The Chelsea Board’s transfer strategy of signing youth over experience looks set to continue this window. Talented Ghanian 17-year-old David Oduro, currently on trial with The Blues, could be the club’s first January signing.
David Oduro is highly rated, attracting attention from European clubs, including Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Sociedad. The defender is already a U20 International and has a reputation for being exceptionally technically gifted.
Some Chelsea fans have become increasingly restless with the transfer philosophy adopted by the club since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took control. With deals like this one for Oduro becoming increasingly common, the days of buying well-established stars seem well and truly gone for the West London club.
The poor start to the 2023/24 campaign has left many asking why the club are not using the January window to strengthen the squad in the immediate future. Qualifying for European football is essential as FFP issues caused by the club’s massive spending intensify.
Despite the poor start, major bookmakers have Chelsea at as short as 13/5 to finish in the top 6. Suggesting they believe it’s still possible the Blues will play on the continent next year. Focusing on the correct short-term deals for first-team players would help their cause.
Sections of the fanbase are also dismayed by the willingness to let homegrown players depart. Conor Gallagher and Trevor Chalobah are both linked with a move away.
Mauricio Pochettino has repeatedly stressed how important Gallagher is to his plans, even giving him the armband several times. However, the potential of pure profit on their FFP accounts could tempt the Board to sell him anyway.
A move for Oduro is a good one, considering he is a highly-rated talent, but the Chelsea board may need to change their approach for this January window if they want to rescue the current season.
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