Chelsea is once again making headlines in the transfer market, but this time it’s not for their signings, but for their sales. The Stamford Bridge team has started the summer strong in the departures section, with several players set to leave the club for big money.
One of the first players to confirm his departure is N’Golo Kante, who will be joining Al-Ittihad. The Frenchman will be followed by other players like Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Hakim Ziyech, all of whom are set to join clubs in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Kai Havertz is rumored to be heading to Arsenal, Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, and Mason Mount to Manchester United.
The reason behind these sales lies in the Saudi Arabian connection. Last summer, Clearlake Capital, a private equity firm managed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, acquired 60% of Chelsea. Clearlake, led by Todd Boehly, committed $3 billion to the club, along with Boehly’s partners Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss.
The PIF, which manages billions of euros in assets, also invests in other private equity firms. They previously bought Newcastle from Mike Ashley, and just two weeks ago, they took control of four teams in the Saudi Pro League – Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr. These are the same teams that are now paying money to Chelsea to sign their players.
The blues have already received an offer of about 20 million euros for Kalidou Koulibaly, who arrived at the club just a year ago for almost double that amount. It is expected that Ziyech and Mendy will also find a place in Saudi football.
Chelsea sources have insisted that there was no Saudi involvement in Clearlake’s purchase of the club, alleviating concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The sales of these players will see Chelsea receive more than 100 million euros in the coming weeks, providing a significant financial boost for the club. This influx of funds will be crucial as Mauricio Pochettino’s project at Chelsea begins to take shape.
In conclusion, Chelsea’s sales to Saudi football clubs are a result of the connection between the club and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. While concerns about potential conflicts of interest have been raised, Chelsea sources have denied any Saudi involvement in the club’s ownership. The significant funds generated from these sales will undoubtedly benefit Chelsea as they look to build a competitive team under Pochettino’s leadership.
How will Kovacic’s potential move to Barcelona impact Chelsea’s midfield and overall squad dynamics?
Kovacic to Barcelona, and Tammy Abraham to Aston Villa.
These departures come as a surprise to many, as Chelsea had a strong season, finishing in the top four and winning the Champions League. However, it seems that the club is looking to make some big changes in their squad.
N’Golo Kante’s move to Al-Ittihad is definitely a shocker. The defensive midfielder has been an integral part of Chelsea’s success over the years, and his departure will leave a significant void in the team. Edouard Mendy’s move to Saudi Arabia is also unexpected, as he was Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper last season.
Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech’s moves to Saudi Arabian clubs also raise eyebrows. Koulibaly has been a rock in defense for Napoli, and Ziyech showed glimpses of his brilliance in his debut season for Chelsea. It will be interesting to see how they adapt to their new surroundings.
The rumored move of Kai Havertz to Arsenal is another surprising development. The young German midfielder had a mixed debut season for Chelsea but showed flashes of his potential. A move to Arsenal would give him a chance to further develop his game and prove himself in the Premier League.
Mateo Kovacic’s potential move to Barcelona is also worth noting. The Croatian midfielder has been a consistent performer for Chelsea and his departure would be another blow to the team’s midfield.
Finally, Tammy Abraham’s move to Aston Villa would be a return to familiar grounds for the young English striker. Abraham spent a successful loan spell at Villa a few seasons ago, and a permanent move could help him rediscover his form.
Overall, these departures mark a significant shakeup in the Chelsea squad. While their sales may bring in big money, it remains to be seen how the team will cope with the loss of key players. It will be crucial for the club to make smart signings in order to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
“Chelsea’s Summer Sales: How Saudi Money and Transfers to Saudi Football Shape the Global Football Landscape.”
This thought-provoking article sheds light on the growing influence of Saudi money in football and its impact on Chelsea’s transfer business. An intriguing analysis that highlights the interconnectedness between clubs and countries in the ever-evolving world of football.