Jose Mourinho spent most of last season moaning about the fact that he was one striker short of a title-winning side. In his second season in charge, the Portuguese boss has gone great lengths to make sure he has his squad ready to go all guns blazing from day 1. This time last season, Mourinho secured the services of prolific German winger Andre Schurrle along with the Brazilian playmaker Willian. The former Inter Milan manager also got Samuel Eto’o to Stamford Bridge. Dutch midfield prodigy Marco van Ginkel too made the move to North London. While Schurrle and Willian played their part in an under-achieving season for the Blues, Eto’o and van Ginkel failed to live up to the expectations of the Stamford Bridge faithful. Based on past success, it’s pretty clear that Mourinho is a ‘second-season’ manager and in his second season at Chelsea in his second stint, the former Madrid boss has wrapped up his business nice and early.
Here’s a look at the additions and departures from the Chelsea squad, so far :-
Transfers In :-
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Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona – 30 million GBP
The 27 year old Spanish midfielder joins Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea after they triggered a 30 million release clause in Fabregas’ contract. After signing for fierce rivals Chelsea, the former Gunners captain made it clear that Arsenal decided not to trigger the release clause and thus refused to take their chance at re-signing their captain. A talented and hard-working midfielder – Fabregas joins the club he once despised. His vision and knack of scoring crucial goals might just be the difference between Chelsea last season and this season. -
Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid – 32 million GBP
Brazilian-born Spanish international striker Diego Costa swapped the Spanish capital for the English capital after Mourinho’s Chelsea met the buy-out clause in Costa’s contract that was rumoured to be around 32 million. The 25 year-old La Liga winning striker will be joining the London club after a forgettable World Cup campaign for Spain in the country of his birth. Robust and prolific, Costa is the striker Mourinho craved for all of last season. Costa’s physicality and clinical finishing will have a huge say in Chelsea’s coming season. -
Mario Pasalic from Hajduk Split – Undisclosed
Jose Mourinho moved swiftly to secure the services of 19 year old Croatian midfielder Mario Pasalic. The Croat was part of his national side’s initial 30 man squad for the World Cup. A box-to-box midfielder by trade, Pasalic idolizes Chelsea legend Frank Lampard. The youngster would have to go great lengths to even match the feats of the England legend.
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Felipe Luis from Atletico Madrid – 16 million GBP
28 year-old Brazilian full-back Felipe Luis became the second Atletico Madrid player to leave the Vicente Calderon for Stamford Bridge in this window. A defensively solid left-back, Luis enjoyed a stellar season under Diego Simeone manning the left side of Atletico’s resolute defence all of last season. The 16 million signing from Spain will be wear the number 5 jersey for the Blues.
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Didier Drogba from Galatasaray – Free
‘The return of the King’ – Stamford Bridge faithful hail this move by Jose Mourinho and the management at Chelsea. 36 year old Didier Drogba returns to his beloved Stamford Bridge after having left in 2012 securing the Blues’ first and only UEFA Champions League. The emotional return of the Ivorian striker was heightened by the fact that the former Marseille man will be handed the jersey number 15 – the same squad number that he was given when he signed for Chelsea way back in 2004.
Transfers Out :-
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David Luiz to Paris St. Germain – 50 million GBP
The first departure from Stamford Bridge was that of immensely talented Brazilian defender David Luiz to French champions PSG for a record 50 million GBP. On his day one of the best defenders around, Luiz always was a suspect to a defensive error despite all his good work. With 50 million offer from PSG, Mourinho found it fit to depart with fan-favourite David Luiz after the former Benfica man moved to London 3 and a half years ago.
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Ashley Cole to AS Roma – 1.5 million GBP
One of England’s best left-backs ever – Ashley Cole left Chelsea and the English Premier League as he searched for newer pastures to test himself. The 33 year-old former Gunner joined Serie A runners-up AS Roma on a 2-year deal and in the process becoming only the first English player to play for the Roman club.
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Demba Ba to Besiktas – 8 million GBP
29 year-old Senegalese striker Demba Ba was another one of the departures from Stamford Bridge this summer. The former Newcastle United striker left the London club after failing to nail down a starting place in the one and half season he spent with the Blues.
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Frank Lampard to New York City FC – Free
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard left the London after having spent 10 successful seasons in Chelsea Blue. The 36 year old will be joined by David Villa at the new MLS side. During the off-season of the MLS, Lampard will return to the EPL to feature in Manchester City’s bid to defend their title having agreed to a six-month loan deal.
Verdict
‘The Special One’ has moved early and swiftly to acquire his targets. Having spent most of the pre-season with a full-strength squad, Chelsea are going to be up there competing for every competition. Arguably, the only team that can match Manchester City’s squad quality and depth Chelsea are going to be a serious European force under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho in the coming season. Watch out for The Blues !
