Chelsea have enjoyed a promising start to the summer transfer window, and they’re showing no sign of slowing down.
Chelsea could save millions by dabbling in the free agent market this summer. At the start of July, some big names became available on a free transfer following the expiration of their contracts, and they could attract the attention of Premier League clubs, including the Blues.
With Chelsea, as well as every other club in the English top-flight, under pressure to remain compliant with profit and sustainability rules, the free agent market offers an alternative way to sign players. It can be a cost-effective recruitment option for teams that have fallen short due to injuries, can’t necessarily justify a transfer fee, or might just want to set aside cash for a marquee signing.
In the Blues’ case, they have cash to splash, so a free transfer would allow the sporting leadership team to better spend the budget on players who do require a fee. Of course, the wage bill would still take a hit, but clubs can save millions – especially in the age of such an inflated market.
Thanks to the Bosman Rule, Chelsea have welcomed some big names to Stamford Bridge in the past, including Ruud Gullit in 1995, Michael Ballack in 2006, and Didier Drogba for his last dance in 2014. Although the Blues may not be able to bring in a player of the same stature this summer, there are still plenty who could bolster Xabi Alonso’s side.
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So, with that being said, football.london has looked at four players Chelsea could sign on a free transfer this summer.
Mohamed Salah
Salah announced his departure from Liverpool in March, and he’s yet to find a new club. The 34-year-old forward would be a good addition to the Chelsea setup as Alonso looks to integrate world-class experience into his young squad.
Although the Blues boss may not be able to offer Salah as much game time as he would like, with just one game or two a week and Cole Palmer likely to be one of the first names on the teamsheet, he could still play a key role in the side. Chelsea would likely have to pay the Egypt international a fortune, but if Alejandro Garnacho and one other forward left, then it would soften the blow.
Yann Sommer
Sommer, who is also entering the twilight years of his career, would be a brilliant mentor for Mike Penders and a potential replacement for Robert Sanchez. Despite his age, the 37-year-old goalkeeper could very easily be a starter for Chelsea.
Last season, Sommer played a starring role for Inter Milan as they won the Scudetto, claiming his seventh domestic title at the very highest level. The former Switzerland international would be a great addition to the dressing room, and he wouldn’t block the pathway of any young player into the first team.
John Stones
Despite his fitness record, Stones would be a shrewd signing for Chelsea. With only one game a week, Alonso could carefully manage the 32-year-old defender’s workload, and potentially keep him fit all year round.
Even if Stones is not one of the first names on the teamsheet, with Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, and perhaps Maxence Lacroix, who’s been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, in the back-three, he would be a much better alternative than Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile.
David Alaba
Alaba, who announced his departure from Real Madrid in May, would be another good signing for Chelsea if Alonso could keep him fit. Like Stones, the 34-year-old defender wouldn’t necessarily be a starter, but he’s a proven winner with quality and experience at the very highest level.
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