A lot of criticism has come Chelsea’s way regarding their recruitment over the last four years. For good reason as well. The club have spent plenty of money, almost exclusively on signing highly-rated youngsters from all around the globe.
Most of them have failed to meet expectations. Throughout this time, Chelsea have struggled for consistency and success. The promise has always been that the squad will grow together and develop into one of the best in Europe. But four years on, a lot of fans are starting to give up on that idea.
That being said, there are some signings that have worked out. Chelsea spent north of £100 million each on signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica and Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion. They were two of the most memorable transfer sagas in the club’s history. Fortunately, it paid off.
Caicedo and Fernandez have become two of Chelsea’s most important players. They are amongst the best in the world in their respective roles. Of course, that kind of form has come with attention from other clubs, Real Madrid being one of them. But there is some good news.
Chelsea want to hand new deals to Fernandez and Caicedo
According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid are set to explore alternative targets after conceding that prising either Fernandez or Caicedo away from Chelsea is highly unlikely. The two South American midfielders are said to be settled at Stamford Bridge and not agitating to move. On the other hand, the Blues are keen to open talks with both over new contracts.
Fernandez and Caicedo already have long-term deals with Chelsea. But it looks like the club might be open to handing them improved terms. That would be in line with their growing importance to the team, and could go a long way in keeping them happy at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s other signings have lacked the quality of Fernandez and Caicedo
The signings of Fernandez and Caicedo working out cannot be considered as masterstrokes for the recruitment team. After all, they paid record-breaking fees for both. When you spend that kind of money, one expects moves to work out.
Most of the other signings that the Blues have made have lacked the quality of Fernandez and Caicedo. Those two are world-class on their day. How many other Chelsea players can you say that about? Perhaps only Cole Palmer and Reece James. That cannot be the case if they have aspirations of competing for the biggest prizes in football.
