Chelsea's transfer policy this summer has had a surprising turning point when Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck became top targets of the Stamford Bridge team.
Chelsea are making efforts to recruit both to add to Xabi Alonso's squad before the new season. Previously, they also pursued some experienced players such as John Stones or Granit Xhaka but were unsuccessful.
This is a significant change compared to the transfer strategy that Chelsea has pursued for many years. Since the summer of 2023, Tosin Adarabioyo is the only player over 25 years old to be recruited by the team. Most of the remaining contracts are under-23 players such as Estevao, Kendry Paez, Joao Pedro or Geovany Quenda.
In fact, this policy is not completely unsuccessful. Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Wesley Fofana are all investments for the future, while Joao Pedro and Estevao also show many positive signs. However, the 10th position in the Premier League last season shows that Chelsea still has many problems.
The Blues received up to eight red cards, much more than competitors such as Arsenal or Manchester City. The lack of discipline and personal mistakes in the Champions League, especially in the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, shows that Chelsea lacks bravery and leadership ability at decisive moments.
The appointment of Xabi Alonso also reflects a change in the thinking of the board of directors. Unlike previous choices, Alonso is a Bundesliga champion and has experience at the top. Besides, Chelsea is starting to look for players who can bring voice in the dressing room.
However, the London team did not give up the strategy of developing young players. Morgan Rogers was still recruited for a fee of up to 117 million pounds along with a long-term contract. Marco Palestra, Geovany Quenda or 17-year-old talent Dastan Satpayev are also investments for the future.
The problem lies in the imbalance of the squad. In recent years, Chelsea have parted ways with a series of players who are at their peak such as Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke. This makes the team lack players aged 25-29 - the period considered the most fulfilling of a player.
Therefore, Henderson and Welbeck are considered solutions to supplement experience, bravery and ability to lead a very young team. Although both have passed their peak period, both are still famous for their professional spirit, motivational ability and positive influence in the dressing room.
Not only Xabi Alonso appreciates this duo. Coach Thomas Tuchel has repeatedly defended the decision to call Henderson up to the England national team and considered bringing Welbeck to the 2026 World Cup. According to Tuchel, Henderson always brings leadership ability, personality and a winning spirit, and is also a "glue" to connect every team he wears.
Chelsea expects that these qualities will help the team quickly regain balance after many years of being too dependent on youth. If successful, this will be a necessary adjustment in the squad building strategy under BlueCo, instead of a complete change in transfer philosophy.
