After a convincing start under new manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea are once again showing signs of struggle. The Blues were held to back-to-back draws in the Premier League by Leeds United and Burnley, two teams trying to avoid relegation.
Other than recalling Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg, the Blues failed to bring in any new reinforcements during the winter transfer window. That was despite concerns regarding their form and injury problems.
Chelsea were reportedly interested in signing Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in the winter. But as it turned out, the highly-rated Frenchman agreed a deal to join Liverpool. On the other hand, Tylel Tati of Nantes was also linked with the Blues. Once again, a move did not happen.
Now, it looks like another Chelsea-linked player is not headed to Stamford Bridge. According to Fabrizio Romano, Patrik Mercado to Sevilla is here we go. The deal is done for the Ecuadorian to join after the World Cup.
Mercado has come through the ranks at Independiente del Valle. Chelsea have quite a few on their books who have a history with the Ecuadorian club. Moises Caicedo is the most famous example. Kendry Paez is another name worth mentioning. And in 2028, Deinner Ordonez will head to Stamford Bridge.
What could be the reason behind Chelsea’s recent transfer struggles?
Despite the Blues’ recent policy of nurturing highly rated youngsters while giving them a chance to play at the highest level in one of the toughest leagues there is, the recent transfer windows have seemingly not been the easiest for Chelsea. They have missed out on several targets, for one reason or another.
Cole Palmer, Caicedo, Estevao, Enzo Fernandez, and a few others are examples of the Blues’ success stories while implementing their new transfer policy since the takeover of BlueCo. But then, there are plenty more who have failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge.
It is not easy to get consistent chances at a club like Chelsea. Especially if there are well-established names in your position already.
Champions League qualification is also seen as a big criteria for any young player as everyone wants to be a part of those magical European nights. Unfortunately, they seem to be moving out of sight for Rosenior’s men. The Blues have already dropped points twice this month as Liverpool breathes down their neck. On current form, it is not hard to see them slipping out of the top five very soon.
