Overview
As already mentioned, the best thing Chelsea did this summer was bring back Jose Mourinho, with the Special One missed greatly during his six-year absence. Still, the returning boss made some good purchases in the transfer market to continue Chelsea’s trend as a younger and more attack-minded side.
Schurrle and Willian in addition to Mata, Hazard and Oscar gives the Blues an incredible number of high-quality options, and while the biggest challenge may be how to fit them all in, Chelsea are unlikely to ever find themselves short of a player who can turn a game and provide some match-winning quality. Perhaps more defensive-minded midfielders were needed, and it is rumoured that Chelsea were keen to sell John Obi Mikel to Galatasaray in order to bring someone else in, but it didn’t happen. The axis of Ramires and Frank Lampard looks strong though, and the return from loan of Michael Essien gives the side some good experienced backup as well.
Unsurprisingly, Chelsea’s defence looks strong, so there was little need to strengthen there, even if the club were linked strongly with Porto starlet Eliaquim Mangala. Schwarzer as backup for Cech is a good signing as well, giving the Blues a better backup than Ross Turnbull in goal.
Although big names like Rooney, Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao were being linked with the club, Chelsea will be happy with the bargan signing of Eto’o, who should be an upgrade on Torres and Ba even at this late stage in his career. It’s great for neutrals as well to see one of the greats of the game finally spend a season in the Premier League.
Total spending: £63.5m.
Overall score: 8/10.