Chelsea's Squad Reaches 45 Players
The London team is gearing up for the 2024-2025 season with a long list of players under Enzo Maresca’s command.
Chelsea is known for buying players in every transfer window, so Coach Enzo Maresca has a hefty list of 45 players to manage. However, with so many signings, the British team needs to make several sales, starting with one of the most significant, Conor Gallagher.
Though not official yet, the 24-year-old midfielder seems to be on his way out of the “Blues” as Atlético Madrid shows interest in signing him. However, the potential arrival of Julián Álvarez to the Spanish club could hinder this move, so the futures of both players could be decided in the coming days.
One thing is certain: Gallagher's sale would provide a significant financial boost to a club that has spent 1.5 billion euros ($1.64 billion) in the last four years. On the other hand, the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules pose a challenge for Chelsea’s development of homegrown players, prompting the club to claim that they are forced to sell their top players.
“This isn't Chelsea’s problem, it’s a regulatory issue. Clubs are required to sell players due to the rules. It’s not Chelsea’s fault; it’s the Premier League’s fault. Chelsea's intention is not to sell, but the rules eventually force us to. I love that Totti spent 20 years at Roma and was a one-club man; we all love that, but these are the rules. Personally, I think it’s a shame because everyone likes to see a one-club man. If we want to promote academy players, yes, let’s change the rule,” Enzo Maresca said before the friendly match between Chelsea and Real Madrid in the United States.
Chelsea will kick off their Premier League campaign on August 18 against champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, following their last preseason match against Inter on Sunday, August 11.
