How much funds Chelsea have to generate this summer to comply with FFP rules?
Chelsea have been at the centre of FFP drama since Todd Boehly took over the reins at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have spent nearly a billion pounds since May 2022, although they have also generated hundreds of millions in player sales. This has been complemented by the club’s struggle to make an impact on the pitch, which has had a domino effect on the financial incomings at the Bridge.
Premier League clubs have clamped down on excessive financial breaches, as Everton and Nottingham Forest have faced consequences due to non-compliance with profit and sustainability rules. There has been much speculation surrounding Chelsea and their lavish spending under the American Constitution led by Todd Boehly; however, they have managed the club carefully.
It is not the current management but the one that preceded it that has made it financially difficult for Chelsea. Premier League CEO Richard Masters spoke about how Chelsea is under investigation for breaches of their Financial Fair Play rules under the previous owner Roman Abramovich. Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have to ensure that the club stays within the financial outreach and complies with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules going forward.
In the words of finance expert Kieran Maguire, “2024 is probably looking like a bit of a car crash.”
Chelsea are at a point where supporters would argue over who to sell rather than who to buy going into the summer transfer window. Multiple players have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, and Maguire estimates a rough figure of £100 million that the club needs to generate in player sales going into the off-season.
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“I don’t know how you can view the financial situation for Chelsea in 2023-24 and reach a conclusion that they won’t be forced to sell before June 30 or at least try their best given the Nottingham Forest decision,”
said Maguire who spoke to CBS Sports. “When it is suggested that Chelsea needs to get £100 million from player trading in that two-week window when the Euros are going on, that seems right to me.”
It is to be seen whether the Blues opt for selling one or, maybe, a couple of marquee players or they settle on getting rid of some fringe players to generate the financial income needed to comply with the FFP rules.