Why This Summer Feels Different Under Maresca

As the 2025/26 Premier League season edges closer, Chelsea have once again shattered the £200million mark in the transfer market—a staggering fourth summer in a row under the Clearlake Capital-Todd Boehly ownership. And while that level of spending no longer surprises fans or rivals alike, the key difference this time around is that Chelsea finally appear to be spending with purpose.

With one month left in the summer transfer window, the club’s current outlay has already hit £140million. Factor in the previously agreed deals for Estevao Willian (signed last summer), Dario Essugo (completed in March), and Mamadou Sarr (January), and the total rockets to £227million. But it won’t stop there. The impending arrival of Jorrel Hato from Ajax is expected to cost at least £37million, and Xavi Simons is likely to command over £61million. By the end of the window, Chelsea’s spend—purely for summer 2025—could hit £238million, or £325million if background work and prior commitments are included.

A Familiar Story, But With New Lessons?

Chelsea’s record under Boehly and Clearlake is well-documented: heavy spending, relentless turnover, and a preference for young, high-ceiling players. But the strategy has often come under fire, especially in light of how last summer’s £400million spree left glaring squad gaps heading into Enzo Maresca’s first season.

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Back then, Chelsea needed a first-choice goalkeeper, a reliable midfielder, and a clinical striker. Instead, they brought in three left-wingers, a backup keeper, and a host of developmental prospects. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was essentially a like-for-like replacement for Conor Gallagher, while Tosin Adarabioyo arrived on a free—but only after Trevoh Chalobah was cast aside, a decision that sparked controversy once Chalobah was reintegrated in January.

Twelve months on, only a handful of those signings have justified their presence. Pedro Neto—after a slow start—emerged as a reliable option by March. Others like Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Caleb Wiley, and Renato Veiga have either been sold, loaned out, or are now on the chopping block.

The mismanagement was further exposed by Jadon Sancho’s short-lived loan, a £25million obligation eventually torn up after a modest return. Meanwhile, the decision to loan out Andrey Santos—when the midfield was already thin—backfired almost immediately.

Summer 2025: A Different Blueprint?

This time around, there’s a sense of sharper planning at Cobham. The acquisitions of Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro indicate a clearer understanding of squad needs. Chelsea have retooled their attack with more versatility and depth—an area that let them down last year. Xavi Simons, if signed, is seen as a natural fit for the inside-left channel or the No.10 role—both positions that lacked cohesion in 2024. Unlike Felix, Simons brings both flair and end product.

With Mykhailo Mudryk suspended indefinitely, the left-wing was a clear hole to address. Gittens and Simons offer more than just coverage—they provide viable options for both wide and central roles. Add in the progress of Estevao, who impressed during the U.S. tour, and the attack now has a dynamism last season’s squad sorely lacked.

In midfield, Andrey Santos has returned from loan, while Essugo brings steel and promise. The engine room suddenly feels more robust. Up front, if Nicolas Jackson stays, Chelsea boast options and flexibility; if he’s sold, the club is expected to reinvest quickly.

Defensively, Jorrel Hato represents a more mature signing than Veiga was last year. Though only 18, Hato is already an established performer in the Eredivisie and brings composure beyond his years. Marc Cucurella remains a warrior presence on the left, and with Hato as cover, Chelsea’s options in that role look far stronger.

The Garnacho Question

One name still floating around Stamford Bridge is Alejandro Garnacho. Chelsea continue to do their due diligence, reportedly conducting thorough background checks on the Manchester United winger. While no formal bid has yet been submitted, there is a growing expectation that an offer will come before the window shuts. His signing would likely hinge on final outgoings—including the sales of Armando Broja and Christopher Nkunku—but Chelsea clearly see Garnacho as a statement addition.

Are Chelsea Finally Learning?

For all the rightful criticism of Chelsea’s recent scattergun approach, this summer feels more calculated. The club continues to offload fringe and underperforming players to balance the books. More importantly, the holes left by Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure are finally being addressed. Yes, the spending remains eye-watering—but at least now it seems aligned with a bigger plan.

Whether Maresca’s second season will deliver success remains to be seen. But if the lesson from last year was that money alone won’t fix a squad without purpose, this year’s business suggests Chelsea are finally starting to listen.