Chelsea replicating Real Madrid's smart transfer market tactics
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 4 Aug 2022 22:55 BST
- 4 min read
Despite a slow start to the 2022 summer transfer window, Chelsea have picked up pace and now seem set to have completed a vast array of deals when the window slams shut.
Following the ownership change, the Blues were unsurprisingly slow to act in the early weeks of the window, missing out on the likes of Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt and Raphinha despite long drawn-out pursuits.
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The signings of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly softened the blow, but more was needed to keep up with the competition.
More is exactly what has happened. Gabriel Slonina has been signed from Chicago Fire, although he's immediately been loaned back, Carney Chukwuemeka has been plucked from Aston Villa, while Marc Cucurella has completed his medical in preparation for his move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
While Cucurella is an obvious target, having impressed in the 2021-22 Premier League season, the former two are signs of a shift in mindset when it comes to Chelsea's transfer strategy away from ready-made superstars and into younger prospects.
In fact, Slonina and Chukwuemeka could be joined at the club by Inter Milan wonderkid Cesare Casadei. Chelsea have already submitted two bids for Casadei, with Todd Boehly ready to back the future potential of the player.
The Blues are reportedly ready to submit a fresh offer for Casadei, according to The Evening Standard's Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella, while Zak Sturge has been signed for the club's academy side from Brighton.
With Slonina, Chukwuemeka and Casadei all still teenagers, it shows Chelsea are looking to the future, despite their needs in the present. But, with more transfer activity planned to address the current needs, long-term transfer planning is something that Chelsea have acted upon, and for good reason.
Copying Real Madrid's template
Real Madrid have reaped the rewards of signings players early, before their replacements leave. Los Blancos have signed Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni over the past few years, despite the fact that Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are still going strong.
This advanced planning has worked a treat, as Carlo Ancelotti has been able to faze out the older stars in order to blood new talent, which was seen by Camavinga's crucial role in their run to Champions League glory. Going further back, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo were both signed at a very young age and weren't expected to become key players immediately.
Instead, there were simply young players able to integrate for a season or two then step up to become regulars once they were ready. That's happened with Vinicius, while Camavinga and Rodrygo could be set for even bigger roles this season.
That philosophy is now something that Chelsea have adopted.
Like Real Madrid, Chelsea have identified their succession plan to N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, both of whom will become free agents in 2023 as their Blues contracts expire next summer, and have already put it in motion.
The acquisition of Chukwuemeka is the first step in their goal of rejuvenating their midfield, while Slonina is a long-term replacement for current number one Edouard Mendy. Neither will be expected to contribute straight away, but will be slowly eased in before becoming stars.
Casadei is yet another example of this, with Chelsea looking into the future rather than just simply prioritising success in the present.
With Levi Colwill set to join Brighton on loan rather than on a permanent deal, Chelsea are prioritising future-proofing their squad, which Real Madrid have proven is a rather smart idea.
