As we approach the first anniversary of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover at Chelsea, it is evident that their impact on the club has not lived up to expectations.
Despite extravagant spending of nearly £600 million to bring new players, the results have been quite disappointing. The approach to recruitment could be described as scattergun, as they brought in 17 new players without a clear sense of direction.
This lack of focus has led to the Blues experiencing their lowest Premier League finish since the mid-nineties which made them lose a place in European football for the 2023/24 season.
Instead, several players have fallen short of expectations and disappointed the fans. In light of this, we have decided to delve into the Top 3 worst signings of the American businessman at Stamford Bridge.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
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After having previously played under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made a move from Barcelona to Chelsea on transfer deadline day for a fee of £10 million.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Todd Boehly, the club's owner, decided to dismiss the German manager just a few days later. As a result, the Gabonese star has found himself on the periphery of the first team, making only 21 appearances and scoring three goals for the Blues.
Recent reports suggest that the striker is now looking to terminate his contract at Stamford Bridge in order to make a return to Camp Nou on a free transfer.
This development signifies the challenging circumstances the 34-year-old has faced with the Premier League side, as he seeks a fresh start and an opportunity to regain his former glory at his previous club.
Marc Cucurella
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Marc Cucurella caught the attention of top English clubs with his impressive debut season at Brighton. Despite Manchester City deeming his price tag of £62 million too steep, the Blues emerged victorious in the race to sign the talented Spaniard.
The defender arrived at Stamford Bridge after a remarkable season with the Seagulls, where he swept all the Player of the Season awards. However, he has struggled to make the desired impact since joining the Londoners.
The left-back has faced difficulties adapting and has shown signs of lacking confidence throughout the season. Even the arrival of his former manager from Brighton, Graham Potter, has failed to unlock his best performances.
During the 2021/22 season, the Spain international ranked among the Premier League's top three full-backs in terms of chances created from open play and tackles won.
However, his numbers for crosses, dribbles, average passes, and key passes per 90 minutes have all declined compared to his previous season. In hindsight, the decision to invest such a significant amount in Cucurella appears unwise, considering the squad's other needs and the presence of left-back options like Ben Chilwell, Lewis Hall, and Ian Maatsen.
Mykhailo Mudryk
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Chelsea fans were filled with joy upon learning that their club had successfully beaten Arsenal in the pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk in January.
The Gunners had initially considered themselves as frontrunners to secure the services of the talented Ukrainian ace. The winger made a significant impact on the biggest stage, showcasing his skills with a series of outstanding performances in the current season's Champions League.
He proved to be a constant menace to teams such as RB Leipzig and Celtic during the group stage, leaving a lasting impression and announcing his arrival at the top level of football.
The agreement to bring Mudryk to the club included potential add-ons that could reach a total of £88.5 million, but so far, the investment has shown little in terms of returns.
Despite an exciting debut as a substitute against Liverpool, the 22-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations and has been largely ineffective. In his 16 appearances across all competitions, the player has failed to find the back of the net and has only managed to provide two assists.
Nevertheless, if he wants to establish himself as a long-term asset in the club's rebuilding process, he will need to significantly enhance his current contributions and make a more meaningful impact on the pitch.