Chelsea strike double deal for unwanted duo with potential transfer windfall of £44.7m

Chelsea have reportedly struck a double deal to offload two players who have not made it into Enzo Maresca’s plans for this season. The Blues have spent significantly again this season as they continue to add to an already bloated squad.

Pedro Neto and Joao Felix have arrived on deals that will cost more than £100million alone if add-ons are included. But the Blues have done a better job of balancing the books this summer, securing a number of big-money sales, including Conor Gallagher, who has joined Atletico Madrid, and Ian Maatsen, who joined Aston Villa. Those deals are worth around £70million to Chelsea.

With the presence of Profit and Sustainability rules and the Premier League’s willingness to punish clubs, it’s vital Chelsea balance the books, but there is also another key factor to departures. Previous managers have found their job made that much more difficult by the fact there are so many first team players hanging around at Cobham.

As things stand there are 37 first-team players at the club, and that includes the departure of Bashir Humphreys, who has joined Championship club Burnley on a loan with the option to buy. Although, there is some discrepancy over whether it is an option to buy or an obligation, potentially even an option that will become an obligation if certain criteria are met.

Transfer ‘insider’ Fabrizio Romano has tweeted: “Burnley and Chelsea have signed all documents for Bashir Humphreys deal. Exclusive details of the deal: £12m fixed fee, £2.7m add-ons and there will be also undisclosed sell-on clause. Humphreys, new Burnley player. Here we go and story confirmed. Bashir Humphreys to Burnley, now official for £12m fixed fee plus £2.7m add-ons on loan with obligation.”

Elsewhere, it looks as though Armando Broja will depart the club on loan again after failing to impress Maresca, but his situation is more clear. Broja is headed to the Ipswich Town, and it seems the loan will become permanent if the Tractor Boys are successful in dodging the drop at the first time of asking.

Romano tweeted: “Armando Broja, completing medical tests at Ipswich Town today after deal agreed with Chelsea on Tuesday. Loan with obligation to buy if #ITFC won't get relegated, package in excess of £30m as revealed yesterday. Broja, set to sign before lunch time.”