Like most summers nowadays, Chelsea and Blueco are splashing the cash and making multiple signings. Yet again, they are doing this for another new manager. Are there signings the right choice and is Alsonso the right man for Chelsea?

The incoming signing of Danny Welback

    This signing is a bit of a wired deal for both parties. On Brighton's side, they are selling a striker who netted 13 times for them last season for an undisclosed fee but it is being reported that it is lower that £10 million It is also a belief that personal terms have been agreed and the transfer will be announced in the upcoming days. For Chelsea, they are signing a 35 year old striker, who will be retiring soon. The goal tally last season is still impressive though and he will be a welcome addition to a young Chelsea team. He will bring unmatched experience to the youthful dressing room and presses from the front, which is required in the Alonso system. He is also clinical, outscoring his xG by 3 goals last season making him a ruthless striker. Additionally, he can easily drag defenders out of position, this allows for more space for the midfielders and wingers to run into.

The imminent arrival of Jordan Henderson

    After leaving Brentford earlier today, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson will be joining Chelsea on a free transfer. He is expected to sign a contract that lasts until 2028. Like Welbeck, he will bring vast experience to the team and he also knows how to win trophies, like he did under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. The main job of Henderson will be to manage game tempo and keep standards high. As a captain, Henderson has lifted the Premier League and Champions League trophy and his know-how on, and off the pitch will bring a leader in the dressing room and a player who can help guide the young players. He provides strength in depth in a busy season and can protect the defensive line wth passes forward. When attacking in Alonso's system, Henderson will be expected to sit a bit deeper to protect the backline from counter attacks and for a shield alongside a partner like Moises Caicedo.

Image: Bryan Berlin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The Arrival Of Maxenxe Lacroix

    Chelsea have also added to their back line with the signing of Crystal Palace defender, Maxence Lacroix. The clubs have reached an agreement of around £52m pounds for the Frenchman and he is to undergo a medical in the coming days. He is expected to sign a 6 year contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032. Lacroix is an aggressive, modern centre half who combines his dominant physicality with proactive defensive instincts. He has an excellent passing accuracy and does short, quick passes to get attacks going rather than driving forward with the ball. Frequently, he is seen joining the midfield and can intercept balls well. At an imposing 1.90 metres tall, Lacroix uses his height and strength to shield the ball from attackers and he can use his pace to deal with 1v1 situations with ease. He typically does best in a 3 at he back and this is what Alsonso normally plays. He is projected to be the centre piece of the Chelsea backline. Due to the fact that most teams sit deep when playing Chelsea. His elite pace allows for piece of mind when the opposition start a quick counter attack, this is quite common due to the high press that Xabi Alonso plays.

Why is this clever investment from Chelsea?

    These three signings are exceptionally good from Chelsea. The big reason why is that they bring experience, which lacks in the current Chelsea squad. The signings of 36 year old Henderson, who has won every possible major honour in English football, and 35 year old Danny Welbeck adds so much experience and winning DNA into an inexperienced, mentally weak Chelsea squad. This adds mental toughness to the squad and it allows for the team to keep their heads up and not loose their head in the moments that matter. another reason on why this is clever investment is that it doesn't really impact the FFP rules as the 2 signings of Henderson and Welbeck add up to less than £10 million pounds and this allows for them to spend even more money. Finally, all of these players fit in pretty seamlessly in Alsonso's system and should do well next season at Chelsea.

How are they avoiding breaking FFP rules?

    As we see constantly, clubs are severely impacted by FFP and specifically PSR, this permits clubs to loose a maximum of £105 million over a 3 year period. Chelsea have avoided a points deduction by giving their players lengthy 7,8,9 year contracts to help spread the costs and they can pay less money in yearly installments allowing for more money of sales to go to new players. Another reason on why Chelsea can sign more players is that their academy sales are 100% profit means that there is more money to spend without spending a single penny. The free signing of Jordan Henderson means that Chelsea gain an experienced, top quality player for free meaning they don't lose any money.

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