had to spend again on a player who may play on the left, or we could be looking at further signings at LW. Ditto for the fullback, CB and keeper positions specifically, and to an extent CM, although, granted, Enzo's future largely decides that.

23 Jul 2026 17:28:58
For me there are three separate issues. The amount of money spent is not the most important of them.

1) The poor advice received and accepted at the start of our present owners' tenure. I think we were lucky to get out of those deals without too much damage other than wasting time. As I said at the time, I was fearful of so-called "statement" signings.
2) The so-called investment in young players made some sort of sense, albeit I saw it as an experiment. What I do not understand is what I see as another experiment in the appointment of certain managers. Unlike some, I had no problems with TT getting the tin tac.
3) I have mentioned the investment in young players, but like most I think it went too far.

We should have been looking for a tad more experience in key positions, also players with leadership qualities.

I have now, and never had, any doubts that if we sold the whole squad we would get a good return, cash-wise, on our transfer investment, but I accept some of the investments will turn out to be bad, cash- and player-wise; that just happens, in my opinion, at every club.

The term "blown" was used in the financial sense, and that is clearly not the case, but have we made player signings that were not a priority? In my opinion, yes. Have we wasted time with an experiment? In my opinion, yes.

23 Jul 2026 21:56:19
Tom, there are signs that the club are moving in a different direction. I don't really care whether we have "blown" X amount. I am interested in the here and now, and building a squad to compete next season and beyond.

Appointing Alonso so quickly is a positive sign. The transfer window will be interesting, both as regards to ins and outs. No doubt, I will moan about some incomings, or perhaps not?